New Kia Sportage vs Ford Kuga vs Hyundai Tucson: verdict

Our verdict

The Ford Kuga may come last, but it’s still worthy of consideration. It’s the cheapest to own in the long term and spends more of its time on electric power than its rivals. Those sitting in the rear will be grateful for the generous leg room, and it’s the most fun to drive. Its interior quality and smaller boot let it down in this company, though.

Those looking for maximum bang for their buck might well be swayed by the Hyundai Tucson, thanks to its lower post-discount price and cheaper PCP deals. It’s just as practical as the Kia Sportage too, but its unsettled and sometimes crashy ride and sloppier handling mean it isn’t as good to drive.

The Sportage is a more complete all-rounder. It not only strikes a fine balance between ride comfort and handling but also has the classiest and most user-friendly interior of our trio and comes very well equipped, making it great value for money too. Just like a phone that manages to do everything well, the Sportage has all the bases well covered.

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1st – Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi HEV 2WD 3

For Classiest interior; best ride and handling balance; most rear head room; practical boot; best infotainment
Against Slow-witted automatic gearbox; slightly unstable under braking
Recommended options Premium paint (£650)

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Kia Sportage review >>

Find Kia Sportage deals >>

2nd – Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid Premium

For Cheapest to buy outright or on PCP finance; quickest; equal to the Sportage for practicality
Against Fidgety motorway ride; the least agile; most unstable under braking; sheds value the fastest
Recommended options Metallic paint (£665)

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Hyundai Tucson review >>

Find Hyundai Tucson deals >>

3rd – Ford Kuga 2.5 FHEV ST-Line X Edition

For Most economical; agile handling; sliding rear seats; best rear leg room; quietest cruiser
Against Cheap-feeling interior; least impressive infotainment; so-so performance
Recommended options Metallic paint (£600), wireless phone charging (£150)

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Ford Kuga review >>

Find Ford Kuga deals >>

Specifications: Kia Sportage

Engine 4cyl, 1598cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor
Peak power 226bhp (combined)
Peak torque 258Ib ft (combined)
Gearbox 6-spd automatic
0-60mph 7.2sec
30-70mph 6.4sec
Top speed 120mph
30-0mph 8.9m
70-0mph 51.9m
Noise at 30mph 57.6db
Noise at 70mph 65.6db
Kerb weight NA
Tyre size (std) 235/55 R18
Fuel tank 52 litres
CO2 emissions 132g/km

Specifications: Ford Kuga

Engine 4cyl, 2448cc, petrol, plus electric motor
Peak power 188bhp (combined)
Peak torque NA
Gearbox CVT automatic
0-60mph 8.6sec
30-70mph 7.5sec
Top speed 122mph
30-0mph 8.5m
70-0mph 42.4m
Noise at 30mph 57.1db
Noise at 70mph 64.3db
Kerb weight 1701kg
Tyre size (std) 235/50 R19
Fuel tank 45 litres
CO2 emissions 133g/km

Specifications: Hyundai Tucson

Engine 4cyl, 1598cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor
Peak power 227bhp (combined)
Peak torque 258Ib ft (combined)
Gearbox 6-spd automatic
0-60mph 6.8sec
30-70mph 5.9sec
Top speed 120mph
30-0mph 8.0m
70-0mph 44.7m
Noise at 30mph 58.1db
Noise at 70mph 65.2db
Kerb weight 1564kg
Tyre size (std) 235/50 R19
Fuel tank 52 litres
CO2 emissions 130g/km

Test weather conditions Dry

Cars pictured

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi HEV GT-Line S with Dark Penta Metal premium paint (£650)

Ford Kuga 2.5 FHEV ST-Line X Edition with Solar Silver metallic paint (£600), Technology Pack (£550), mobile phone wireless charging pad (£150) and space-saver spare wheel (£100)

Hyundai Tucson Premium 1.6 T-GDI HEV Premium with Sunset Red Pearl metallic paint (£665)

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