Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Tucson: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Tucson – In the fiercely competitive midsize SUV market, two models that have garnered significant attention are the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson.

Both vehicles offer an appealing combination of style, performance, and advanced features.

In this article, we will dive deep into the differences between these two SUVs, focusing on pricing, fuel economy, dimensions, color options, safety features, warranty coverage, and specs, as well as their respective pros and cons.

By the end, you will have a clear understanding of which SUV better suits your preferences and needs.

What is the Difference Between Kia Sorento and Hyundai Tucson?

The Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Tucson are both popular SUVs from South Korean automakers, but they belong to different segments within the SUV market. Here are the key differences between the two models.

Pricing

Pricing plays a crucial role in the decision-making process when purchasing a new SUV. In this section, we will compare the pricing of the Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Tucson across their different trim levels.

By understanding the pricing options, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your budget and preferences.

– 2023 Kia Sorento Price:

• Sorento LX – $30,090: The base model of the 2023 Kia Sorento is the LX trim, which starts at an attractive price of $30,090. Despite being the entry-level option, the Sorento LX comes generously equipped with essential features, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.

• Sorento S – $32,590: The Sorento S trim starts at $32,590 and builds upon the features of the LX model with added enhancements and technology. It offers a good balance of value and features, making it a popular choice among buyers looking for a well-rounded midsize SUV.

• Sorento X-Line S AWD – $34,590: For those seeking enhanced off-road capabilities and all-wheel drive (AWD) performance, the Sorento X-Line S AWD is a worthy consideration. Priced at $34,590, this trim offers improved traction and stability, making it suitable for adventurous journeys.

• Sorento EX – $35,990: The Sorento EX is the top-tier non-hybrid trim, starting at $35,990. It offers a more premium experience with additional luxury features and comforts, appealing to buyers looking for an elevated driving experience.

– 2023 Hyundai Tucson Price:

• Tucson SE – $26,450: The 2023 Hyundai Tucson’s pricing begins with the SE trim, which has an affordable starting price of $26,450. Despite its competitive price, the Tucson SE comes with an impressive array of standard features and technology.

• Tucson SEL – $28,050: The Tucson SEL starts at $28,050, offering even more features and amenities than the base SE model. With its attractive pricing and additional upgrades, the SEL trim provides excellent value for buyers.

• Tucson XRT – $33,275: Hyundai introduces the rugged XRT trim, starting at $33,275, for adventurous drivers seeking a bolder and more rugged appearance. It combines style with substance, making it an appealing choice for off-road enthusiasts.

• Tucson N Line – $33,325: The sporty N Line model is priced at $33,325, offering a more dynamic driving experience with its unique design elements and performance-oriented features. This trim appeals to drivers who desire a sportier SUV.

• Tucson Limited – $35,710: The top-of-the-line Tucson Limited trim starts at $35,710, offering a premium driving experience with luxury features and advanced technology. It caters to buyers looking for a well-appointed and sophisticated SUV.

• AWD Option: For both the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson, all-wheel drive (AWD) is available as an optional feature. AWD can be added to any trim level for an additional cost of $1,500, providing improved traction and stability in various road conditions.

Read also: Kia Sorento vs Kia Telluride

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is a significant factor for many SUV buyers, as it directly affects operating costs and environmental impact.

In this section, we will compare the fuel efficiency of the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson based on EPA estimates and real-world testing results.

– 2023 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy:

The EPA estimates that the all-wheel-drive 2023 Kia Sorento equipped with the turbocharged engine achieves 24 mpg combined (22 city/27 highway).

During a comprehensive 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation loop, it was found that the Sorento achieved an average of 25.2 mpg.

One noteworthy advantage of the turbocharged Sorento is that it doesn’t require premium gasoline, providing an added benefit to cost-conscious drivers.

While the Sorento’s fuel economy is not as impressive as some of its direct competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, it still performed well compared to similarly powerful models like the Honda Passport and Subaru Ascent in a real-world evaluation.

– 2023 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Economy:

The EPA estimates that the 2023 Hyundai Tucson, specifically the nonhybrid variant, can achieve as high as 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.

However, there are no real-world testing results available for Tucson’s nonhybrid version on a 75-mph highway fuel-economy route at the time of this writing.

For accurate and up-to-date information about Tucson’s fuel economy, it is recommended to visit the EPA’s official website, where you can find the most recent EPA estimates and official testing results.

Dimensions

When choosing an SUV, understanding its dimensions is essential to ensure it meets your space requirements and fits comfortably in your daily life.

In this section, we will compare the dimensions of the 2023 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Hyundai Tucson, including exterior measurements, interior space, and seating dimensions.

