Crossover cousins head-to-head
The crossover segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive industry, but it’s hard to find a closer matchup than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Both models share much of their architecture, as well as a 187-horsepower engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both models even start under $30,000, with the Sportage coming in slightly cheaper than the Tucson. While they may be corporate cousins, there are some key differences to note between these two crossovers.
The 2025 model year brings major changes to the Hyundai Tucson in the form of a full mid-cycle refresh inside and out. The Kia Sportage, on the other hand, sees few notable changes, but it’s scheduled to receive a refresh of its own for the upcoming model year. Hyundai’s crossover comes in five trims, while the Sportage comes in seven. Both Korean crossovers come in a more off-road-capable form as well, namely the Tucson XRT and Sportage X-Line.
Hyundai
1. Kia Sportage offers a higher towing capacity
Crossovers aren’t the best vehicles for towing, but the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson manage to offer respectable towing capabilities. Both Korean models come equipped with the same powertrain, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both models are even available with all-wheel drive. When it comes to towing capacity, however, the Kia Sportage has a clear advantage. When properly equipped, the Sportage can tow up to 2,500 lbs., while the Hyundai Tucson tops out at just 2,000 lbs.
Kia
2. Hyundai Tucson boasts more cargo space
The growth of the crossover is essentially an evolutionary stage in the automotive industry. That’s not surprising, considering crossovers combine sedan-like fuel economy with more interior space and higher ride height, all at a competitive price. The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage may share architecture, but Hyundai’s offering steals the spotlight when it comes to cargo space.
Hyundai
With the rear seats upright, the Hyundai Tucson boasts 41.2 cu ft. of cargo space. Folding the rear seats down increases storage space to 80.3 cu ft. The Kia Sportage isn’t too far behind, offering 39.6 cu ft. with the rear seats up, and 74.1 cu ft. when they’re stowed away. If storage space is the name of the game, the Tucson is the clear victor.
3. Hyundai Tucson’s refresh brings a more refined interior
Refreshed for the 2025 model year, the Hyundai Tucson offers a more modern interior compared to the Kia Sportage. There’s no denying that both crossovers offer a solid interior, but the Sportage’s interior focuses more on practicality, while the Tucson leans a little more upscale.
Hyundai
For the 2025 model year, the Tucson gets a new panoramic curved display that’s home to both the 12.3-inch infotainment system and optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Hyundai’s crossover also gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility across the board, and the wireless charging pad has been moved to a more convenient location.
The center console, steering wheel, and door panel accents have all been redesigned in the name of a fresh look and better usability. A redesigned center stack includes more ergonomic controls compared to the outgoing model, while a dashboard tray above the glovebox offers a bit more storage space.
Kia
Final thoughts
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson steals the show when it comes to interior quality and space, largely thanks to its midcycle refresh. The 2025 Kia Sportage isn’t too far removed, and the Korean crossover will even get a refresh of its own for the 2026 model year. As of the 2025 model year, however, the Tucson’s interior quality and cargo space leapfrog over its corporate cousin – unless you need to regularly tow 2,500 lbs., in which case you’ll want the Sportage.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog