Here is a comparison between the 2011 Hyundai ix35 and the 2011 Kia Sportage. Both these models are new for 2010 and both have style that makes their predecessors look ancient.
Although there are significant differences on the in and outside both are built using the same platform and other common parts. Choosing between the two cars are probably going to be based not on brand but on design or equipment packages and of course price. Badge snobs in their X1 or Tiguan must be a bit annoyed that the much cheaper brands actually look better on the road.
Naturally the cheaper price adage is increasingly irrelevant to Korean brands these days and these two, in particular the Kia proves that cheap can mean just as good. Also remember that the more expensive brands/models are not that that far ahead anymore and that the traditionally cheaper brands are not much different and easily forgiven by having much more equipment and of course the cheaper price.
Style sells – for example we don’t think the CX-7 is not as good as it looks but people buy it because it looks good! However we think the new Sportage and ix35 will sell well because they look good, built well AND have equipment packages beyond their competitors AND reasonably priced. We’ve seen a Sportage on the road and think it looks great!
Reasonable pricing with very long warranties together with ever improving customer satisfactions hence reliability also means that there is not reason why you shouldn’t consider either car as alternatives to the more established brands. We certainly are.
Sure Hyundai and Kia are not premium brands yet but they are certainly respectable so if you don’t give these a go you are missing out on perfectly acceptable transportation and the holiday or home renovation you’d be able to afford with the saving!
The Sportage and ix35 are smaller than the CRV, XTrail and RAV4 the more popular small SUVs but are essentially the size of a Tiguan. Siting in the two it is clear immediately the smaller and less flexible interior design. Nevertheless the top range Sportage and ix35 are the pick compared with the mid-range of the other brands.
We also think the Sportage looks better inside and outside than the Hyundai ix35. The equipment packages on the Kia have more meaning for us and thus would pick it ahead of the Hyundai. We hope to drive the Sportage soon.
| Kia Sportage | Hyundai ix35 |
 |
 |
| Engines | |
|
4 Cylinder (G4KD) 4 Cylinder (G4KE) 4 cylinder (D4HA) |
4 Cylinder (G4KD) 4 Cylinder (G4KE) 4 cylinder (D4HA) |
| Weight | |
|
Kerb weight 1470 – 1995Kg |
Kerb weight 1482 – 1588 Kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
|
Up to 55 litres |
Up to 55 litres |
| Other specifications | |
|
5 speed manual or 6 speed Auto |
6 speed manual or 5 speed Auto |
| Capability | |
|
Angle of: (degrees) |
Angle of: (degrees) |
| Performance | |
|
Petrol (non-turbo manual) |
Petrol (non-tubro auto) 0-100Kph:11 secs |
| Pricing | |
| 2012 $26,990 – 37,980 AUD 2010 $26,990 – 37,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
2010 $25,990 – 38,990 AUD |