Hyundai Tucson GLS vs. KIA Sportage Alpha: A Detailed Comparison

The 3rd generation Hyundai Tucson was launched in Pakistan in 2020 in two variants – Tucson GLS Sport FWD and Tucson Ultimate AWD. Meanwhile, its main local competitor – KIA – had three offerings in the same category: Alpha, FWD, and AWD. Therefore, it was three against two. Feeling the pressure, Hyundai has finally launched its base variant in the local market – Tucson GLS, which would directly compete with KIA’s Sportage base variant (Alpha). There is a slight difference of Rs.65,000 between the two, with the GLS being the more expensive SUV. Additionally, there are spec and feature differences between the two, which is the main focus of this blog.

So, let’s delve a bit more into these two base variants from their respective companies and see which SUV would give you more value for your money.

Hyundai Tucson GLS vs. KIA Sportage Alpha: Exterior

Both the Hyundai Tucson GLS and KIA Sportage Alpha have modern and sporty designs. 

It therefore comes down to personal preference, as both vehicles exude a strong visual presence.

Specifications	GLS	Alpha
L ✕ W ✕ H	4480 ✕ 1850 ✕ 1660mm	4485 ✕ 1855 ✕ 1635mm
Wheelbase	2670mm	2670mm
Ground Clearance	172mm	172mm
Fuel Tank	62L	62L
No. of Doors	5	5
Front Suspension	McPherson Strut	McPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Multi Link	Multi Link
Front Brakes	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Wheel Type	Alloy Wheels	Alloy Wheels
Wheel Size	18”	17”
Tyres	225/55/R18	225/60/R17
Headlamps	Halogen	Halogen
DRLs	LED	LED
Rear	LED Combination	Bulb

Hyundai Tucson GLS vs. KIA Sportage Alpha: Interior

In this section, you will have information on the comfort and other essential features found inside of a car. 

Specifications	GLS	Alpha
Seating Capacity	5	5
Power Windows	✔	✔
Power Steering	✔	✔
Leather Seats	X	X
Cruise Control	✔	✔
Keyless Entry	✔	✔
Rear Folding Seat	✔	✔
Steering Adjustment	✔	✔
Power Seats	X	X
Power Mirrors	✔	✔
Sun Roof	X	X
Infotainment System	10.1”	7”
Instrument Cluster	3.5” LCD	3.5” LCD
Climate Control	X	✔
Rear AC Vents	✔	✔
Front & Rear Speakers	✔	✔
Steering Switches	✔	✔
Navigation	✔	✔
Push Start Button	X	✔

As can be seen, except for a few features, the remaining features are the same between the two.

Hyundai Tucson GLS vs. KIA Sportage Alpha: Safety Features

So, which one of these two SUVs is the safest? Let’s find out. 

Specifications	GLS	Alpha
ABS	✔	✔
Air Bags	Driver + Passenger	Driver + Passenger
Power Door Locks	✔	✔
Traction Control	X	X
Immobilizer	✔	✔
Front Fog Lights	✔	✔
Defogger	✔	✔
Front Camera	X	X
Rear Camera	✔	✔
Child Lock	✔	✔
Hill Start Assist	X	X
Downhill Brake Control	X	X
Burglar Alarm	✔	✔

Both SUVs will provide you with the same amount of safety. 

Hyundai Tucson GLS vs. KIA Sportage Alpha: Engine & Performance

Let’s find out which of the two is the strongest in terms of performance, etc. 

Specifications	GLS	Alpha
Displacement	1999cc	1999cc
Power	155Hp@6200rpm	155Hp@6200rpm
Torque	196Nm@4000rpm	196Nm@4000rpm
Transmission Type	Automatic	Automatic
Gear/Speeds	6	6
Valve Mechanism	DOHC 16 Valves	DOHC 16 Valves
No. of Cylinders	4	4
Cylinder Configuration	In-line	In-line
Fuel System	MPi	MPi

Engine, power, and performance-wise, they are identical. 

Hyundai Tucson GLS vs. KIA Sportage Alpha: Price

As mentioned earlier, the Hyundai Tucson is slightly more expensive than the KIA Sportage Alpha. The Hyundai Tucson GLS is priced at Rs.7,365,000, while the KIA Sportage Alpha comes with a price tag of Rs.7,300,000. Now that we know the differences in terms of specs and features, the question arises: does a price difference of Rs.65,000 really matter given that there are a lot of similarities between the two?

If you had to choose between the two, which one would you go for? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Photos Credits:

• hyundai-nishat.com
• kia-luckymotorcorp.com