KIA Sportage. The Korean "Niva"
They share the same "parent," identical engines, and many parts are interchangeable. The differences are only in the interior design and the ways it can be transformed. True, the diesel Tuscon appeared only last spring, while the Sportage with the same engine has been on sale for a year and a half. What Hyundai was waiting for is a mystery! After all, with noticeably higher maintenance and parts prices, the Tuscon sells much better than its brother.
Advertising brochures slightly embellish
I will return to this comparison, but for now, let's get acquainted with the diesel Sportage in maximum trim: leather interior, automatic transmission, cruise control, six airbags, climate control, and other pleasant options — for each, of course, you need to pay extra. The only thing unavailable even for an extra charge is the branded audio system that equips all export modifications (judging by the brochures, it is borrowed from the luxury Hyundai Grandeur). In Russia, however, cars are supplied with a plastic plug and preparation for installing music. The question is, why? The Tuscon has both a native receiver and a six-disc CD changer. The answer, apparently, is that 60% of Sportages go to the USA, 20% to Western Europe, and Russia accounts for no more than 5%.
The safety system package includes not only six airbags but also pretensioner seat belts, an electronic brake-force distribution system (EBD), and a traction control system (TCS).
Impressive and convenient
The Sportage looks bolder, more aggressive, and more flashy than the Tuscon. This is facilitated by pronounced wheel arches and an original chrome grille. Inside, it is also more elegant thanks to higher-quality trim materials and decorative elements. The SUV's interior is comfortable. In the back, there is plenty of legroom, and three passengers will not be cramped — the floor is completely flat and level. The rear seat backrest is adjustable for recline but locks only in two positions.
The trunk can be loaded in the traditional way by opening the tailgate, or you can toss in a small load through the glass without opening it. This glass is especially convenient when transporting long items. Under the trunk floor, there is an additional compartment and a set of fastening devices. In terms of cargo transport, the Sportage clearly outdoes the Tuscon. A huge refrigerator will fit easily in the KIA, but such a trick is unlikely to work in the Tuscon. The fact is that in the Sportage, not only the rear seats fold down but also the front passenger seat, forming a completely flat floor. In the Tuscon, the front seat only tilts slightly forward, and you cannot get a flat surface. The KIA's load capacity reaches 750 kg — almost like a pickup truck.
Be careful with mud
As for off-road capabilities, everything is honest: they are modest. Unlike the previous Sportage, the new one does not have a plug-in front axle or a transfer case with a low range. The current Sportage is a front-wheel-drive vehicle with an electronically controlled clutch that engages the rear wheels only when the front wheels slip. You can forcibly lock the clutch with the 4WD Lock button, but then the speed should not exceed 40 km/h. Moreover, unlike the Tuscon, a 2WD version is not available for the KIA. So, it is not worth venturing into mud with this "crossover." But it is perfect for broken country roads and snowdrifts: both the ground clearance and the energy-intensive suspension help.
The Sportage's dynamics are unlikely to impress anyone. The 2-liter diesel with 112 hp honestly delivers 250 Nm already at 1800 rpm, which is even more than the 2.7-liter gasoline V6. Acceleration to 100 km/h in 16.1 seconds (13.8 seconds with a manual) is perhaps not brilliant, but quite respectable for a car weighing 1772 kg. The engine is a bit noisy at idle, but in motion, it is almost inaudible in the cabin. Vibrations on the steering wheel are minimal. The fully independent rear suspension provides the Sportage with decent ride comfort, but only up to 120 km/h. Above this mark, the suspension starts to be penetrated not only by large asphalt defects but also by small potholes. So, it is not worth driving recklessly! Although, perhaps, that is for the best.
Appetite higher than stated
The promised 7.1 liters of diesel per 100 km in the passport is not about the Sportage. During the test, we did not get into a single traffic jam, driving along Sunday streets and free highways, but fuel consumption never dropped below 11.5 l/100 km. You must admit, for a diesel, that is a bit much.
Now about prices. We will compare only diesel modifications. The Tuscon with a diesel is offered either with a manual (784,900 rubles) or with an automatic (848,900 rubles). The trims are almost identical, except for ESP, side airbags with curtains, climate control, and a CD changer.
The budget decides
The Sportage has three options: one with a manual transmission and two with an automatic. In the version with a manual, there will be no leather interior, ESP, sunroof, or cruise control. The price of such a car is 824,000 rubles. A similar trim but with an automatic is 854,000 rubles. And finally, the top version, which we had for the test, costs 894,000 rubles. On the one hand, that is a lot; the price is close to the X-Trail and Qashqai. But on the other hand, savings on maintenance and parts compensate for the difference. Here is a clear comparison of the two "brothers":
| Sportage | Tuscon | |
| Maintenance 1 | 3,000 | 6,600 |
| Maintenance 2 | 4,000 | 9,750 |
| Maintenance 3 | 3,000 | 11,950 |
| Oil filter | 177 | 204 |
| Air filter | 453 | 540 |
| Spark plugs | 106 | 120 |
| Front seat | 3,538 | 4,680 |
| Front door | 10,300 | 12,000 |
| Windshield | 8,960 | 9,250 |
| Bumper | 5,690 | 7,650 |
| Headlight | 7,700 | 8,550 |
| Taillight | 3,270 | 4,800 |
The difference is significant. So, you decide!
Dmitry Shavyrin
We thank the dealership "Avtomir Strogino" for providing the car for the test.
Technical specifications
| Dimensions (mm) | 4350 x 1800 x 1730 |
| Curb weight (kg) | 1774 |
| Gross weight (kg) | 2210 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2630 |
| Engine displacement (cc) | 1991 |
| Maximum power (hp) | 112 |
| Max torque (Nm/rpm) | 250/1800-2500 |
| Maximum speed (km/h) | 162 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) | 16.1 |
| Fuel consumption (l/100 km) | 7.1-11.3 |
| Trunk volume (l) | 325/1375 |
| Tires | 235/60 R16 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 195 |
| Price (base) (rubles) | 824,000 |
| Price of tested car (rubles) | 894,000 |
Source – AUTOMANIA.RU