2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

Is it a tough choice? These two have many similarities, including their powertrain fuel efficiency. So, is it all about price? Apparently it’s much more about the total package that lets one of these hybrid compact SUVs pull ahead of the other.

1. Exclusive Access

   When it comes to smart ways to lock and unlock your vehicle, the Hyundai SUV hybrid outshines the Sportage Hybrid. On the base editions of the two vehicles, only Hyundai hybrid SUVs offer a smart key. 

   Likewise, the Hyundai hybrid is the only one that has push button start on every model. Many people just assume keyless start is standard, but you have to pay for a higher trim to get this feature on the Kia.

   Standard for the first three years of ownership, Hyundai Bluelink Connected Care provides a remote starter. You can turn on the air conditioning in advance. If you have ventilated seats, available on the 2923 Tucson Hybrid, you can get those ready, too.

   Even better than all of that, the exclusive Hyundai Digital Key allows you to use your smartphone to unlock and drive your vehicle. You won’t even need your key. So if you are on a picnic, feel free to lock everything up. Your phone is all you need when you have this digital key.

2. Smartest Liftgate

   And while on the subject of access, it must be said that the Hyundai hybrid has a standard power liftgate. You’ll have to choose the top Kia Sportage Hybrid trim to get that. That means spending more just to get something everyone should have.

   Furthermore, only Hyundai’s hands-free liftgate is also gesture free. The hybrid SUV just knows you are there by recognizing the proximity key. Then it will open when you are close enough to signal it.

3. Adaptive Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist

   Another feature that shoppers expect on every SUV today is adaptive cruise control. Unfortunately that is not true for the new Kia Sportage Hybrid LX. You have to spend top dollar on the Limited for that feature. Again, you are spending more on the Kia.

   Fortunately, adaptive cruise control is a Tucson Hybrid Blue standard. Even better, there’s an upgrade on the SEL Convenience and Limited editions. The advanced smart cruise control uses navigation to anticipate curves and reduce speed slightly.

   Both hybrids offer Highway Driving Assist. This system combines all aspects of the brand’s cruise control, lane keeping, and lane following aspects. You can also get a remote smart parking assist. This advanced feature allows you to stand outside the vehicle while it slows and speeds automatically into or out of a parking space.

4. Standard Side Collision Avoidance

   Another common standard feature that’s not on the Kia Sportage Hybrid LX is the blind spot collision system. However, you will find it on the Tucson Hybrid Blue.

   This must-have feature watches the sides and alerts you to possible collision hazards. Since it is a collision avoidance system, it has a steering assist that makes it a more potent device.

   Another way the Hyundai hybrid assists drivers with side collision dangers is by providing standard junction turning detection. This feature is part of the automatic braking system that watches for forward collision dangers, pedestrians and cyclists.

5. Drivability and Performance

   Hyundai has chosen to make all-wheel drive standard even on the least expensive Tucson Hybrid. Therefore every model has a limited center slip differential. You’ll have to step up to a higher Kia trim to get their all-wheel drive system.

   The two hybrids have the same horsepower and torque. Typical fuel economy is 38 mpg in both city and highway driving. Test drivers praise the fast moving powertrain which has more horsepower and more torque than rivals such as the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid.

   The Tucson Plug In Hybrid is especially smart. Its more powerful battery pack and electric motor allow it to achieve 261 horsepower. It has a 33 mile electric range. Fuel efficiency is 35 mpg combined. However, the MPG-equivalent with both systems is closer to 80 mpg.

6. Infotainment Technology

   Motor Trend criticizes the fussy climate and media controls on the new Kia Sportage. By contrast, most people find the Hyundai dash tech to be intuitive. Physical buttons for the most common functions help make it simple. And you can be sure it has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

   Plus, the two higher trims have dynamic voice recognition. This works with the driver and uses a more natural way of communicating. These larger Hyundai touchscreens have capacitive touch capability to make connections faster.

   Furthermore, the Hyundai large touchscreen includes HERE for traffic awareness. This HD Radio system provides traffic flow incident data in real time. This can help you avoid big traffic jams.

   Last, the new Kia Sportage LX doesn’t allow you to option a WiFi hotspot. Don’t worry. Hyundai has that covered on every model.

7. Climate Controls and Charging Ports

   The two SUVs have dual zone automatic climate controls, but Hyundai does it better with a multi air mode. It helps ensure a more pleasant atmosphere for everyone. Plus it has standard rear vents that are mounted in the center console for better air conditioning circulation. This is a critical difference, given how hot our summers are in Phoenix AZ. 

   Making life easier at a lower cost, a wireless charger is standard on every 2023 Tucson Hybrid Hybrid. By comparison, you have to purchase the Sportage Hybrid Limited to get wireless device charging.

   In addition, the Hyundai SUV hybrid has front and rear USB-c ports as standard. The new Sportage Hybrid LX only has front-row ports. Once again, you have to pay for a higher Kia trim to get something as simple as USB ports for the rear seats.

8. Style and Amenities

   When it comes to good looks, Hyundai models get high marks. Motor Trend has praised the brand’s visual sophistication. This shines through in the Tucson Hybrid’s attractive and distinctive exterior.

   Hyundai brand’s reputation for style excellence is based not just on looks but also for the use of better material quality and effective fit and finish. This suggests that the Tucson Hybrid, which has the longest possible automotive warranties, will look good years from now when the odometer is approaching 100,000 miles.

   The 2023 Sportage Hybrid LX comes with cloth upholstery while both the EX and Limited have synthetic leather upholstery. By comparison, the 2023 Tucson Hybrid comes with stain-resistant cloth on the Blue trim and H-Tex leather-like fabric on the SEL Convenience trim. The Limited seats are covered in leather upholstery not found on any Kia Sportage rival.

Conclusion

It seems that in case after case, Hyundai hybrid SUVs are giving you more for your money. And, in doing that, every model has a better package for your automotive dollar. Regardless of the trim level, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid pulls ahead of the new Kia Sportage Hybrid.

Now that you know more, it’s time for a test drive. Head to your Earnhardt Avondale Hyundai dealer for a closer look at the gas-powered and hybrid Tucson models.