Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage: which is the better used buy?

On DVSA MOT records the Hyundai Tucson is the more reliable used buy: it passes its first MOT 1.3 percentage points more often than the Kia Sportage once both are compared against what the national fleet scores at the same age. That comparison covers 49,426 real tests, not a survey.

MOT first-time pass rate

Counted from DVSA’s anonymised MOT test records. “vs age-matched” compares each model against what the national fleet scores at the same age — the only fair better-or-worse number, because an older fleet fails more whatever its build quality.

Model	Pass rate	Age-matched national	Difference	Tests
Hyundai Tucson	85.3%	85.2%	0	17,402
Kia Sportage	80.5%	81.7%	-1.3	32,024

Source: DVSA MOT Anonymised Data 2025 (Open Government Licence v3.0). National first-time pass rate 77.3%. Applies to Great Britain — Northern Ireland is tested by the DVA under a separate manual.

Hyundai Tucson

NX4, 2020+ · compact crossover SUV

The NX4 Hyundai Tucson (2020+) is a fixture of the UK's top ten best-sellers and broadly reliable. Concerns: 1.6 T-GDI smart-stream engine had early oil-consumption claims (largely settled), PHEV battery cooling pump issues, and pre-2023 infotainment freezes. Long warranty mitigates most risk. Best-buy: 2023+. Worst: very early 2020 hybrids.

What goes wrong

1.6 T-GDI smart-stream oil consumptionmoderate
Oil level drops between services; rough idle; rare warning
2020–2022 1.6 T-GDI · Often goodwill from Hyundai UK under 5-yr warranty; out-of-warranty engine rebuild £3,500+
Check: Dipstick at viewing. Service history: any oil top-ups recorded? Hyundai goodwill claim history.
PHEV battery cooling pumpmajor
"Hybrid system" warning; battery thermal management warning; reduced EV range
2020–2022 PHEV · Under warranty within 5 years; out of warranty £1,200+
Check: PHEV battery health check at Hyundai dealer (£30–£50). EV-only range observation: should achieve 25+ miles in good conditions.
Infotainment freezesminor
Screen unresponsive; CarPlay drops; reboot needed
2020–2022 · Free under software update at Hyundai dealer
Check: Software version on test drive — should be post-2023 update.
Front suspension bushings (UK roads)minor
Knocking on rough surfaces; advisory on MOT
All NX4 · 50,000+ miles · £250–£400
Check: Rough-road portion of test drive.

Typical asking price:: £15,000–£35,000 (2020–2024)
Real-world economy:: 38–44 mpg for 1.6 T-GDI petrol; 1.6 hybrid 42–49 mpg
Vehicle tax:: £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).
Best years:: 2023, 2024
Years to avoid:: 2020 (PHEV)

Full Tucson fault guide Used Hyundais

Kia Sportage

NQ5, 2021+ · compact crossover SUV

The NQ5 Kia Sportage (2021+) shares the Hyundai Tucson's platform and engines, so faults are similar: 1.6 T-GDI oil consumption claims (largely resolved), PHEV battery cooling pump, and minor TPMS quirks. Kia's 7-year warranty covers most of the risk. Best-buy: 2023+. Worst: early 2021 PHEV.

What goes wrong

1.6 T-GDI oil consumption (shared with Hyundai)moderate
Oil drop between services
2021–2022 · Usually goodwill within 7-yr warranty; out of warranty engine rebuild £3,500+
Check: Dipstick at viewing; service history.
PHEV battery cooling pumpmajor
"Hybrid system" warning; reduced EV range
2021–2022 PHEV · Under warranty; £1,200+ otherwise
Check: PHEV battery health check (£30–£50 at Kia dealer).
TPMS sensor faultsminor
"Tyre pressure" warning despite correct pressures
All NQ5 · £80–£140 per sensor
Check: Visual check on dash — no warnings.
Front suspension bushingsminor
Knocking on rough roads
All NQ5 · 50,000+ miles · £250–£400
Check: Rough-road test drive.

Typical asking price:: £17,000–£38,000 (2021–2024)
Real-world economy:: 38–45 mpg 1.6 T-GDI petrol; 1.6 hybrid 43–50 mpg
Vehicle tax:: £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).
Best years:: 2023, 2024
Years to avoid:: 2021 (PHEV)

Full Sportage fault guide Used Kias

Which one suits you

Hyundai Tucson

Good for: Family buyers wanting low-stress modern SUV with Hyundai's 5-year unlimited-mileage warranty (within service-record terms).

Less good for: Buyers needing premium badge feel; very high-mileage motorway commuters (diesel alternatives more efficient).

Kia Sportage

Good for: Family buyers wanting Kia's 7-year warranty for peace of mind.

Less good for: Buyers needing premium badge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more reliable, the Hyundai Tucson or the Kia Sportage?

The Hyundai Tucson. It passes its first MOT 1.3 percentage points more often than the Kia Sportage once both are age-adjusted, across 49,426 DVSA-recorded tests.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Hyundai Tucson?

85.3% of Hyundai Tucsons pass their MOT first time, from 17,402 tests in DVSA's records. The national first-time rate is 77.3%, but cars of this model's age average 85.2% — so it runs level than its age group.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Kia Sportage?

80.5% of Kia Sportages pass their MOT first time, from 32,024 tests. Against the 81.7% that cars of its age average, it runs 1.3 points worse.

Which years should I avoid?

For the Hyundai Tucson, Initial production PHEVs had higher rates of battery cooling pump failure. Most settled by 2022. For the Kia Sportage, Initial-year PHEV had highest rate of battery thermal management issues.

Which is cheaper to run?

The Hyundai Tucson returns 38–44 mpg for 1.6 T-GDI petrol; 1.6 hybrid 42–49 mpg in real UK driving; the Kia Sportage returns 38–45 mpg 1.6 T-GDI petrol; 1.6 hybrid 43–50 mpg. Vehicle tax: Tucson — £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).; Sportage — £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).. Insurance differs mainly by driver and postcode rather than by model, so treat any model-level insurance figure with caution.

MOT figures are counted from DVSA records and are the only measured statistic here. Prices, economy and tax bands are indicative and vary by specification, condition and where the car has lived. Last reviewed: 2026-08-14 / 2026-08-14.