Hyundai Tucson 79·Kia Sportage 81on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai Tucson about $349 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the cheaper one to own — roughly $349 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Hyundai Tucson is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Tucson vs. Kia Sportage
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Tucson versus 2026 Kia Sportage.
Metric
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
MotiveGrid Score
79
81
Cost of Ownership
79
78
Powertrain
60
64
Driver Assistance
32
38
Livability
57
57
Safety
97
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$45,821
$46,170
Depreciation (5-yr)
$14,211
$14,712
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,027
$12,027
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,630
$10,565
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,408
$4,332
Registration (5-yr)
$880
$870
Starting Price
$29,300
$28,790
Horsepower
187 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
38.7 cu ft
39.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$764
$45,821 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$28,790
MSRP
$28,790
Mo · 5yr
$770
$46,170 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Kia Sportage scores higher overall.
Hyundai Tucson
0
/ 100
Kia Sportage
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Tucson
79
Sportage
78
Winner: Tucson
$349 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Tucson
60
Sportage
64
Winner: Sportage
+4 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Tucson
32
Sportage
38
Winner: Sportage
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Tucson
57
Sportage
57
Evenly matched
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Too close to call — these two vehicles are within $349 of each other over 5 years. The cost difference is small enough that your priorities should drive the decision.
Hyundai Tucson wins on best for long-term savings; Kia Sportage wins on best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Hyundai Tucson
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Tucson
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia Sportage
Marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Kia Sportage
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Kia Sportage
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Hyundai Tucson
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$764
$45,821 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$764/mo
Kia Sportage
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$770
$46,170 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$770/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Hyundai Tucson comes out about $349 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
