VS
At a Glance
Power
83kW@4000
130kW@4000
Torque
245Nm@2000
392Nm@1800
Fuel
9.2
6.5
Towing
1600
1600
0-100 km/h
14.7
9.8
Engine
1991
1995
Choosing between the HYUNDAI TUCSON and the KIA SPORTAGE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HYUNDAI TUCSON delivers 83kW@4000 while the KIA SPORTAGE produces 130kW@4000. On fuel, the TUCSON returns 9.2 while the SPORTAGE uses 6.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R295 900 for the TUCSON and R379 995 for the SPORTAGE. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
83kW@4000
130kW@4000
Torque
245Nm@2000
392Nm@1800
0-100 kph
14.7
9.8
Top Speed
191
194
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991
1995
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
DIESEL
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL
Number of Gears
4
5
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.2
6.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
10.1
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
7.1
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
58
58
CO2 Emissions
—
174
Dimensions
Length
4325
4445
Width
1830
1855
Height
1730
1635
Wheelbase
2630
2640
Ground Clearance
195
172
Kerb Weight
1781
1574
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600
1600
Load Capacity
1856
1887
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
ESC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✗
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✗
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
60
Warranty Distance
150000
100000
Service Plan
M
S
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
SPORTAGE
Value
TUCSON
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
HYUNDAI TUCSON
Lower starting price (R295 900)
Higher fuel consumption (9.2)
KIA SPORTAGE
Better fuel economy (6.5)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.8s)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the TUCSON or SPORTAGE?
The TUCSON uses 9.2 and the SPORTAGE uses 6.5 on the combined cycle. The SPORTAGE is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the TUCSON or SPORTAGE?
The TUCSON produces 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque while the SPORTAGE delivers 130kW@4000 and 392Nm@1800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the TUCSON and SPORTAGE?
The TUCSON starts from R295 900 and the SPORTAGE from R379 995. The TUCSON is cheaper by R84 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the TUCSON or SPORTAGE?
The TUCSON has a braked towing capacity of 1600 and the SPORTAGE can tow 1600. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the TUCSON or the SPORTAGE?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.