Hello, this is Manager Park from “Dealer Nation”!
Last time, we compared the BMW 320i and the Mercedes-Benz C200. This time, we’ll take a closer look at two strong competitors: Kia’s 2025 Sportage and Hyundai’s 2024 Tucson.
The basic specifications of these two models are very similar (since they share the same platform), so I won’t go into detail on that. However, one standout feature is the newly upgraded transmission in the 2025 Sportage. According to the manufacturer, this update offers much smoother gear shifting. We’ll have to check with current owners to see if they agree! Both models also offer competitive fuel efficiency, with gasoline models delivering about 12 km/L and hybrid models reaching approximately 16 km/L.
Now, let’s dive into the main event! From pricing to standard options, we’ll thoroughly compare the Hyundai 2024 Tucson and Kia 2025 Sportage to determine which is the more attractive choice.
Let’s get started!
Price Comparison by Trim: Hyundai 2024 Tucson vs. Kia 2025 Sportage
| Hyundai 2024 Tucson | Kia 2025 Sportage | KRW | |||||
| line up | fuel type | drive type | trim | price | trim | price | comparison |
| Gasoline Turbo 1.6 HEV | HEV | 2WD A/T | modern | 3,213 | prestige | 3,315 | 1,020,000KRW |
| 4WD A/T | modern | 3,436 | prestige | 3,538 | 1,020,000 KRW | ||
| 2WD A/T | premium | 3,469 | noblesse | 3,634 | 1,650,000 KRW | ||
| 4WD A/T | premium | 3,692 | noblesse | 3,857 | 1,650,000 KRW | ||
| 2WD A/T | inspiration | 3,858 | signature | 3,899 | 410,000 KRW | ||
| 4WD A/T | inspiration | 4,081 | signature | 4,122 | 410,000 KRW | ||
| Gasoline | 2WD A/T | modern | 2,771 | prestige | 2,836 | 650,000 KRW | |
| AWD A/T | modern | 2,969 | prestige | 3,059 | 900,000 KRW | ||
| 2WD A/T | premium | 3,048 | noblesse | 3,195 | 1,470,000 KRW | ||
| AWD A/T | premium | 3,246 | noblesse | 3,418 | 1,720,000 KRW | ||
| 2WD A/T | inspiration | 3,439 | signature | 3,460 | 210,000 KRW | ||
| AWD A/T | inspiration | 3,637 | signature | 3,683 | 460,000 KRW | ||
(Note: Diesel and LPG trims have been excluded due to their limited overlap, and the Sportage X-Line trim, which is more of a special edition, was also excluded.)
Typically, Hyundai models are slightly pricier than Kia counterparts. However, this time around, the Sportage comes out as more expensive due to its stronger standard options. The price gap ranges from ₩210,000 to ₩1500,000.
It’s worth noting that since the Tucson was released in December 2023, an update expected this December could flip the pricing dynamic.
Standard Features Comparison – Hyundai 2024 Tucson HEV Modern vs. Kia 2025 Sportage HEV Prestige (Base Trim)
| Category | 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (Modern) | 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid (Prestige) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | 1. Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Front Side, Rear Side, Curtain) | 1. Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Front Side, Rear Side, Curtain) |
| Safety | 2. Safety Assist (ABS, Forward Collision Warning, Forward Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Drowsy Driving Alert, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist) | 2. Safety Assist (ABS, Forward Collision Warning, Forward Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Hill-Start Assist, Drowsy Driving Alert, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist) |
| Safety | 3. Pedestrian Safety (Pedestrian Recognition Emergency Braking) | 3. Pedestrian Safety (Pedestrian Recognition Emergency Braking) |
| Exterior | Headlamps (LED), Front Fog Lamps (LED), Daytime Running Lamps (LED), Rear Lamps (Bulb) | Headlamps (LED), Front Fog Lamps (Bulb), Daytime Running Lamps (LED), Rear Lamps (LED) |
| Exterior | Outside Mirrors (Power Folding, Power Adjustment, Heated, Turn Signal), Acoustic Glass (Front, Front Seats), Door Pocket Lights (Front), Rain-Sensing Wipers | Outside Mirrors (Power Folding, Power Adjustment, Heated, Turn Signal), Acoustic Glass (Front, Front Seats), Rain-Sensing Wipers |
| Exterior | Headlamp Features (Auto Light Control, Auto High Beam) | Headlamp Features (Auto Light Control, Auto High Beam) |
| Interior | Steering Wheel (Tilt, Telescopic, Vibration Warning) | Steering Wheel (Leather, Heated, Tilt, Telescopic, Vibration Warning) |
| Interior | Gear Knob (Column Shift, Paddle Shifters) | Gear Knob (Dial Shift, Paddle Shifters) |
| Interior | Rearview Mirror (Auto-Dimming), Instrument Cluster (Digital) | Rearview Mirror (Auto-Dimming), Instrument Cluster (Digital) |
| Seats | Seat Arrangement (2 + 3), Seat Material (Synthetic Leather), Driver Seat (Lumbar Support), 2nd Row (Child Seat Anchor) | Seat Arrangement (2 + 3), Seat Material (Synthetic Leather), Driver Seat (Heated), Front Passenger Seat (Heated), 2nd Row (Reclining Seat, Foldable 60:40 Split, Child Seat Anchor) |
| Climate | Air Conditioning (Automatic Temperature Control, Automatic Defogging) | Air Conditioning (Automatic Temperature Control, Automatic Defogging) |
| Climate | Climate Control Range (Dual-Zone), Rear Seat Air Vents (2nd Row) | Climate Control Range (Dual-Zone), Rear Seat Air Vents (2nd Row) |
| Convenience | Cruise Control (CC) | Cruise Control (CC with Stop & Go), Hill-Descent Control |
| Convenience | Parking Brake (Electronic, Auto Hold) | Parking Brake (Electronic, Auto Hold) |
| Convenience | Engine Start (Push Button, Remote Start) | Engine Start (Push Button, Remote Start) |
| Convenience | Power Outlets (12V, USB) | Power Outlets (12V, USB) |
| Convenience | Parking Assistance (Front Sensors, Rear Sensors, Rear Camera) | Parking Assistance (Front Sensors, Rear Sensors, Rear Camera) |
| A/V | Screen Size (12.3), Main Functions (Radio, Telematics, Audio File Playback, Bluetooth), Additional Features (Touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto), Speakers (6) | Screen Size (12.3), Main Functions (Radio, Telematics, Audio File Playback, Bluetooth), Additional Features (Touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Valet Mode), Speakers (6) |
The 2025 models come with significantly enhanced base options. Even the Prestige trim alone includes most convenience features you’d want. Compared to last year’s Tucson, there’s been a notable increase in safety features. This explains some of the price difference, as the Sportage now includes parts of the Comfort package, Exterior Design package, and some Hyundai SmartSense features as standard.
