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Tucson or Sportage?

24K views 71 replies 20 participants last post by  rvoll 
#1 ·
KIA would as SX with AWD, while Tucson as Limited, AWD. Most likely with the package. Therefore, both would have almost exactly same equipment.

Differences are: KIA gets 2.0 T, but A/T, while Hyundai 1.6 T with DCT.

And here is the catch - 2.0 while providing much more power, eats fuel like crazy, plus it is just plain torque converter A/T. Tucson gives 1.6, but DCT. I do not need a racing car... so 2.0 is not a must.

I dislike overall Sportage front design (especially the multiple "square-y" fog lights) and rear low turn signals, but non-problematic A/T might be selling point. However, complains about 2.0 T issues (so called 2nd cylinder failure in other models, prone to sludge...) make me worry.

I like much more shape of 2016 Tucson and the fact it has turn signals that are in sight, not so low like in Sportage. It is much better in fuel economy and comes with DCT. The dual clutch, though, has been known for a while for its many problems...

So no easy choice. Price basically same. Inside - well, that's upon preferences, but generally same.

So any input from you guys? Anyone drove both?
 
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#2 · (Edited)
I agree with your point on the ice cube fogs, but those are an easy fix. Use the factory fog housing from the lower model (round halogen fogs) and put some driving lights or aftermarket fogs in there.

I opted for the SX because of the DCT problems with the Tucson and the far superior interior on the Sportage.

I would caution anyone considering a tucson to read that thread. Hyundai got something very wrong when they put the DCT in the tucson, not sure if it is to do all with programing or if they changed suppliers for some of the components or what. It has been around too long to be having these issues.

The two main issues are the no-go (clutches won't engage, engine revs to 5,000 rpm before it begins to inch forward if at all) and the over heat warning. The latter is often to do with the driving style the former has not been figured out yet and happens at random with no warning and no pattern. Some people get it with less than 1,000 miles on the odo, others have it show up after 10,000 miles. The majority of the NHTSA complaints (40+ in the past 4 months) are about the transmission.

The DCT is NOT a performance transmission it is a dry clutch economy transmission.

DCT aside, the interior of the Sportage SX is way nicer than the tucson from the driver seat. It drives so much better than my 2015 SX it's not even funny. Audio system is better as well. One caution, the FWD will give LOTS of off the line wheel spin. I have wider wheels and sticky tires on the way that should correct most of that. But you said AWD so you should be fine. The tucson drives OK but is lackig in the power department. Easily corrected with a tune and a few select exhaust (downpipe) and intake parts (Charge pipe).

The awd tucson weighs the same as the FWD sportage (based on car and driver test data sheets with corner weights etc). AWD sportage will be a bit heavier than the AWD Tucson.

Fuel economy is not a concern for me as the difference, based on the mileage i drive is a few hundred dollars per year.
 
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#3 ·
I've driven all 3, the Sportage SX, EX, and the Tuscon Limited.

I would compare the drive of the Tuscon and EX to be similar. The Tuscon trans shifts really fast, but it lurches from stop and under other conditions (did it bad on me in a parking lot and scared me the first time). It also rolls backwards on hills which is something I think would take some getting used to. The EX doesn't shift as fast, but I found it to shift in better locations (RPMs) and shift very smoothly.

The Sportage SX beats the other 2 hands down. But, if it's an important check on your list, you do loose fuel economy. I'm switching from a Murano that gets 20 MPG with premium to a Sportage that gets 20+ MPG with regular, so I'll already be saving. But I do believe it's this one and only flaw that will keep masses from buying this car, otherwise it would be ranked above all including the CX-5.

In terms of interior, I can't say I agree with mad_sb. I think they both have their pluses and minus that only you can decide. I do however like the Sportage better overall. BUT, the Tuscon (and all Hyundais I believe) does have one thing that I absolutely HATE. HATE HATE HATE. And it's the stupid glaring blue interior lights at night. HORRIBLE!!! The main ones dim to what is more like a glowing purple (ugly as hell), but the ones on the door buttons don't dim. They are exceedingly bright and obnoxious. Make sure you check out night driving in both vehicles before proceeding. It may bother you or it may not, but the lighting of the 2 vehicles is drastically different.