– 2023 Kia Sorento Dimensions:

Exterior Dimensions:

Interior Dimensions:

Seating Dimensions – Front:

Seating Dimensions – Rear:

– 2023 Hyundai Tucson Dimensions:

Exterior Dimensions:

Interior Dimensions:

Seating Dimensions – Front:

Seating Dimensions – Rear:

The 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson have distinct dimensions, catering to different preferences and needs.

The Sorento is larger in overall length and interior volume, offering more cargo capacity and three-row seating options for families and those requiring additional passenger space.

On the other hand, the Tucson is slightly more compact, making it a practical choice for urban driving and maneuverability.

Additionally, the Tucson boasts higher ground clearance, which may appeal to off-road enthusiasts.

Both SUVs provide ample front and rear seat dimensions for comfortable journeys, with various seat adjustments and features available in their respective trim levels.

When choosing between Sorento vs Tucson, considering their dimensions can help you find the SUV that best fits your lifestyle and requirements.

Read also: Kia Sorento vs Lexus NX

Color Options

The choice of exterior and interior colors can significantly influence the overall appearance and ambiance of an SUV.

In this section, we will compare the color options available for the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson, helping you select the SUV with the color combination that resonates with your style and preferences.

– 2023 Kia Sorento Colors:

Exterior Colors:

• Ebony Black
• Passion Red
• Everlasting Silver
• Gravity Gray
• Glacial White Pearl

Interior Colors:

• Black (cloth)

The 2023 Kia Sorento offers a selection of elegant and versatile exterior colors, including classic shades like Ebony Black and Glacial White Pearl, as well as bolder options like Passion Red.

The interior comes in a single option of black cloth, providing a sleek and refined look to complement the exterior choices.

– 2023 Hyundai Tucson Colors:

Exterior Colors:

• Amazon Gray
• Serenity White Pearl
• Shimmering Silver
• Portofino Gray
• Deep Sea
• Phantom Black
• Intense Blue
• Calypso Red

Interior Colors:

• Gray (leatherette or cloth)
• Black (leatherette or cloth)

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson offers a diverse array of exterior colors, catering to different tastes and preferences.

From the sophisticated Serenity White Pearl to the vibrant Intense Blue, Tucson provides a wide range of choices.

The interior comes in either gray or black, available in both leatherette and cloth materials, providing flexibility for buyers to match the interior with their preferred exterior color.

Safety Features

Ensuring the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians is of utmost importance in any SUV.

In this section, we will compare the safety features offered in the Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Tucson, highlighting the advanced driver-assistance technologies as well as the standard safety features available in both models.

– 2023 Kia Sorento Safety Features:

The 2023 Kia Sorento comes equipped with an impressive array of standard driver-assistance technologies under the Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Package. These features include:

• Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist with Pedestrian Detection: Helps detect potential collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians and automatically applies brakes to prevent or mitigate accidents.
• Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert: Monitors driver behavior and provides alerts to prevent unintentional lane departures or if the leading vehicle starts moving.
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Alerts the driver to vehicles in the blind spot and provides warnings when backing out of parking spaces to avoid collisions with cross-traffic.
• Lane Departure Warning: Provides warnings if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane without signaling.
• Lane Keeping Assist: Assists the driver in maintaining the vehicle’s position within the lane.
• Lane Following Assist: Provides steering assistance to keep the vehicle centered in its lane during highway driving.
• High Beam Assist: Automatically switches between high and low beams to enhance visibility without dazzling other drivers.
• Rear View Monitor with Dynamic Parking Guidance: Assists in parking maneuvers by providing a clear view of the rear surroundings.
• Rear Occupant Alert: Alerts the driver to check the rear seats before exiting the vehicle to prevent leaving passengers behind.
• Safe Exit Assist: Warns occupants if it’s unsafe to open the doors due to approaching traffic.

In higher trim levels, additional safety features become available, such as Front/Rear Parking Sensors, Surround-View Parking Camera, Blind Spot Camera System, Cyclist Detection, and Highway Driving Assist/Adaptive Cruise Control.

Furthermore, the Sorento includes standard basic safety features, including multiple airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

– 2023 Hyundai Tucson Safety Features:

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson offers a range of driver-assistance features, many of which come standard in the SUV. These features include:

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: Helps detect potential frontal collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians and automatically applies brakes to prevent or mitigate accidents.
• Standard Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist: Provides warnings and steering assistance to prevent unintentional lane departures.
• Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane-Centering Assist: Allows the vehicle to automatically adjust its speed and stay centered within the lane during highway driving.

Both the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson prioritize safety by offering a range of driver-assistance technologies.

The Sorento comes with an extensive list of advanced safety features, making it a robust and comprehensive choice for safety-conscious buyers.

On the other hand, Tucson provides essential safety features as standard and additional advanced features are available for enhanced safety and convenience.

Warranty

Warranty coverage is a significant consideration when purchasing a new SUV, as it provides peace of mind and protection against unexpected expenses.

