The 2024 Kia Sportage vs the 2024 Hyundai Tucson: Which Offers the Most Versatility?

If you’re in Oak Ridge exploring the serene shores of Melton Hill Lake, strolling through the picturesque Melton Lake Greenway, or even simply running errands, you know that having a reliable companion for your daily adventures is essential. Oak Ridge, affectionately known as “The Secret City,” offers a blend of outdoor escapades and everyday charm that demands a versatile crossover like the Kia Sportage. Whether you’re tackling a daily commute to Knoxville or planning your next outdoor excursion, the Kia Sportage is a capable, affordable ride that is ready for your needs and exceeds expectations with its blend of style, performance, and practicality.

Looking for a crossover? Perhaps, more specifically, a Kia Sportage for sale near Oak Ridge to get a first-hand experience? That’s a smart investment of both time and money, as the 2024 Kia Sportage is perfectly designed to offer drivers a lot of bang for their buck thanks to its robust design and adventurous spirit, which are carefully curated to meet the demands of the modern driver and their diverse lifestyle. 

With a sleek athletic profile and spacious, thoughtful interior, the Kia crossover combines comfort with functionality effortlessly. It’s never been easier to enjoy an afternoon cruise and go wherever adventure takes you when you’re in a Sportage. The modern crossover is perfectly designed to handle both smooth Oak Ridge streets and rugged, uneven terrains, making it a flexible vehicle for a diverse set of drivers. The Sportage isn’t just a mode of transportation but also a driving companion that works hard to enhance your journey no matter where the road takes you. 

But when you start shopping, you’re sure to see there is plenty of competition in the crossover segment, with the Sportage often being compared and contrasted with its rival, the Hyundai Tucson. It can be hard to decide on the spot, so make sure you’re well-informed to make the best decision. At Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville, we believe that when you compare these two notable crossovers, you’ll see that the Sportage comes out on top as being the better option for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a closer look at why we enthusiastically endorse this Kia favorite.

Both Models Have Some Similarities, But Those End Quickly

Unless you’re one of the few buyers who can shop without the constraints of a budget, price and what you get for that price is always important. That is why we thought it necessary to start our trip at the beginning, the price tag. 

The 2024 Kia Sportage starts at $27,190.^[a] For that price, you get the essentials with the entry-level LX. You can seat five comfortably thanks to its spacious cabin with class-leading second-row legroom; the Sportage also boasts extensive class-leading cargo space. The styling of the interior makes it feel as if the Sportage should cost more than it does, giving it an upscale feel without the upscale price. Front-wheel drive is standard and the peppy engine gives you 187 horses plus a noteworthy fuel economy. A modern 8-inch touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Switching over to the Hyundai Tuscon means you have to spend a few hundred more as the entry-level drive begins at $27,250 for the SE trim. It also comes standard with front-wheel drive with an option to upgrade to all-wheel drive. The sporty-looking Tucson seats up to five and also offers a standard 187 hp engine. While the cabin is nicely tailored, it does tend to be loud, with drivers often noting wind and highway noise. It features the same standard 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto features. 

When looking at entry-level models for both vehicles, you would probably assume that the two lineups generally provide the same driving experience. While there are certainly a lot of qualities the base-level models share, those similarities quickly disappear when looking at the rest of the trims available, especially when it comes to those looking to do some regular off-roading. As you’ll see next, the Sportage and Tucson become two very different vehicles when it comes to versatility and off-road prowess.

Only the Sportage Offers True Off-Road Capabilities

The area around Oak Ridge offers drivers a beautiful backdrop when it comes to relaxing weekend cruises, camping, hiking, and simply getting out into nature. If you’re a nature lover on the go and enjoy getting away from it all whenever possible, you need to ensure that you have a vehicle that can pull double duty as a daily driver and adventure companion. For this, we look at the off-road potential of these two models. 