The one and only thing for me that would make the Sportage SX perfect, is to have memory seats. A shame it's not there. $50 says it will be part of a refresh 3 years from now. Oh yeah, and I currently dislike just about all cars and the electronic variable steering. But what cha gonna do.
 
#4 ·
Drive all the cars you may be interested in. I've never driven any Hyundai - I was captivated by the new 3G Sportage in 2011 and I was blown away by my new 2017 SX 4G. There also may be significant cost differences from the Tucson to the SX, so if you're comparing them that way, the Tucson may look like a better buy.
It could be if you do not consider yourself to be a sporty driver and have no interest in the 'edgier' or more 'flashy' cars, it would be a waste of money to get the SX. But if you do, you really need that SX. In my view you are presented with two different versions of the same platform. The differences are stark; those who would favor a more 'refined' car will not like the SX and vice versa.
As to the mileage, I have done well with it over the years with many different cars. It's way too early for me to say anything yet about the SX. However, I'm encouraged by the first 1/4 tank in combination driving which has steadily climbed to just over 20. Its full of cheap gas from the dealer and without the fuel treatment I use, so I won't know anything worth telling for another 30 days at least.
One thing I can tell you, this car is very responsive to the throttle as well as brakes and steering input. Unlike many turbos, it develops excellent torque at lower engine speeds and there is no lag when you need power.
I think if I didn't know better and was told it was an AUDI, I would believe it.
 
#5 ·
One of the biggest reasons why I chose the SX Sportage was because of the engine. But if you want something that's smoother (probably) and not as fast, I would go with the Tucson. They both have very similar features, just the Hyundai requires some extra packages to get to the Kia's point. Both great cars, you can't go wrong with either one.

It comes down to looks, you said you weren't a fan of the Sportage, and features.

The Tucson gets better MPG, has a DCT and one more gear, and heated rear seats with the package. Those are really the only differences.
 
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#6 ·
Thanks everyone.

To add, we will be switching from 2007 Rondo. The car still drives great, so there is no rush. The problem we might see is the space inside the car. Both Tucson and Sportage are slightly smaller outside, but much smaller inside.

Funny thing. My wife likes Sportage... and since it will be mainly for her, I think this is what we might go with.
I read about DCT and there is still no good, solid solution. Something went wrong with Hyundai and DCT in Tucson. Veloster Turbo is fine, though.

@Zgame200,
Sportage SX would be the choice due to the engine and other extras (sunroof, HID...).

@191145
I am spirited... why would I get Forte5 SX?? :)
This one will be for wife, who has pretty heavy foot so fuel economy might not be the best here...

@Bonzo17
Oh yes, memory seats... both are missing that. WHY??
I had 2004 Elatra (could not complain) then I got 2009 Elantra and I agree with you. The blue interior looks nice for the first view. It attracts the observer. But for longer run it is annoying. Very bright. I had to turn down the interior almost all the way to make it bearable while driving at night.
I have not driven either yet, so I can't really say now.


@mad_sb
I agree. DCT is the main issue here. If it was OK like it is in Veloster Turbo, I would not really think of it. On the other hand, the engine - I currently have Forte5 SX that has 1.6T. Exactly same what Tucson has, but rated higher - 200 HP, 200 lb*ft. Tucson got de-tuned version. Hence, I would be wondering how it will pull much heavier car... DCT would be a help here, though. Mine is stick, of course.
 
#15 ·
Thanks everyone.

...
@mad_sb
I agree. DCT is the main issue here. If it was OK like it is in Veloster Turbo, I would not really think of it. On the other hand, the engine - I currently have Forte5 SX that has 1.6T. Exactly same what Tucson has, but rated higher - 200 HP, 200 lb*ft. Tucson got de-tuned version. Hence, I would be wondering how it will pull much heavier car... DCT would be a help here, though. Mine is stick, of course.
Very True, but the sportage 2.0T-GDI also got detuned. I do think both are easily correctable with a tune.