The 2023 Kia Sorento comes with an industry-leading warranty program, showcasing Kia’s confidence in the quality and durability of their vehicles. The warranty program includes the following coverage:

• 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty: This extensive coverage provides protection for the engine, transmission, and other vital components, giving you peace of mind for an extended period.
• 5-year/60,000-mile Limited Basic Warranty: The limited basic warranty covers various components and systems of the vehicle, ensuring that any covered defects are repaired without charge during the warranty period.
• 5-year/100,000-mile Limited Anti-Perforation Warranty: This warranty offers coverage against corrosion or perforation of the vehicle’s body due to defects in material or workmanship.
• 5-year/60,000-mile Roadside Assistance Plan: In case of a breakdown or emergency, the roadside assistance plan provides services such as towing, jump-starting, flat tire assistance, and more.

The Kia warranty program applies to 2008 and newer Kia vehicles and each warranty provides coverage until the specified year or mileage total is reached, whichever comes first.

While the 2023 Hyundai Tucson offers a competitive warranty package, though it holds an advantage over its corporate twin, the Kia Sportage, in terms of complimentary scheduled maintenance. The warranty coverage for the Tucson includes:

• 5-year/60,000-mile Limited Warranty: This limited warranty covers various vehicle components and systems for the first five years or 60,000 miles, providing protection against defects and repairs during the coverage period.
• 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty: The powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, and related components, ensuring significant coverage for essential drivetrain components.
• 3-year/36,000-mile Complimentary Maintenance: Hyundai provides complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles, including oil changes, tire rotations, and other scheduled services.

Read also: 2023 Kia Niro vs 2023 Kia Sorento

Specifications

Understanding the specifications of an SUV is essential for evaluating its performance and capabilities.

In this section, we will compare the key specifications of the Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Tucson, including their engine details, transmission, drive type, horsepower, torque, towing capacity, and payload capacity.

– 2023 Kia Sorento Specs:

The 2023 Kia Sorento comes with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gas engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration is standard, offering 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.

It features variable valve timing and dual fuel injection. The Sorento can tow up to 2,000 lbs. and has a maximum payload capacity of 1,563 lbs.

– 2023 Hyundai Tucson Specs:

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson is powered by a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gas engine mated to an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

It comes with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, delivering 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.

The Tucson features variable valve timing and dual fuel injection. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 1,305 lbs.

Pros and Cons

2023 Kia Sorento Pros:

• Abundance of Standard and Optional Features: The Sorento comes equipped with numerous standard features, and buyers have the option to upgrade with various available amenities, ensuring a well-appointed and customizable interior.

• Ample Second- and Third-Row Legroom: The Sorento offers generous legroom in both the second and third rows, providing comfort for passengers, even during longer journeys.

• Sharp-Looking and Easy-to-Use Infotainment System: Kia’s infotainment system is designed for user-friendliness, featuring an attractive interface and straightforward controls.

• Powerful Available Turbocharged Engine: The Sorento’s optional turbocharged engine delivers robust performance, providing a more engaging driving experience.

Cons:

• Base Engine’s Lackluster Acceleration: The standard engine may not offer the level of acceleration some drivers desire, especially when compared to more powerful options.

2023 Hyundai Tucson Pros:

• Smooth Ride Quality: The Tucson offers a comfortable and smooth ride, ensuring a pleasant driving experience for occupants.

• Plenty of Standard Tech and Safety Features: Hyundai provides ample tech and safety features as standard, enhancing value for money and ensuring a well-equipped driving environment.

• Roomy Interior and Comfortable Front Seats: Tucson’s interior provides ample space, and the front seats are designed for comfort during commutes and long drives.

• Generous Warranty: Hyundai offers an impressive warranty package, providing confidence and coverage for an extended period.

Cons:

• Sluggish Acceleration from the Base 2.5-Liter Engine: The base engine’s acceleration may feel sluggish for some drivers who desire more power and responsiveness.

• Touch-Style Center Stack Controls Can Be Distracting to Use: The touch-style controls on the center stack may require more attention from the driver to operate, potentially causing distractions.

• Hybrid Can’t Match Rivals on Fuel Economy: The hybrid variant of the Tucson may not achieve fuel economy levels comparable to some competitors in the same segment.

Conclusion

The 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson are both formidable contenders in the midsize SUV market.

The Sorento impresses with its spacious interior, fuel-efficient hybrid variant, and extensive warranty coverage.

On the other hand, Tucson stands out with its modern design, competitive pricing, and strong safety features.

The choice between these two SUVs ultimately depends on individual preferences, priorities, and budget constraints.

We recommend thoroughly examining the features and conducting test drives to make an informed decision that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Whether you opt for the Sorento or Tucson, both SUVs offer a compelling combination of style, performance, and utility for discerning consumers.

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