What To Know
- The Hyundai Tucson impresses with its fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with the 2.
- The Ford Kuga, with its more potent engine, offers slightly lower fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- The Hyundai Tucson offers better fuel economy than the Ford Kuga, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the Kuga’s 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
In the realm of compact SUVs, two formidable contenders stand out: the Hyundai Tucson and the Ford Kuga. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and practicality, catering to the diverse needs of modern drivers. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these two SUVs, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next compact SUV.
Design and Styling:
The Hyundai Tucson exudes a sleek and futuristic design, characterized by its sharp lines, bold grille, and striking LED headlights. Its dynamic silhouette conveys a sense of agility and athleticism, while its spacious interior boasts a modern and sophisticated ambiance. In contrast, the Ford Kuga adopts a more rugged and muscular stance, with a prominent grille, muscular fenders, and a commanding road presence. Its interior is equally impressive, offering a spacious and well-appointed cabin with user-friendly technology features.
Performance and Handling:
Under the hood, the Hyundai Tucson offers a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 161 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, and a more potent 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive shifting. The Ford Kuga, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers exhilarating acceleration and impressive towing capabilities.
In terms of handling, the Hyundai Tucson offers a composed and stable ride, with well-tuned suspension that absorbs bumps and irregularities effectively. The Ford Kuga, with its more athletic suspension setup, provides agile handling and responsive steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.
Fuel Efficiency and Range:
The Hyundai Tucson impresses with its fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with the 2.0-liter engine. The more powerful 2.4-liter engine returns 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Ford Kuga, with its more potent engine, offers slightly lower fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Interior Comfort and Convenience:
Inside, the Hyundai Tucson offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin, with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The dashboard features a user-friendly layout, with intuitive controls and a large touchscreen infotainment system. The Ford Kuga‘s interior is equally spacious and comfortable, with supportive seats and ample legroom for all occupants. The center console houses a user-friendly infotainment system with a variety of connectivity options.
Safety Features and Technology:
The Hyundai Tucson comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Ford Kuga also offers a wide range of safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Price and Value:
The Hyundai Tucson offers a competitive price point, with a starting MSRP of $24,950. The Ford Kuga, with its more powerful engine and additional standard features, starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $25,995.
Verdict:
The Hyundai Tucson and Ford Kuga are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and practicality. The Hyundai Tucson excels in fuel efficiency and affordability, while the Ford Kuga impresses with its powerful engine, agile handling, and comprehensive safety features. Ultimately, the choice between these two SUVs depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Which SUV is Right for You?
If you prioritize fuel efficiency, affordability, and a spacious interior, the Hyundai Tucson is an excellent choice. However, if you seek exhilarating performance, agile handling, and advanced safety features, the Ford Kuga is the better option.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Hyundai Tucson or the Ford Kuga?
A: The Hyundai Tucson offers better fuel economy than the Ford Kuga, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the Kuga’s 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine, the Hyundai Tucson or the Ford Kuga?
A: The Ford Kuga has a more powerful engine than the Hyundai Tucson, with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tucson’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Hyundai Tucson or the Ford Kuga?
A: Both the Hyundai Tucson and Ford Kuga offer spacious interiors, with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. However, the Tucson offers slightly more cargo space behind the rear seats, with 38.7 cubic feet compared to the Kuga’s 36.1 cubic feet.