The real issue with the 1.6 (and I think the dct) are the weight of the tucson. The forte weighs in between 2900 and 3150 depending on options, the tucson weighs in between 3400 and 3750 lbs. Thats too much for the dct in my opinion. Wet clutch could handle it in traffic, dry clutch... not with me behind the wheel :)

Hyundai got dinged on the initial quality survey and with the volume of complaints they are looking into the issue. As usual, it has to hit critical mass before the info flows up from the dealers to the manufacturer and back down. They have done a few buy backs to get problem vehicles in the engineers hands. Eventually there will be a fix, but i needed to make a decision and I am VERY happy with the SX!
 
#7 · (Edited)
New member here, just traded a 2016 Hyundai Tucson Sport model for a 2017 Sportage EX with EX Technology Package.
I also drove the 2016 Rav4 SE and the CRV as well, they didn't come even close to the way the Sportage drive. And the gas is better in the Hyundai but I don't care.
 
#8 ·
I also drove the 2016 Rav4 SE and the CRV as well, they didn't come even close to the way the Sportage drive. And the gas is better in the Hyundai but I don't care.
RAV4 and CRV - they were also considered. You say they do not compare. Why?

Also, you have Sportage with 2.4 or 2.0T? EX comes with the naturally aspirated engine. Sunroof would be a package then. Correct me if I am wrong.
 
#11 ·
Thanks.

How was Tucson overall? If not the DCT... did you have any common problems with it (DCT)?
 
#12 ·
The SX also has a 'drive mode switch' with ECO, Normal and Sport settings. I am now using mostly ECO and am getting generally around 4 mpg better than I was with Normal (the default position). Sport is fun but it encourages heavy-footing the car which eats up the gas. But, its just the thing for merging, passing, etc. The SX is actually a different car from the other Sportages, sharing mostly the body. It's not a race car at all and could really use more boost in the higher RPM ranges but it is a very sporty machine. Rides and handles great, has bigger brakes and wheels, wider tires, dual exhaust, etc.
I see the Tucson as the car for someone who really wants some kind of Honda. Conservative appearance and performance, nothing stand-out about it. Sportage LX and EX would both be competitors with the Tucson but they each have the proven 2.4L engine and 6-speed auto - if I were making this comparison I would go with the Sportage because of it's edgier appearance and better performance.
 
#13 ·
We drove several cars when making our decision. The Sportage EX with the 2.4, the Nissan Rogue, and the Hyundai Tuscon 1.6 turbo. (Didn't drive the SX as we felt like the EX had plenty of power for us....ok, maybe not us but for her :) and it is her main car.) I thought the sportage 2.4 was way better than the Tuscon 1.6 turbo. Rode nicer, and much quieter in my opinion. Plus loved everything better about the Sportage other than the front end but not a huge difference to us. Few points to consider. For us the EX was a nicer riding car (18 inch wheels versus 19 inch on the SX) and the most quiet. (Especially versus the Rogue although I thought the Rogue was a slightly smoother ride) Also, if you are not a fan of the SX cube fogs, the EX has a different fog light. Tranny seems very smooth as well. I'm old school and we keep our cars a long time so I was hesitant to go the turbo route.....although with the 10/100 Warr that concern is less.

Bottom line, after 2 weeks of owning an EX with tech and premium package, we could not be happier! It has absolutely everything and soon will have apple car play. The only thing that still pisses me off is the lack of availability of memory seats. That would make this car PERFECT.
 
#16 ·
So I got to drive AWD Limited Tucson with package (roof).

Things I liked - quiet, quick shifts (most of them smooth). I liked ECO mode holding hear tight to take advantage of low end torque.

Things I did not like - no power from stop, regardless of drive mode. I even let the clutch to engage and then floored it. It was barely moving. Forget about any wheel spin. Why would you need TC? lol Other things - weird feel of DCT. You take foot off the brake and the car suddenly starts moving. There is no this soft pull like torque converter does. The first shifts are very abrupt, jerky. It felt underpowered for this car. Sure, it had some nice toque feel at low end, but on highway it needed higher engine speeds to pickup some speed.

Inside - confusing messages. Parking assist - light is lit when the system is OFF. Lane departure warning - light is lit when the system is ON. Hyundai, make them the same way!!
 