For Kia, they offer up the X-Line, which is an enhanced trim option that offers all-wheel drive, high utility roof rails, multi-terrain drive modes, and more. Drivers get a few options when it comes to getting an off-road capable Sportage with the X-Pro or X-Pro Prestige. Both of these models sit at the top of the trim model lineup yet can still be had for under $40k, which makes them a value machine for thrill seekers on a budget.^[a] 

With high-end trims come high-end features. When you get into the X-series, expect an enlarged 12.3-inch Dual Panoramic display with navigation. On the outside expect enlarged all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Expect the X-Pro high-end trims to feature a 2.5L engine with all-wheel drive and a center-locking differential. This means you can tackle the trails at Melton Hill Dam Campground without stressing about whether your crossover can handle the dirt road or not. 

And if you want to get into a capable crossover on a limited budget, no worries. The Sportage also offers the X-Line AWD, a mid-level option that gives you all-wheel drive capabilities and off-road performance for just over $31k.^[a] If you want the performance without all of the high-end bells and whistles the X-Line is always up for a challenge. 

So where does the Tucson come in when it comes to off-roading performance and adventure? We were a little underwhelmed by the XRT as it was an upscale trim, yet it seems to get by purely on looks. It seems designed more to look like an off-roader than perform as one. It starts at $34,325 yet doesn’t come standard with all-wheel drive. That was a surprise. It does however offer an enlarged 10.25-inch screen which is something. 

Expect to find lots of plastic underneath. This is unfortunate, as rocks and branches can easily crack a plastic skid plate. Its larger 19-inch wheels mean a stiffer off-road drive compared to the Sportage X-Pro 17-inch. When it comes to venturing off the pavement, the Tucson lineup is inadequately equipped, making the Sportage a much more viable option.

The Sportage Gives You More Trims and More Choices 

Building on trims and choices, we think it’s important to highlight the flexibility of the Sportage. It offers more trim options which means more price points for drivers and more choices for those looking to get into a crossover that really fits their lifestyle. The Tucson is more limited when it comes to options.  

The 2024 Kia Sportage offers you a trim lineup that features seven carefully styled choices. And the best part is that they are all under $40k.^[a] Whether you’re looking for the essentials, an off-road-based trim, or all the bells and whistles with a little bit of luxury, it’s easy to pick out a trim model that has it all at a price that works. The 2024 Hyundai Tucson only offers five choices when it comes to unique models. So if you want a little more, you have to pay and it might still not be what you had in mind. This means settling, which is no good when you’re investing in a brand-new vehicle. 

Looking at available upgrades the Sportage remains more impressive. From its quiet cabin with upgraded heated seats plus a standard streamlined style, it has a more contemporary feel and gives you more for the money. While drivers can upgrade with leather seating in the Tucson, the Sportage has small details that make it feel as if it’s punching above its price point. 

And then there are the tech upgrades, drivers can level up their Sportage standard 8-inch touchscreen to an intuitive 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Tucson upgrade is somewhat smaller, at 10.2 inches. It’s been noted that the upgraded digital buttons and control of the Tuscon are not as easy to use while driving, taking your attention away from the road. 

No matter the trim, the Kia Sportage offers a more intuitive driving experience plus offers you a wide range of features to help you get into a crossover that works for your lifestyle. The Tucson feels more limited in its choices because of its smaller range of trim offerings. 

For a More Dynamic Driving Experience, Consider the Sportage

When it comes to choosing between the 2024 Sportage and the 2024 Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage emerges as a compelling choice for Oak Ridge drivers to consider. Not only does it offer a more affordable starting price, making it accessible without compromising on quality, but its stylish design details set it apart on the road. Whether you’re navigating streets around Jackson Square or exploring off-road trails near Melton Hill Lake, the Sportage’s robust capabilities ensure you’re prepared for any adventure that comes your way. 

For those who are looking for versatility and reliability without sacrificing style, the Sportage stands out with its winning combo of sleek sporty exterior and spacious well-tailored interior. Whether you’re loading up for a weekend getaway or simply commuting over to Knoxville, its ample cargo space and comfortable seating make every journey better than the last. 

We love that the 2024 Kia Sportage not only excels in affordability and style but also in its off-road potential and array of trim model choices. It’s a crossover that doesn’t compromise, offering Oak Ridge drivers a superior driving experience that aligns perfectly with their diverse lifestyles and daily demands. 

^[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.