When you want to buy a used crossover, and your gaze is directed towards the Korean car industry, the question involuntarily arises which is better: Kia Sportage or Hyundai ix35. However, it is not clear how to compare them - after all, they are, in fact, technically the same cars.

Now I will not talk about the meaning of the design, production and sale of two internally identical, but externally different models of the same car company under different brands, because commented on this when he spent comparison of Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tussan... Now I want to distract myself a little by the ix35 model.

In general, it seems that the name "ix35", as they say, "did not go" on the Russian market. Otherwise, how to understand such a moment that the model in the first generation was called Tucson, in the second - ix35, in the third - Tucson again? By the way, in some markets the car did not change its name. In short, when we hear about the Hyundai ix35, we are definitely talking about the second generation of Tussan, produced from 2009 to 2015.

Due to the fact that, as already mentioned, the cars are technically completely identical, we will compare, for the most part, the appearance, features of the bodies, interiors and configurations. At the end I will attach a table of differences - those that I could find.

Body

Appearance

Speaking about the appearance of the models, I would like to note that at last each of them has acquired its own exterior design. Remember how the first generation of Tussana and the second generation of Sportage, produced in 2004-2010, were similar. An untrained person could easily confuse them.

Now the machines are clearly targeting different audiences. The cars are the same inside, but they look different. One likes the brutal look Kia sportage the other - the sophisticated Hyundai ix35.

Look: I personally think that the Kia Sportage has a more pronounced crossover image. From the front, the Sportage 3 looks bigger than its brother due to the more massive radiator grille. Hyundai looks like a big hatchback, especially when you look at it in profile.

Constructive

Despite the fact that the bodies are tailored according to the same principle, their design presupposes different aerodynamics and some practical properties. For example, exterior mirrors. In Sportage 3, they narrow towards the outside, this feature negatively affects the visibility of problem areas.

The ix35 mirrors have a more correct form in terms of practicality:

Judging by the reviews of some owners of the 2011 Kia Sportage, if you open the rear windows in it at a speed of more than 60 km / h with the front windows closed, then strong turbulence is created in the car. Wrong aerodynamic properties of the body are evident. Hyundai ix35 seems to be devoid of such shortcomings. At least I did not find this in the videos I watched.

Another one interesting feature spotted on a Sportage test drive. If all the doors and windows are closed, then when you close any one door you have to slam it quite hard - otherwise it simply does not close. I think that this is due to the excellent sealing gaps of the rubber bands of the doorways. When closing, the air in the passenger compartment is compressed, as a result of which the air cushion prevents closing. If you leave a gap in the windows or open another door, then everything closes perfectly, with a slight effort.

You may get the impression that I only hau Sportage - all the described "shoals" belong only to him. No. It's just that in the videos I watched, these problems were not voiced in relation to the ix35. I am sure that in the latter one can find something similar or something else, no less unpleasant.

In general, this is what makes the body different. And what these cars have in common is wide sills and an uncomfortable rear exit. Well, about the weak paintwork and there is no need to say - it seems that all "Koreans" suffer from this ailment.

Thresholds really interfere with getting out of the car. You have to stretch your legs far forward, which is very inconvenient, because you have to constantly push yourself so as not to lose balance. And the rear passengers are completely tight, because the doorways in the back are not very large, and there is not much legroom in the back, frankly.

In addition, the wide sills on both crossovers tend to get dirty. Thanks to the developers. Because of this, you can be sure that your pant legs will always get dirty.

Interior

Design

The interior design has improved dramatically. If in previous generations everything was rather boring, now the interiors of compact crossovers are quite pleasing to the eye, especially in top-end trim levels.

What to choose is a matter of taste for everyone. Personally, I am annoyed by the Kia Sportage "round" at the base of the gear lever, and the Hyundai ix35 has a blue screen "from the nineties." Not seriously. But "kruglyash" spoils the whole impression more. Probably, I like the interior of the second, after all, more.

By the way, one interesting feature that music lovers will love. See where the speakers are located in the front doors. For Sportage, these are the standard seats - at the bottom. But with the ix35 everything is more interesting - the speakers are located much higher, closer to the window. And if the sound of the first is lost in the legs, then the second has more chances to "break through" to the listener's ear.

Quality of materials

The quality of the materials used for the interior decoration is not superb, but good. The plastic is solid, but of high quality. This applies equally to both vehicles. It is impossible to say for sure which is better in quality.

The fabric interior has no complaints, but in the case of leather upholstery, the Hyundai ix35 has low quality foam rubber: it quickly crumbles and crumbles. If, of course, you believe the autobloggers who conducted the test drives.

If we talk about sound insulation, then the cars of the dorestaylin version equally "suffered" from a high level of noise, especially at the rear. After restyling, the situation has improved significantly. Judging by the reviews, it has become solid at Kia Sportage. And his brother has a pretty good one.