#17 ·
Yet Car & Driver still ranks the Tuscon above the Sportage. :( They are so full of schiit. The only place it wins is perhaps looks (subjective), and certainly gas mileage. They are just too afraid to rank a vehicle that basically gets last in gas mileage in it's class as the best vehicle. It's political B.S. They still have the CX-5 as #1 . No way. I drove both and there is no way the CX-5 is better. But, even with the CX-5 basically lying about it's true mileage capabilities, it still out does the Sportage in that arena by quite a bit. In today's politically correct "green" world, mileage is king.
 
#19 ·
Yet Car & Driver still ranks the Tuscon above the Sportage. :( They are so full of schiit. The only place it wins is perhaps looks (subjective), and certainly gas mileage. They are just too afraid to rank a vehicle that basically gets last in gas mileage in it's class as the best vehicle. It's political B.S. They still have the CX-5 as no 1. No way. I drove both and there is no way the CX-5 is better. But, even with the CX-5 basically lying about it's true mileage capabilities, it still out does the Sportage in that arena by quite a bit. In today's politically correct "green" world, mileage is king.
I have the CX5 Diesel and the Sportage 2.4 GDI Petrol.

IMHO. The CX5 and Sportage are neck to neck in most areas. Notable exceptions:

1) CX5 driving dynamics is a hair better than Sportage
2) Sportage NVH is better than CX5. A lot less wind noise sitting in the Sportage.
3) CX5 Diesel with stop/stat technology is at least 30 - 40% more fuel efficient compared to the Sportage 2.4 GDI Petrol. Not really a fair comparison given Diesel vs Petrol but none the less.
4) CX5 is more expensive than Sportage
5) You cannot get radar cruise control, memory seats and Adaptive LED headlight in Sportage at any trim. If you value these 3 features then CX5 is the way to go. Note that US CX5 has a dumbed down version of LED headlights due to some strange NTHSA rules.
 
#18 · (Edited)
A while back when looking for a good used car for my wife, we looked at the Ford Fiesta.

I had no knowledge of DCT at the time and during the test drive I noticed a chattering on some pull off's and occasional poor shifts - I then went home and did a little internet research and found out that these dual clutch transmissions had given Ford a good deal of trouble, and they were forced to extend warranty on a few models.
I also found a video showing how to change the transmission output oil seal - after seeing that, I realised that the dual clutch was not a task for the average home DIY man and needed special tools - took any vehicle with that type of transmission off our list.

http://www.autonews.com/article/201...g-dual-clutch-transmissions-lose-favor-in-u.s.
 
#21 ·
Forgot to mention, I didn't tell the dealer I didn't really like the infotainment system in the CX-5 because at that point I had nothing to compare it to. I like the Hyundai / KIA system much better than the Mazda system. Easier to use, more features, better screen I think. I much prefer the touch screen to that annoying wheel thing. And, the Mazda system is like most other ones in that it's hard to turn the friggin' screen OFF. I don't want the screen blaring at me going down I-75 at 11:00 at night when you are heading straight home is beyond me. For Mazda and the others, you have to go down several levels in the system to turn off the screen. With Hyundai / KIA, you hit settings, then off. Much better.
 
#22 ·
Apparently the US 2016.5 version of the CX5 nows get memory seats but only with 6-way adjustable. The USA 2016.5 CX5 memory seats feature is reported in the Mazda247 forum. In AU/NZ, we get 8-way adjustable memory seats. For some reasons Mazda USA is dumbing down some features for the USA market.

I also find the Sportage driver seat is more supportive than the CX5 seat. All in all, the Sportage is a very fine car and hard to beat from a value for money's perspective. The better NVH of the Sportage alone may sway some buyer.
 
#23 ·
The car I drove was in fact a 2016.5 model, fully loaded, and it did NOT have memory seats. I complained to the dealer and they agreed it was a major mistake by Mazda as it's the #1 complaint they get. There is also still no mention of memory seats on the website. Perhaps Mazda changed their mind and there is now something like a 2016.5.2? Doesn't really matter though, of all the cars I test drove or sat in, the Mazda seats were the least comfortable of them all (My wife still talks about how horrible she thought they were). Well, except maybe the Lexus 200Nt, which is small inside. The passenger seat is down right cramped. And talk about a horrible infotainment system. The Lexus 200Nt was at the bottom of cars we tested.
 
