Hyundai
Hyundai Tucson (2026)
$29450
Released 2026
Best Cars · head-to-head
Hyundai Tucson (2026) vs Kia Sportage (2026)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Kia Sportage (2026) is cheaper at $28790. Every spec and price links to its source.
Kia
Kia Sportage (2026)
$28790Cheaper
Released 2026
Which is better: the Hyundai Tucson (2026) or Kia Sportage (2026)?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Kia Sportage (2026) is the cheaper at $28790.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Hyundai Tucson (2026) | Kia Sportage (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $29450 | $28790 |
| Brand | Hyundai | Kia |
| Released | 2026 | 2026 |
| Body style | compact SUV | compact SUV |
| Mpg combined | 28 | 28 |
| Horsepower | 187 | 187 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo cuft | — | — |
| Powertrain | 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic | 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic |
| Release | 2026 | 2026 |
Sources — Hyundai Tucson (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15). Kia Sportage (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15).
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Hyundai Tucson (2026)
Two whitelisted testers—Car and Driver (8/10) and MotorTrend (8.8/10)—rate the 2026 Tucson a roomy, refined, well-equipped compact SUV undercut by a poky, unrefined base gas engine. Their hard numbers are same-generation carryover (2022/2025 test cars), not fresh 2026 units, and both are transparent that the 2.5L powertrain is unchanged for 2026. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Roomy, practical cabin with generous passenger and cargo space; Modern, tech-forward dual-screen interior; wireless CarPlay/Android Auto standard; Strong value for the money (MotorTrend Value 9.0/10: blend of style, technology and value).
Flagged: Base 2.5L gas engine is poky, underpowered and unrefined; Less engaging to drive than class rivals (Honda/Mazda/VW); Mediocre measured fuel economy — C/D's XRT managed 26 mpg on its 75-mph highway route.
Kia Sportage (2026)
Both whitelisted hands-on reviews survived verification. Car and Driver (instrumented) and MotorTrend (hybrid first drive) rate the refreshed 2026 Sportage a comfortable, well-equipped value whose weak 2.5-liter non-hybrid gas engine is its main flaw; the hybrid supplies the missing pep. Car and Driver measured 9.1-sec 0-60 for the gas engine versus 7.4 for the hybrid, plus 31 mpg observed highway. Non-whitelisted outlets were excluded. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Comfortable, quiet, well-controlled ride; Strong value — low entry price and generous standard equipment; Hybrid powertrain adds welcome pep and refinement over the gas engine.
Flagged: Sluggish, underpowered 2.5-liter non-hybrid gas engine; Unengaging, dull driving dynamics (non-hybrid); Hybrid fuel economy regresses on larger-wheel SX/X-Line trims.