Ask an expert
We are considering purchasing a Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson (about 2005 for each SUV). How do they compare to each other - reliability, safety, holding value, handling. Which year did the ESP start for the Tucson?
What else do you recommend - we tried the Toyota Harrier and found we both got a bit seasick in it although it drove nicely.
James
From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009
Kia is a subsidiary of Hyundai, and the Sportage / Tucson products are built on the same floor pan and share similar engines. The Tucson however is available as a 2WD version (Tuscon City).
This is by far the most popular model due to it's excellent price point ($30,490 new). If 4WD isn't absolutely necessary the Tucson City offers good ground clearance, high seating position and looks that make SUV's so popular.
Reliability is excellent for both models, fuel economy on the petrol engines however is typically slightly higher than average for the class from our experience.
Opting for Stability Control (ESP) is a very wise choice if you can, it became standard on every Hyundai (the first 'mainstream' manufacturer to do so) in 2007, and some of the higher spec Tucson and Sportage models offered ESP from 2005 on.
Safety wise, they offer a high level of equipment (6 airbags on some models) for the money, but the chassis design isn't quite as advanced as the likes of Japanese or European brands in our opinion. The Tucson achieves a 4 (out of 5) star NCAP safety rating and we suspect the Sportage would do the same.
Resale will prove better with diesel models, but overall these brands do depreciate slightly faster than the likes of the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4. If you intend on holding on to the vehicle for say 5 years, this would be less of an issue.
Handling isn't a strong point, not unwieldy, but if you're a driving enthusiast then it may not quite meet your expectations.
The Harrier is a Japanese domestic version of our Lexus RX model, very smooth and quiet but it feels a little top heavy and also offers less practicality.
Other models worth looking at would be
Mitsubishi Outlander
Honda CRV (Current model is excellent, but quite a bit more price wise)
Subaru Forester
Toyota Rav4 (Current shape)