2012 Kia Sportage vs. 2012 Hyundai TUCSON
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2012 Kia Sportage and 2012 Hyundai TUCSON contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2012 Kia Sportage and the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON.
In comparing the 2012 Kia Sportage's and the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Kia Sportage has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability and base engine power. The 2012 Hyundai TUCSON has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2012 Kia Sportage's and the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Kia Sportage is a better car than the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON.
Pricing: A used 2012 Kia Sportage ranges from $4,503 to $12,889 while a used 2012 Hyundai TUCSON is priced between $4,993 to $12,437.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2012 Kia Sportage loses 47.1 percent of its value and the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON loses 45.9 percent of its value. This means the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON retains 1.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2012 Kia Sportage.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Sportage is 8.2 out of 10 while the Hyundai TUCSON's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Kia Sportage being ranked 7 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Hyundai TUCSON being ranked 5 out of 19. Out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs, the Kia Sportage is ranked 15 and the Hyundai TUCSON is ranked 12.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Sportage is 7.5 out of 10. For the Hyundai TUCSON the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Kia Sportage a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai TUCSON.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2012 Kia Sportage’s base engine makes 176 horsepower, and the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON base engine makes 165 horsepower. The Sportage is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 392 miles. The TUCSON is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 398 miles.This gives the 2012 Kia Sportage the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room. The 2012 Kia Sportage has the advantage in the areas of rear shoulder room cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2012 Kia Sportage has higher safety ratings than the 2012 Hyundai TUCSON, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.70 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
18500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
22664
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
18500 - 26115
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
19145
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
22664
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
18500 - 26115
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
8179
Price Range:
4503 - 12889
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
9420
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
7043 - 23632
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
62
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
128051
# Good or Great Deals:
26
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
8330
Price Range:
4993 - 12437
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
9420
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
7043 - 23632
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
69
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
129161
# Good or Great Deals:
28
Kia Sportage Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Hyundai TUCSON Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.7 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2012 Kia Sportage
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2012 Hyundai TUCSON
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.906030755600205
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 20.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.998950824489427
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 20.4
Kia Sportage Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 54Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 54Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
48 out of / 66Hyundai TUCSON Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 18Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 54Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 54Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
43 out of / 66Ranking
55 out of / 66Summary Review
The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle and a mainstay of Kia’s model line, going through several generations prior to the current Sportage, which debuted in 2017. The Sportage is known for its sharp looks, feature-packed interior, and low cost of entry, with new models costing an average of $28,105 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,380.
Summary Review
The Hyundai Tucson is a five-passenger SUV with an upscale cabin and plenty of room for cargo and people. The current Tucson was redesigned for the 2022 model year, with new models costing an average of $29,524 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,667.
Pros and Cons
- Smooth ride quality with a quiet interior
- Spacious seating front and rear
- Smart instrumentation and control layout
- Smaller cargo capacity than many rivals
- Acceleration can be sluggish
- Fuel economy adequate at best
Pros and Cons
- High quality cabin materials
- Plenty of standard safety equipment
- Comfortable ride
- Tricky capacitive infotainment controls
- No volume knob
- No wireless Apple CarPlay with large screen
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2012 Kia Sportage Trim Levels
Base, EX, LX, SX
2012 Hyundai TUCSON Trim Levels
GL, GLS, Limited
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.70 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
176 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
168 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
165 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
146 foot-lbs @ 4600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
290 / 392 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
306 / 398 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
26.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
126.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55 inches
Cargo Space:
25.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
55.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
127.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3157 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
64.4 inches
Length:
175 inches
Wheelbase:
104 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3179 lbs
Width:
71.7 inches
Height:
65.2 inches
Length:
173.2 inches
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Cherry
Silver
Bright Silver / Mineral SIlver
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Ash Black Mica
Silver
Diamond Silver Metallic
Brown
Chai Bronze Metallic
Gray
Graphite Gray Metallic
Red
Garnet Red Mica
White
Cotton White Solid
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Brown
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Brown
Taupe
