VS
At a Glance
Power
129kW@6000
130kW@6000
Torque
241Nm@4000
227Nm@4000
Fuel
12.3L/100km
9.2L/100km
Towing
1600kg
1600kg
0-100 km/h
13.7s
10s
Engine
2656cc
2359cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and the KIA Sportage is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Hyundai Tucson delivers 129kW@6000 while the KIA Sportage produces 130kW@6000. On fuel, the Tucson returns 12.3L/100km while the Sportage uses 9.2L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R267 400 for the Tucson and R372 995 for the Sportage. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Hyundai Tucson2.7 V6 GLS 4x4 H-Matic 2004 - From R267 400
KIA Sportage2.4 4x4 AT 2010 - From R372 995
Performance
Power Output
129kW@6000
130kW@6000
Torque
241Nm@4000
227Nm@4000
0-100 kph
13.7s
10s
Top Speed
197km/h
185km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2656cc
2359cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE V 6
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
LEADED/UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
4
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.3L/100km
9.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
16.4L/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
9.4L/100km
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
65L
58L
CO2 Emissions
-
219g/km
Dimensions
Length
4325mm
4445mm
Width
1830mm
1855mm
Height
1730mm
1635mm
Wheelbase
2630mm
2640mm
Ground Clearance
195mm
172mm
Kerb Weight
1781kg
1492kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600kg
1600kg
Load Capacity
1856kg
1887kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
ESC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✗
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
60
Warranty Distance
100000km
100000km
Service Plan
M
S
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sportage
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sportage
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
Tucson
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Tucson
Lower starting price (R267 400)
Higher fuel consumption (12.3L/100km)
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (9.2L/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tucson or Sportage?
The Tucson uses 12.3L/100km and the Sportage uses 9.2L/100km on the combined cycle. The Sportage is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tucson or Sportage?
The Tucson produces 129kW@6000 and 241Nm@4000 of torque while the Sportage delivers 130kW@6000 and 227Nm@4000 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Tucson and Sportage?
The Tucson starts from R267 400 and the Sportage from R372 995. The Tucson is cheaper by R105 595 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tucson or Sportage?
The Tucson has a braked towing capacity of 1600kg and the Sportage can tow 1600kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tucson or the Sportage?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.