Does Hyundai Still Make the Best Small SUV for Families?

The playing field is thick with competition for who makes the best small and midsize SUVs these days. Sometimes, the market for sporty small SUVs can even feel downright bloated. Is there such a thing as too many options? Some say there is. After all, buying an SUV for the family is no minor commitment. So, how do you know you’re making the right choice?

In the race for best compact SUV, Hyundai has clearly and consistently been a favorite for casual drivers and professional critics alike. Could there be a contender?

How about this, Greater Kansas City: we’re putting our money where our mouths are. We’re gonna give the 2023 Hyundai Tucson, and pit it against its stiffest competition on the market: the Kia Sportage.

2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. Kia Sportage: the Similarities

Right away, the savviest among readers might be cocking their heads in confusion. Aren’t Hyundai and Kia under the same corporate umbrella? Aren’t the Tucson and Sportage built using nearly identical powertrains and platforms? Wait, they’re even made in the same country! What gives?

It’s true that Hyundai and Kia are two sides of the exact same coin, generally speaking which is exactly why we figured they’re the perfect candidates for some friendly competition. There can be no denying that both are world-class family SUVs in their own right.

Base Engine, Transmission, and Drivetrains

Both SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive, with the option to upgrade to the sturdier all-wheel drive.

Likewise, the ICE (internal combustion engine) of both the Tucson and the Sportage is a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder both of which put out 187 horsepower. Some find these engines a tad underpowered, but these gas station friendly motors will have most people smiling when the time comes to check your bank account.

Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid

If draining your funds at the pump is your main concern, the Tucson and Sportage also offer hybrid and PHEV engines.

For the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, you’re looking at a 1.6L Turbocharged 4-cylinder in both SUVs. It’s worth noting, however, that both of these options eschew front-wheel drive entirely; because of the way hybrid motors generally work, AWD is the only option available.

Fuel Economy

Considering the nearly identical design and dimensions, it should come as no surprise that both get pretty much the same mileage across the board, so long as they’re equipped with the same powertrain.

	2023 Hyundai Tucson	2023 Kia Sportage
ICE (FWD)	25 city/32 highway/28 combined	25 city/32 highway/28 combined
ICE (AWD)	23 city/28 highway/25 combined	23 city/28 highway/25 combined
Hybrid	38 city/38 highway/38 combined	38 city/38 highway/38 combined
Plug-in Hybrid	33 miles all-electric	34 miles all-electric

2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. Kia Sportage: the Differences

Remember a minute ago, when we said Hyundai and Kia are two sides of the same coin? Well, we wanna be clear: don’t leave your decision up to chance, because there are some key differences in the compact SUV rankings.

Safety

Regarding general safety ratings, both compact sport utility vehicles received high marks. When you take a closer look, though, one comes out the clear winner.

The IIHS is perhaps the most trusted standard for safety and crash test ratings, and they’ve already evaluated the 2023 models. They use a four-tier rating system for crashworthiness, with Poor being the lowest rating, then Marginal, then Acceptable, then Good as the highest rating.

For 2023, the Kia Sportage was given a Good rating in all but one: headlights. In this category, they were given a Poor rating for their base headlamps. The Sportage was given a Top Safety Pick award, which is indeed impressive, but it actually isn’t the highest honor they hand out.

The Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, was granted the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, earning almost perfect marks across all crash categories tested, meaning the Tucson is the undeniable winner for safest small SUV.

Driver Assistance Features

Once again, it’s a close call. Both Hyundai Smartsense and Kia Drive Wise include multiple ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) features, including:

• Front Collision Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Following Assist
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance
• Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance

This list and more almost places both SUVs neck-and-neck, but with the newest iteration of Hyundai SmartSense, higher trim levels offer a more impressive and complete list of ADAS features, including a Remote Smart Parking Assist in the higher-end Limited trim. For this reason, the Tucson has the edge again.

Remember: if you’re looking for a Hyundai Tucson near Kansas City, be sure to do a bit of research beforehand so you can let your sales specialist know which features you can’t live without. Or, ask about placing an order for your perfect Hyundai.

Ride Quality

Many critics and initial test drivers have pointed out that, while they may share much of the same DNA, both SUVs feel markedly different.

