The 2023 Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage have similar engines to get you powerfully and reliably from Point A to Point B. They each equip a 2.5L engine that provides 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque to command. No matter where you want to go, you’ll get there with ease.

Because their engines are identical, you’ll need to dive deeper to discover the differences in their powertrains.

Both models come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and make all-wheel drive (AWD) available. Still, when it comes to their transmissions, the Hyundai Tucson surpasses the Kia Sportage.

The Tucson comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission system, letting you accelerate and merge onto the highway with ease. The Sportage only has six gears in its transmission system. Having more gears means more flexibility, enabling a car to accelerate and deliver peak power. More gears also provide a smoother performance and better fuel economy.

We’ve broken down the interior dimensions of these two vehicles in the table below. As you can see, one comes out on top with its increased space.

As shown above, you’ll have more space in almost all directions in the Tucson. Rear-seat occupants in particular will have more room to stretch out. The Tucson and its 146.9 cubic feet of total interior volume is a comfortable and cozy ride compared to the 129.3 cubic feet found in the Sportage.

Of course, with people comes gear, so you’ll want to have enough room to pack and transport everything you and yours will need to take along. Both the Tucson and the Sportage have 60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks to offer flexibility for both passengers and cargo.

While both models provide a decent amount of room, you’ll have more within the Hyundai Tucson. With all seats upright, you’ll have 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the Tucson; fold down the rear seatbacks to enjoy a maximum of 80.3 cubic feet. Meanwhile, the Sportage offers 39.6 cubic feet with seats upright and only a total of 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

When it comes to saving fuel and decreasing the number of fuel stops, both the Tucson and the Sportage start out similarly. They each equip a 14.3-gallon fuel tank and their engines yield an identical EPA-estimated 25 city/32 highway MPG.*

However, the Hyundai Tucson has an additional feature that further helps conserve fuel. Its Idle Stop & Go system automatically shuts down the engine when the Tucson is at a standstill, such as at a traffic light or stop sign, rather than wasting fuel while idling. When you move your foot from the brake to the gas pedal, the engine automatically resumes. The Kia Sportage does not have a similar fuel-saving feature.