Verdict
The Hyundai Tucson costs RM159,800 against the Kia Sportage’s RM128,800, a RM31,000 gap that buys 178 hp and 264 Nm from a 1.6-litre turbo, plus adaptive cruise control, blind-spot information and collision warning. Its RM120 annual road tax is also far easier on the wallet than the Sportage’s RM440. The Kia counters with a marginally larger 587-litre boot and a conventional six-speed automatic, but its 154 hp, 192 Nm naturally aspirated 2.0-litre needs 4,500 rpm to reach peak torque. For most Malaysian buyers, the Tucson has the stronger specification; the Sportage is the budget-led choice.
Pick the Hyundai Tucson if you want 178 hp, 264 Nm from 1,500 rpm, adaptive cruise control and an eight-year/160,000 km warranty.
Pick the Kia Sportage if saving RM31,000 upfront and having a conventional six-speed automatic matter more than stronger performance and driver-assistance equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Hyundai Tucson RM159,800; Kia Sportage RM128,800.
- Power and torque: Tucson 178 hp/264 Nm; Sportage 154 hp/192 Nm.
- Annual road tax: Tucson RM120; Sportage RM440.
- Transmission: Tucson seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic; Sportage six-speed conventional automatic.
- Boot space: Tucson 582 litres; Sportage 587 litres.
- Warranty: Tucson eight years/160,000 km; Sportage five years/100,000 km.
Tucson
- 178 hp and 264 Nm, with peak torque from 1,500 rpm.
- Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot information and collision warning.
- Eight-year, 160,000 km manufacturer warranty.
- Costs RM31,000 more.
- 582-litre boot is 5 litres smaller.
- RM120 annual road tax versus RM440 for the Sportage is lower, so this is not a disadvantage.
Sportage
- RM31,000 lower purchase price.
- 587-litre boot, 5 litres larger than the Tucson’s.
- Conventional six-speed automatic transmission.
- 154 hp and 192 Nm trail the Tucson’s 178 hp and 264 Nm.
- Peak torque arrives at 4,500 rpm, versus 1,500 rpm in the Tucson.
- Lacks the Tucson’s adaptive cruise control, blind-spot information and collision warning.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM159,800 | RM128,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,598 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 178 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ | 154 hp at 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 264 Nm at 1,500 rpm✓ | 192 Nm at 4,500 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 75.6 mm × 89 mm | 81 mm × 97 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10.8 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 7 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | 201 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,630 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,665 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,755 mm | 2,755 mm |
| Weight | 1,521 kg | 1,578 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 54 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 582 litres | 587 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three Point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2nd Row Seats | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Available for all seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-fold | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 12.3" Curved Widescreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years✓ | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Tucson & Sportage for sale
Tucson vs Sportage FAQ
Is the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage better?
The Tucson is better specified, with 178 hp, 264 Nm, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot information, collision warning and an eight-year/160,000 km warranty. Choose the Sportage instead if its RM31,000 lower price is the deciding factor.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Sportage is RM31,000 cheaper than the Hyundai Tucson: RM128,800 versus RM159,800.
Which has the more practical boot?
The Kia Sportage has the larger boot at 587 litres, edging the Hyundai Tucson’s 582 litres by 5 litres. Both are five-seat SUVs with 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
