Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: Compare by Reg (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, covering MOT pass rates, estimated running costs, typical issues, and overall reliability. Based on 671,093 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included).
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Quick Verdict
The Hyundai Tucson comes out slightly ahead with an 87% MOT pass rate versus 84% for the Kia Sportage. Both cars are competitive in this segment, but the Hyundai Tucson has a small edge on reliability. Consider test driving both before making your decision.
Kia Sportage
84%
MOT pass rate
473,579 tests
Hyundai Tucson
87%
MOT pass rate
197,514 tests
More reliableFull Comparison: Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson
| Category | Kia Sportage | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| MOT Pass Rate | 84% | 87%Winner |
| MOT Fail Rate | 16% | 13%Winner |
| vs All-Model Avg | +2 pts | +5 ptsWinner |
| Est. Fuel Cost (petrol, 8,000 mi/yr) | £1,814 | £1,814 |
| Est. Insurance Group | 15-25 | 15-25 |
| Est. Depreciation/yr | £1,500-£3,000 | £1,500-£3,000 |
| Engine Size | 1.8L | 1.8L |
| Fuel Type(s) | Diesel, Petrol | Diesel, Petrol |
| Segment | Family car | Family car |
| Avg Mileage | 79,633 mi | 78,115 miWinner |
| MOT Tests Analysed | 473,579 | 197,514 |
| Model Years | 20 years | 14 years |
| Best Year | 2021 (91%)Winner | 2019 (90%) |
| Worst Year | 2007 (65%) | 2004 (67%)Winner |
| Reliability Trend | Improving | Improving |
Pass rates are the share of MOT tests that ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), across all years of each model. Best and worst years need at least 100 tests. Fuel cost, insurance group and depreciation are our rough estimates from engine size and make, not official figures.
Common Problems Comparison
Typical issues to check on cars of this type and age, not faults measured for these models.
Kia Sportage: Typical Issues to Check
- •DPF and emissions issues (diesel models)
- •Suspension wear on older models
- •Lighting defects (common on all cars)
Hyundai Tucson: Typical Issues to Check
- •DPF and emissions issues (diesel models)
- •Suspension wear on older models
- •Lighting defects (common on all cars)
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Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson FAQ
Can I compare a Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson by registration plate?
Yes. Enter each car's UK registration plate on this page or use our free compare tool at carcostcheck.co.uk/compare to see MOT history, mileage, health scores and running costs for the exact vehicles you are considering, not just model averages.
Which is more reliable, the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson?
The Hyundai Tucson has the higher MOT pass rate, 87% compared to 84% for the Kia Sportage (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included).
Which is cheaper to run, the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson?
At 8,000 miles per year, the Kia Sportage costs around £1,814 in fuel, while the Hyundai Tucson costs around £1,814 (our estimates for petrol versions from average engine size, with fuel at GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026). On these estimates they cost the same in fuel. Insurance, depreciation, and repair costs also factor into total running costs.
Should I buy a Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson?
The Hyundai Tucson comes out slightly ahead with an 87% MOT pass rate versus 84% for the Kia Sportage. Both cars are competitive in this segment, but the Hyundai Tucson has a small edge on reliability. Consider test driving both before making your decision.
Kia Sportage Running Costs
Full breakdown of annual costs, reliability, and MOT data
Hyundai Tucson Running Costs
Full breakdown of annual costs, reliability, and MOT data
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