The Sportage, for its part, seems to want to live up to its name—it tends to cater to a marginally sportier market. That may seem like praise for Kia, but in practice, its reportedly underwhelming engine isn’t exactly tailor made for off-roading. Outdoorsy types and avid campers will likely have more luck with a more capable vehicle.

The Tucson, meanwhile, is generally described as somewhat more carlike, with a lower profile and more manageable level of bulk. Basically, this translates to a more universal level of comfort regardless of driving experience, which makes the Hyundai Tucson a better car for teen drivers to cut their teeth on.

Interior Passenger and Cargo Space

In terms of total passenger space, both plucky SUVs are, you probably guess it, pretty close to identical, with the Tucson being just a bit roomier:

	2023 Hyundai Tucson	2023 Kia Sportage
Head Room (Front/Rear)	40.1in/39.5in	39.6in/39.4in
Leg Room (Front/Rear)	41.4in/41.3in	41.4in/41.3in
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear)	57.6in/56.0in	57.5in/55.6in
Hip Room (Front/Rear)	54.5in/53.9in	54.8in/53.4in

With such minor differences in passenger volume, most consumers will likely barely notice a difference, if at all. What they will probably notice is the difference in cargo space. With the rear seats folded down, the Tucson gets an impressive 80.3 cubic feet, compared to the Sportage, which comes in at 74.1 cubic feet—that’s over six less cubes available for grocery missions, road trips, playdates, and any number of other family activities.

Warranty Coverage

Hyundai and Kia are both well-known to reign supreme when it comes to warranty coverage. Industry-leading perks include:

• 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Coverage
• 5-year/60,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Coverage

While it’s true that these are some of the longest terms in the game, Kia falls behind when you examine the finer points. They offer:

• 5-year/100,000-mile Anti Perforation
• 5-year/60,000-mile 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
• No Complementary Maintenance

Meanwhile, Hyundai pulls ahead pretty quickly. They offer:

• 7-year/Unlimited mile Anti-Perforation
• 5-year/Unlimited mile 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
• 3-year/36,000-mile Complementary Maintenance

Turns out, Hyundai really does have America’s Best Warranty, making the Tucson one of the most reliable midsize SUVs on the market today.

Once Again, Hyundai Beats Kia

In the contest for the best small-to-midsize SUV, Kia puts up one heck of a fight, but the 2023 Hyundai Tucson once again proves that it has that extra something that makes all the difference. If you’re curious about whether it’s the right SUV for your family, load up the kids and come on out to McCarthy Olathe Hyundai at 681 North Rawhide Drive. Give us a call at (913) 324-7200, and ask about our new vehicle specials!

Drivers throughout Olathe, Shawnee, Gardner, and the greater Kansas City metro choose McCarthy Hyundai of Olathe for competitive pricing, Hyundai specials, and one of the largest selections of new Hyundai SUVs in the area. If you’re searching for the safest and most versatile small SUV for your family, our team is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tucson vs Sportage

1. Is the Hyundai Tucson safer than the Kia Sportage?

Yes. The 2023 Hyundai Tucson earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, while the Kia Sportage received Top Safety Pick but not the “Plus” designation.

2. Which SUV has more cargo space?

The Hyundai Tucson offers more cargo room with up to 80.3 cubic feet compared to the Sportage’s 74.1 cubic feet.

3. Does the Hyundai Tucson get better gas mileage?

Fuel economy is nearly identical across comparable trims and powertrains, including hybrid options.

4. Which SUV has the better warranty?

Hyundai offers additional benefits like 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance and unlimited-mile roadside assistance, giving it an edge over Kia.

5. Where can I test drive a Hyundai Tucson near Kansas City?

You can test drive the 2023 Hyundai Tucson at McCarthy Hyundai of Olathe, located at 681 North Rawhide Drive in Olathe, KS.

Tags: best small SUV Kansas City, compact SUV Olathe KS, Hyundai dealership Olathe, Hyundai Tucson 2023, Hyundai Tucson safety rating, Hyundai warranty coverage, Kia Sportage comparison, Tucson cargo space, Tucson vs Sportage
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