#24 ·
Quite a few people are having serious problems with the DCT on the some 2016 Tucson models (so far about 85 complaints). There is a no-go problem, the engine revs but the car won't go anywhere. It isn't caused by driver error. Experienced, knowledgeable people are reporting the problem, they know how DCTs are supposed to work. Some have posted YouTube videos and complained to NHTSA. So far no fix from Hyundai. You can check it out on hyundai-forums.com. One Tucson owner traded his vehicle in on a Sportage and he loves the new vehicle.
 
#25 ·
All right. A short update. You'll be surprise. Although, I could have figured that out.

KIA of Lansing - if you can, avoid them... very poor customer service. For some reason sales are the worst I have ever had a chance to see, while Service is great. Weird.
They never let me drive SX, but they want me to buy it or at least commit to buy one. And even if they get one, they never would call or email that there is one. I must hunt myself.
In addition, the guy who "works" with me "does not do emails"... only text or phone. Go figure.

Anyway, finally my wife got time to take a trip to Hyundai and KIA. They are next to each other. We first went to Hyundai. Very nice experience. She got to drive Tucson Limited AWD. She liked it. She did not complain much about sluggish start from dead stop, although I hate it. This small 1.6T has decent torque at low end to propel the car easily and quietly. The manager offered a decent amount, so I must say it was a nice visit.

And here is the changer.
While we were waiting for them to appraise our Rondo, my wife first spotted Elantra GT. She liked it. Small, agile car.
Then she went to the next one, looked around (in/out) and said - I like this one more. It was Veloster Turbo (Velociraptor as we say it).
I was like - are you sure?
The manager was OK, he showed numbers and actually the incentives are even better than for Tucson. Short discussion and we said, OK, we will leave to see Sportage.

KIA - well, as above - no one had the time to talk to us... SX was not there, and actually, she was not happy with the LX she sat in. The seat was not comfy. Maybe SX has different seats...
All in all - no SX in our hands again.

Then we talk - did you really like Velociraptor? She did.
Actually, we realised we do not need a big car anymore. Kids are 7 and 10. The fit OK in Forte5 SX. It is big enough to take us on local vacation. If we have to travel further, we fly, or we would rent a car to fit more people...

So, all in all, we look into other options and we came back to her dream-car - Mini Cooper.

Therefore, on Thursday we are going to see some in Ann Arbor. There is one, previous demo car, with decent discount, loaded, 2.0T, that would basically fly...

Will update on the progress.


By the way.
Did anyone sit in Sportage LX? Do LX and SX (except leather) have different seats?
 
#27 ·
By the way.
Did anyone sit in Sportage LX? Do LX and SX (except leather) have different seats?
Yes, but sorry I don't remember. I'd guess the manual seats are different than the power ones, but I'm not 100% sure.

Try to check one of these out if you can. The pics don't do it justice, because in real life the 2016 Hyundai Veloster Rally Edition 1.6L Turbo in matte blue is very striking.
 

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#26 ·
We ended up getting a Mini Cooper for my wife and she is in love with it.

I avoided the turbo Cooper S.

There was timing chain issues with models earlier than around 2010.
 
#28 ·
It is 2015. Thanks for the info, though.
You see, Ron, the problem I might see is that the nearest dealer is about 50 miles away... so in case of any problem I face 2 hours driving distance.

Any problems so far? We were looking at Cooper S Hardtop 4 door in British Green.

Try to check one of these out if you can. The pics don't do it justice, because in real life the 2016 Hyundai Veloster Rally Edition 1.6L Turbo in matte blue is very striking.
Nope. Will not work. Rally is stick shift only. It must an automatic for the lady.
 
#30 ·
We bought a 2012 Cooper Hard Top with 25K miles on the clock and have only done 4K miles.

The manufacturers oil service interval is around 15K miles, which in my opinion is far too long even for full synth oil, and even more so if its a turbo.

