Hyundai-Nishat has finally launched the much awaited Tucson compact SUV in Pakistan that will go head to head against the Kia Sportage. Interestingly the company has set the prices of Tucson variants exactly same as that of Sportage so the game is really on!
Related: Hyundai Tucson launched in Pakistan at PKR 48.99 Lac
Being a sister product of Sportage, the Hyundai Tucson rides on the same platform and carries the same engines as offered with its Kia cousin. Apart from looks, both vehicles are remarkably similar in terms of equipment and off course the prices. Let us have a look at how the Hyundai Tucson stacks up against the Kia Sportage in Pakistan.
Dimensions
As mentioned above, both Tucson and Sportage share the same platform underneath hence are very much similar in terms of body dimensions, wheelbase as well as ground clearance.
| Tucson | Sportage | |
| Length | 4,480mm | 4,485mm |
| Width | 1,850mm | 1,855mm |
| Height | 1,660mm | 1,635mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670mm | 2,670mm |
| Ground Clearance | 172mm | 172mm |
The Engines & Transmission
Both Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage carries same engine with exact same output figures. Both has 2.0 liter naturally aspirated engine under the hood that produces 155 hp of power and 196 Nm of torque with power being sent to front, or all wheels (depending on the variant) via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Both Tucson and Sportage are available with FWD (front wheel drive) as well as AWD (all wheel drive) versions.
Wheels & Brakes
Again there is nothing different here as both gets 16-inch four wheel disc brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 tires. The only difference is the presence of 5-alloys (including spare wheel) in Tucson’s FWD and AWD versions called GLS Sport & Ultimate respectively, whereas the Sportage gets a steel spare wheel in FWD version.
The Equipment
Primarily both Tucson and Sportage comes with 2 variants– FWD and AWD, keeping aside the newly introduced base variant of Sportage called the Alpha. With an exception of a few things, both the vehicles are again equally equipped.
The Tucson Ultimate gets an edge with presence of LED headlamps with Static Bending & Auto Leveling Device, puddle lamps, cooled glove box and wireless phone charger as these are not available with the Sportage AWD. However the Sportage has an upper hand when it comes to offering front & rear parking sensors and rain sensing wipers. The Tucson gets full chrome door handles whereas the Sportage gets partial chrome.
Interior of Hyundai Tucson (left) and Kia Sportage (right)
Inside the Tucson gets a 10.1-inch floating multimedia unit whereas the Sportage gets a 7-inch touchscreen unit. Tucson again has an edge with 4.2-inch TFT cluster since Sportage gets a 3.5-inch one. Both Tucson and Sportage gets fabric upholstery in FWD versions and premium leather in AWD. However in case of both, the FWD misses out front parking sensors.
Related: On Papers: Kia Sportage vs Toyota Corolla Cross
The rest of the equipment offerings remain pretty much same as both SUVs come equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD & BA, hill-start & descend assist, electronic stability system, traction control, cruise control, speed sensing door locks, reversing camera assist, power tailgate, electronic driver seat height adjuster, electronic parking brake, and engine immobilizer etc.
Pricing & Warranty
Price as well as warranty for both Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage is again exactly the same. Both vehicles are backed by 4-years/ 100,000km comprehensive warranty giving them an edge over other locally available options.
| Hyundai Tucson | Kia Sportage | |
| FWD | PKR 48.99 lac** | PKR 48.99 lac |
| AWD | PKR 53.99 lac** | PKR 53.99 lac |
**Edit: prices of Hyundai Tucson were revised just a day after its launch. Click here for updated prices.
Related: Sportage Alpha- A Calculated Move by KIA
The price of Sportage Alpha is obviously lower at PKR 43.99 lac, however being an entry-level variant it misses out a few things hence is not included in this comparison.
From the looks of it, the Tucson looks impressive with its rich equipment and a competitive price tag. And in addition to rivaling with its cousin Sportage, the duo will create further problems for Toyota Fortuner, the sales of which got reduced by 55% ever since the introduction of Kia Sportage.
Related: Is Kia Sportage Troubling Toyota Fortuner?
Given a chance to opt between the two, which one will you go for? Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage, let us know with your comments.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