Hyundai 2024 Tucson HEV Premium VS Kia 2025 Sportage HEV Noblesse Option Comparison (Mid-Trim)
| Category | ||
| 차종 | 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (Premium) | 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid (Noblesse) |
| Exterior | Headlamp Features (Auto Light Control, Auto High Beam) 18-inch Wheels | 18-inch Wheels |
| Interior | Steering Wheel (Leather, Heated) Rearview Mirror (Auto-Dimming, Integrated ETC) | Rearview Mirror (Auto-Dimming, Integrated ETC) |
| Seats | Driver Seat (Heated, Ventilated), Passenger Seat (Heated, Ventilated) | Driver Seat (Ventilated, Power Adjustable, Lumbar Support), Passenger Seat (Ventilated) |
| Climate Control | Rear Seat Air Vents (2nd Row) | – |
| Convenience | Trunk (Power, Smart Trunk) | Highway Driving Assist, Trunk (Power, Smart Trunk) |
| A/V | DMB Reception, Navigation Function, Voice Recognition | DMB Reception, Navigation Function, Voice Recognition |
Hyundai 2024 Tucson HEV Inspiration VS Kia 2025 Sportage HEV Signature Option Comparison (Top Trim)
| category | ||
| model | 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (Inspiration) | 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid (Signature) |
| Safety | Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist | |
| Exterior | Rear Lamps (LED) | Front Fog Lamps (LED), Side Mirrors (Auto-Tilt in Reverse), Acoustic Glass (Rear Seats) |
| Interior | Instrument Cluster (HUD, Digital), Ambient Lighting (Available) | Instrument Cluster (HUD, Digital), Ambient Lighting (Available) |
| Seats | Seat Material (Natural Leather), Driver Seat (Power Adjustable), Front Passenger Seat (Power Adjustable, Walk-In Switch), Rear Seats (Heated) | Seat Material (Natural Leather), Driver Seat (Power Adjustable), Front Passenger Seat (Power Adjustable, Walk-In Switch), Rear Seats (Heated) |
| Convenience | Highway Driving Assist, Downhill Speed Control,Engine Start (Smart Digital Key), Smartphone Wireless Charging | Engine Start (Smart Digital Key) |
When looking at the mid-trim and top-trim options, it’s clear that features previously exclusive to top-tier trims are now available in mid-tier trims.
This might explain why the price difference is most noticeable between the mid-tier trims of the two models. While the mid-tier trims emphasize additional safety features, the top-tier trims focus on enhancing convenience options.
Here’s an interesting observation: some convenience features found in the Tucson Inspiration (top-tier trim) are included in the mid-tier trim of the Sportage. For example, wireless smartphone charging and advanced driving assist features are available in the Sportage mid-tier trim. Considering the price difference of about 2.2 million KRW between the two models, the Sportage clearly offers outstanding value for money.
As for the optional packages, both models are similarly priced, and the bundled options are comparable, so there’s no need for further discussion here.
Dealer Nation Manager’s Thoughts!
When it comes to design, it’s all about personal preference. The Tucson gives off a sleek and refined vibe, while the Sportage exudes a sharper and more aggressive look. The Sportage, in particular, has undergone a slight design update, making it even more attractive. (To be honest, Kia’s designs these days have a strong masculine appeal, while Hyundai leans more toward a “spaceship” aesthetic.)
Initially, I wondered if the price difference made sense, but after reviewing the significantly improved standard features, I could understand why. (Compared to a lower trim, it’s not just slightly better—it’s much better!)
However, there’s one downside: in the lower trims, you can’t select popular options like Drive Wise or monitoring systems. If you need these options, you’ll have to upgrade to a higher trim. This seems to be a strategic move by the manufacturer, and sales figures show that the Noblesse trim sells far more than the Prestige trim.
In other words, for the Sportage, start with the Noblesse trim!
So, that wraps up our comparison of the Hyundai 2024 Tucson and Kia 2025 Sportage! Next time, we’ll take a look at another vehicle comparison.
Thank you for reading this long review!