Mini warranty period is very short, so I guess you'll soon be doing it yourself.

Sign up with this forum - not as active as this one.
2nd Generation MINIs - North American Motoring
 
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#31 ·
We bought a 2012 Cooper Hard Top with 25K miles on the clock and have only done 4K miles.

The manufacturers oil service interval is around 15K miles, which in my opinion is far too long even for full synth oil, and even more so if its a turbo.

Mini warranty period is very short, so I guess you'll soon be doing it yourself.
This one has about 41 months left plus some powertrain of nearly 80 months or so.
15k miles - that is kind of European interval.
 
#32 ·
MINI is a "no".

1. Fun to drive. It really takes advantage of the low end torque. I liked the way it upshifts. It acts almost like a DCT, yet it is just TC automatic. She liked it even more in this regards
2. Well equipped. Nice seats.

But the dealer would not budge at all. They dropped $200 (two hundred) off their price. I guess I was not prepared correctly. I should have brought "pre-approved loan"...

Anyway, the next day we realised that MINI is not a car for us now.

Now researching Soul...
so all in all we might be back to Sportage once Young from KIA of Lansing finally decides to get some SXs on the lot. Annoying...
 
#33 ·
I, too, am in the Tucson vs Sportage quandry...

Looking for input from you guys. I am looking to get a small CUV/SUV early next year and have researching vehicles since early this year. Just to let you know I am driving a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport and have gotten over 225K miles out of it. Our other car is a 2015 Kia Sedona Minivan which we got last year to replace a 2001 Chevy Venture that we drove until transmission gave up in the same mileage area. So we get cars and want to keep them for a long time.

I have heard good things about the 2016 (and now 2017) Hyundai Tucson and it is my favorite of the styles out there. The only items I have been holding against it are the "Horrible DCT Issues" which hopefully (per their forum) may have been cleared up with a new DCT TCM update released last week (I will keep an eye out for their long term results). The other issue I have is that due to finances, I really am not looking to go the Limited route, but it seems like you have to go that route to get any kind of decent options. This puts you into the $32K to $35K region on price (although the Sport comes in at the low $28's, but no packages available).

On the other hand, I have been looking at the 2017 Kia Sportage. It has the standard automatic transmission so there are no DCT issues there. It incorporates some decent options into even its base LX model, and those options are standard on an EX model with some other things too (even without any EX packages added). These price out at around $27K to $28K .

So basically do I get the Tucson and get better gas mileage by about 5 mpg and worry about the DCT with fewer features, or do I get the Sportage with potentially less issues, more features, and about 5 mpg less with a style that is OK to me but not great.

PS: I also like the Mazda CX-5, but I really like the longer warranties from Hyundai and Kia. Also, I have been warned away from CVT issues with Honda CR-V & Nissan Rogue and know the Forrester & Rav4 have CVTs too.

Any points of view/recommendations are appreciated.

FYI--- Looking at AWD versions only
 
#35 ·
As @LimL said, I'd read this thread in it's entirety. We have all posted reasons pro and con. My only other real advice is to take both for 24 hour test drives. It makes a big difference over just a 10 or 15 jaunt with some dude talking in your ear. And as I found, it's important to have it at night so you can see how it looks in the dark. For example, I HATE HATE HATE the the blaring blue lights in the Tuscon. And it gives you a chance to sit in your garage, drink a beer, and really go through all the electronics and menus to see how it all works (without driving). Like one thing I find important that others won't at all, is the ability to turn the center screen completely off. On the CX-5 and others, it's like 3 or 4 levels down in the menu system to get to the off button. The Ford Escape was worse. On the Tuscon and Sportage, it's 2 buttons, settings, then off. Bing, boom, done.

I happen to like CVTs so don't ask me to comment on that. My Murano's CVT worked flawlessly for 193,000 miles and I never even changed the fluid. Super smooth with zero issues. I found it to be very nice in the Rogue.

As for the DCT in the Tuscon, it shifts super fast and I liked that a lot. But it lurches at start off and doesn't hold you still when sitting on a hill. I certainly did not hate it like others are implying; that it totally sucks. It didn't for me. But it would take some getting used to. The Sportage trans is much more normal and worked quite well during my 24 hours with it.

