Hyundai ix35 v Kia Sportage
We compare two South Korean SUVs with the same origins.
Hyundai ix35 AWD Elite: From $35,990 plus on-road costs. 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol; 136kW and 240Nm; 6-sp automatic; 9.8L/100km combined and 233g/km CO2; FWD.
Kia Sportage AWD Platinum: From $38,390 plus on-road costs. 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol; 122kW and 197Nm; 6-sp automatic; 8.8L/100km combined and 210g/km CO2; FWD.
Value
Hyundai
The cheaper car in this shootout, however it is technically a spec lower than the Kia (the flagship Highlander starts at $38,590). Standard features include a seven-inch colour touchscreen, sat-nav, climate control, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, auto dimming rear view mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, electric front seats and push button start. Full-size alloy spare standard.
Kia
The Sportage was recently the subject of a $1900 price increase, which explains its hefty premium over the mid-spec Hyundai. Even so, the extra $2400 in starting price is money well spent. Over the Hyundai, the Kia scores leather seats with seat warming function in both rows, front parking sensors and an Infinity premium audio unit with subwoofer and amplifier. Full-size alloy spare standard.
Winner: Kia
Interior
Hyundai
The Hyundai interior is a convincing package, though it is a little spartan. The seat material comprises a combination of leatherette and woven cloth upholstery and many of the dashboard and door plastics are hard to touch. The seats feel less supportive than the Kia, particularly the shortage of lateral support for rear seat occupants. That said, it is a functional package with strong internal proportions and decent all-round storage. There are two 12-volt power outlets and the rear seats offer a two-stage reclining function. No rear air vents.
Kia
Sliding behind the wheel of the Kia feels more upmarket and design-conscious. Soft leather seats complete with white stitching are standard for front and rear occupants. The sweeping dashboard layout is finished with soft touch materials and the instrument cluster and centre fascia are more visually appealing. In car storage is on par with the Hyundai, with deep door pockets for front and rear passengers, a roomy centre console and a flip down arm rest with cupholders for the rear pew. Again, it misses out on rear air vents.
Winner: Kia
Under the bonnet
Hyundai
The ix35 gets a larger, naturally aspirated 2.4-litre engine as standard, mated to a six speed automatic transmission. Not only is it more powerful on the road, it reaches peak outputs lower in the rev range. Overtaking manoeuvres are less fuss and there is noticeably more grunt during uphill climbs. One downside is that it is thirstier in real-world scenarios, but not by much.
Kia
The Kia gets a 2.0-litre petrol engine now with direct injection and comes mated to a six-speed automatic. The smaller capacity is noticed behind the wheel, with the engine feeling peakier at times. While it’s down on power, the Kia is the more efficient option. We averaged about 0.5L/100km better fuel economy in the Sportage during equal time with both cars. The overall figure for the Kia was about 8.5L/100km.
Winner: Hyundai
How it drives
Hyundai
The ix35 was updated late last year with a renewed emphasis on local tuning. The result is a package which is slightly firmer than the Kia over minor inconsistencies and similarly adept dynamically. One gripe is the steering, which feels heavy at low speeds and lacks feedback.
Kia
The Kia is about on-par for this genre. It too feels light and nimble enough around town and is moderately capable during enthusiastic driving. Like the Hyundai, its driving nature is no-fuss and pleasant.
Winner: Draw
Servicing and ownership costs
Hyundai
Comes delivered with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and $399 capped price servicing. The latter offer is offered for the first three years or 45,000km travelled (3 intervals spaced 12 months/15,000km apart).
Kia
Also gets a standard five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and capped price servicing, which is offered for the first five years or 75,000km (5 intervals spaced 12 months/15,000km apart). On average, the Kia package is cheaper too, valued at $379.80 per service.
Winner: Kia
Verdict
Hyundai
A commendable package that has found favour with thousands of Australians. It loses out on value and servicing costs here.
Kia
There’s barely anything between these two. However, while a tad more expensive, the Sportage is the slightly better value equation.
Winner: Kia