2026 Kia Sportage vs. 2026 Hyundai Tucson Comparison

2026 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson

The best kind of SUV is one that is both practical and comfortable, and that's why the 2026 Sportage and 2026 Tucson are so highly acclaimed. Both hold a high reputation for being reliable and capable, no matter the journey ahead. But if you're looking to get a new ride, it's worth looking into the latest 2026 Kia Sportage compared to the current 2026 Hyundai Tucson, even if you're aiming to be on a budget. Keep reading to see what we mean! For capable and fun-to-drive SUVs near you, be sure to stop by Kia of Bedford or view our new inventory online for available models near Bedford, Ohio.

2026 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Kia Sportage

Did you know the 2026 Kia Sportage has more equipment for a lower price than the 2026 Hyundai Tucson? That's just one of the many things we love about the latest Sportage. But is it a better ride than the Tucson? Some features are shared between the two, but where the Sportage excels is in its interior and tech features. For a lower price, you can get an SUV that does more.

	2026 Kia Sportage	2026 Hyundai Tucson
MSRP	Starting at $28,690	Starting at $29,200
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6,100 rpm	187 hp @ 6,100 rpm
Engine Torque	178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Maximum Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs	2,750 lbs
Maximum Payload	1,305 lbs	1,294 lbs.
Cargo Space	74.1 cu. ft.	74.8 cu. ft.
Seating Capacity	5	5

Performance

The 2026 Kia Sportages' base powertrain setup is a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that offers a respectable 187 horsepower. Drivers looking to make the most of every drop of fuel can opt for the Sportage Hybrid, which packs a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine connected to a battery pack that increases horsepower to 232 and fuel economy to 41 mpg in the city and 44 mpg highway. Drivers looking for a bit more acceleration can step up to the Tucson Plug-in-Hybrid, which raises horsepower to a stout 261 with only a minor effect on fuel economy, managing 35 mpg combined.

The story is eerily similar when it comes to the 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The base engine is the same size, produces about the same power and manages about the same fuel economy. There is a hybrid and plug-in hybrid available as well. This makes us wonder if Hyundai was trying to design something unique or just copy the winning formula that makes the 2026 Kia Sportage so great.

Safety Features

The 2026 Kia Sportage and 2026 Hyundai Tucson both earned the "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Being that Hyundai and Kia share engineering and safety efforts, these two compact SUVs are evenly matched in the safety category.

Safety Feature	2026 Kia Sportage	2026 Hyundai Tucson
Forward Collision Avoidance	Standard	Standard
Lane Keeping Assist	Standard	Standard
Lane Following Assist	Standard	Standard
Driver Attention Warning	Standard	Standard
Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go	Standard	Standard
Rear Occupant Alert	Standard	Standard
Blind-Spot Collision Warning	Standard	Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist	Standard	Standard
Safe Exit Warning	Standard	Standard
Highway Driving Assist	Available	Available
High Beam Assist	Standard	Available
Blind-Spot View Monitor	Available	Available
Surround View Monitor	Available	Available
Remote Smart Parking Assist	Available	Available

Interior

Remove the Kia badge from the steering wheel and you could easily be fooled into thinking you're sitting in an SUV triple what the Sportage costs. Standard for 2026 is a single panel that extends from the driver's door all the way to the end of the center console that houses two configurable 12.3-inch screens. Tune to your favorite station on the available 12-speaker Bose sound system and cruise to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in style. Battle those frigid Bedford winters by using the KiaAccess app to warm your Sportage to an optimal temperature for the drive home.

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson also has a high-quality interior; however, it's not as sleek and luxurious as the one that comes standard on the Sportage. Sure, it has all the same standard and available features but it's just not as compelling as the Kia. It feels as though the designers saw the interior in the Kia and attempted to copy it without giving it a unique look and feel, like the Kia has.

Bottom Line

The 2026 Kia Sportage provides more of an elevated experience than the 2026 Hyundai Tucson. Every feature that you could want is in the 2026 Kia Sportage at a better price compared to the 2026 Hyundai Tucson.

Take the 2026 Kia Sportage for a Test Drive!

Ready to take the new 2026 Kia Sportage for a ride? Stop by Kia of Bedford today or give us a call at (866) 344-0006 for more information about our selection of SUVs and to schedule a test drive. To see what we have available, you can browse our new inventory online for the latest SUVs near Cleveland, OH!

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Disclaimer

*All pricing and details are believed to be accurate, but we do not warrant or guarantee such accuracy. The prices shown above may vary from region to region, as will incentives, and are subject to change. Vehicle information is based off standard equipment and may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Call or email for complete vehicle information. All specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice. Prices and payments do not include tax, titles, tags, finance charges, documentation charges, emissions testing charges, or other fees required by law, vehicle sellers or lending organizations.

Based on 2025 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

While every effort has been made to ensure display of accurate data, the vehicle listings within this website may not reflect all accurate vehicle items. Accessories and color may vary. All inventory listed is subject to prior sale. The vehicle photo displayed may be an example only. Vehicle Photos may not match exact vehicles. Please confirm vehicle price with Dealership. See Dealership for details.

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