I found the CX-5 inferior overall to both the Tuscon and Sportage (except maybe in interior looks).

It's all about your priorities and preferences. I thought I'd love the Tuscon, and I did mostly, but it's a sad state of affairs to say the thing I liked least was those stupid interior lights. They would just bug the crap out of me over time. In this day and age of inexpensive LED's I wish making the light colors totally customizable would trickle down from the luxury cars like most all the other features.
 
#34 ·
ProspectiveConnor,

I posted some comments regarding CX5 vs Sportage in this thread. Might be worth a read. Personally I would stay away from anything DCT or CVT. Just don't believe DCT and CVT are mature enough transmission technologies to last the distance that you are talking about.

http://www.kia-forums.com/4g-2016-2017-sportage/249586-sx-turbo-comparisons.html

IMHO. You can't go wrong with either the Sportage or CX5. There are features on each which may swing your decision one way or the other. Do note Sportage is new whereas CX5 is already on facelift meaning most of the bugs should have been sorted. However, KIA seems to have built itself on the reputation of very good initial quality.

Do a thorough test drive and take whatever you like the most ...
 
#36 ·
Just FYI...

Consumer Reports finally got done testing the 2017 Sportage and they rated it 76 overall and 3rd in Compact SUV behind the Forrester and the RAV4 and just ahead of the Tucson.

They recommend the LX with popular package as the best value but point out having to jump to EX to get blind spot monitoring
 
#38 ·
I just traded in a '14 Mazda 3 sGT for the Sportage EX with both packages. The 3 has the same engine/transmission/infotainment as the CX-5. Mazda does handle better than the Kia -- more like a sports car. Steering is tighter, road feel is better, and engine response is better on the CX-5. The sport mode on the Mazda is better tuned in. The infotainment system on the Mazda, in its latest update, is better for the driver as moving the control knob in the center of the console becomes automatic and makes it easier to keep your eyes on the road. The paddle shifters are also a nice touch. Also great, is the heads up display (which I really miss) showing both speed and navigation cues. However, the Mazda has a lot of road noise and build quality is not as good as the Kia.

The Sportage transmission is smoother but the sport mode is not tuned in well. It is a lot quieter and uses slightly better materials. I come from a background of having sports cars for the last 55 years or so and performance does make a difference. I tried the Hyundai and although it had a few more options in the higher trim, I wanted the parking sensors in front. Also, I didn't like the shift points in the DCT. My Mazda came with front and rear parking sensors.

I take a lot of road trips, so the build quality and quietness make a big difference. If I were just looking for performance and handling, I'd get the CX-5 -- but now I want some quiet in my life. I did test drive the turbo, and I still liked the handling better on the CX-5. I also tried the X1 and Macan. Both are nice cars but not that much better than the Kia and certainly not worth the price IMO.

When the Kia was delivered, I suffered from significant tramlining. However, that was due to overinflation of the tires to 44 psi. (The manufacturer ships the cars with overinflated tires). The SD card cover was also not right and it would not go down all of the way. They are ordering a new part to fix that problem. The only other significant issues was that my wife uses a cushion, and that defeats the passenger airbag. I didn't have that problem on any other car I've owned including BMW's, Merc's, Porsches, Honda's, and Hyundai's. The dealer is searching for a solution to that problem.

All in all, I am very happy with the car. I'm adding custom USB outlets that are not hot all of the time, adding a hardwired radar detector, and ProClip phone mount also with hardwire. I'm also experimenting with a GPS driven speed HUD because I've gotten used to seeing the speed on the HUD.
 
#43 ·
USB hubs

All in all, I am very happy with the car. I'm adding custom USB outlets that are not hot all of the time, adding a hardwired radar detector, and ProClip phone mount also with hardwire. I'm also experimenting with a GPS driven speed HUD because I've gotten used to seeing the speed on the HUD.
How are you doing the custom USB outlets? I got a 6" extension which I like but would really like
your setup that makes them not hot all the time.

JK
 
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