Ergonomics

In general, the ergonomics of the models are the same, but there are some differences. For example, the Sportage has been noted to have uncomfortable seats. Although, I think, as anyone, but the fact is fact. People noticed. But ix35 - on the contrary, is liked by those who sat in it. This refers to the landing in the front seats. You can't really roam from behind - everything is more or less the same.

The front seats of the Sportage have short seats, which is inconvenient during long trips - the legs are strained more, because do not lie entirely on the seat.

Crossover from Hyundai opposite - pleases with front seats. Here, both the length is good and the shape is better:

There will be little legroom in the back for tall people both there and there. But for passengers of average height it is quite enough.

The same applies to the distance from the head to the ceiling, both in front and in the back.

The Hyundai ix35 has an inconvenient pedal assembly - the pedals are too vertical, so you want to push the seat back to make it easier to press the pedals. And what about those whose growth does not allow it to be done? Although, I think, it is worth, nevertheless, to check it yourself before drawing hasty conclusions.

Driving performance

Oddly enough, but cars have different driving performance... Judging by the reviews, the Sportage has a rather comfortable, but at the same time, energy-intensive, knocked-down suspension. This allows him to work out irregularities quite gently and keep a straight line at high speeds, and roll slightly when changing lanes.

Against him, the ix35 is distinguished by a stiffer suspension, which noticeably shakes the riders in the car. In addition, its suspension is not long enough, which puts an end to rough terrain, making the car a typical SUV.

If we talk about engines, then I see an interesting moment. The most common 2-liter "engine" with 150 hp. creates different emotions. If in Kia Sportage this is dullness, then in Hyundai ix35 it is cheerfulness. How this can be, if the cars have the same mass - I do not understand. Maybe all this is subjective?

Output

I think it is clear that all differences in the same cars can be interpreted in different ways, because all this is pure subjectivity. One likes this exterior and interior, the other - the other. The first likes the Kia Sportage for its comfortable suspension, the second likes the Hyundai ix35 for its comfortable seats. To argue here, I think, is pointless. Until you travel on one or the other car, you will not understand what you like best. In pictures and in reality, cars are different. Do not be guided by the reviews of others. Check it out for yourself.

And now, as I promised, I will try to summarize all the differences in a table.

The crossover segment in Russia continues to gain momentum - in the first half of 2014, their share among new cars was 36.7%! And, judging by the structure of sales, the situation is not going to change, and a considerable part of this piece of the pie falls on a pair of Korean twins - Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35. For two, according to the results of ten months - almost 52 thousand cars. What attracts our fellow citizens to these models? Are they so similar to each other and which one to choose? For this, we decided to conduct a comparative test.

Another reason for the test was a relatively recent update - at the end of last year, Hyundai slightly retouched the ix35, and in the spring at the Geneva Motor Show they brushed off the cover from the restyled version of the Kia Sportage. True, in the case of Kia, the differences must be looked for under a microscope - outside it is only a modified radiator grill and LED taillights... Apparently, the company reasonably decided not to radically change the successful design developed under the leadership of Peter Schreier. By the way, not least thanks to the German, the value of the Kia brand is growing from year to year - once again it has increased by 15% and now amounts to 5.4 billion US dollars.

However, according to the same consulting company Interbrand, Hyundai is estimated at almost twice as expensive ($ 10.4 billion, an increase of 16% compared to 2013) and among car brands takes seventh place. And in the Russian market, the ix35 crossover is already overtaking its sister Kia Sportage - 28 thousand cars were sold in ten months against almost 24 thousand. Although in 2013 the situation was the opposite - then Sportage won with a minimal advantage. Is it because our compatriots appreciated the ix35 update better?

It is much easier to identify the fresh version of the Hyundai ix35 than the upgraded Kia Sportage - LED sections have appeared in the front optics daylight, which only Kia previously could boast. The taillights also received fashionable diodes - as in the case of Kia, they are installed on expensive configurations. The rest of the car has not changed, but it's a pity - the abundance of pretentious elements in the Asian style does not add to the ix35's advantages, the face is overweight with “multi-story” details.

Side mirrors are good for both cars - there are absolutely no problems with visibility, the "mugs" are large. Top performance ix35 and Sportage are equipped with cute 18-inch rims, but it is interesting that Kia puts a 16-inch "molding" on the basic versions, and Hyundai can boast of "17-shki"

Catchy, bright, aggressive, and Hyundai is clearly not going to abandon the exploitation of oriental motifs in design, but has not yet learned how to use them with taste. And in general, the front ix35 evokes associations with insects from a science fiction movie. Kia is also not deprived of controversial details - who hammered into the heads of Asians the belief that chrome is cool? Plastic glitters are like jewelry that enterprising seafarers traded with the natives for more valuable things. And now there is no need to sail anywhere - rubles are flowing by themselves. Take a look at the demand - the ix35 loses in sales only to the founder of the segment in the fourth generation Toyota RAV 4, and even then a little, and the Sportage, which has lost its position, is holding on to the 4th place, leaving behind Nissan Qashqai.

But, of course, the point is not at all in the bad taste of buyers - the popularity of the ix35 and Sportage is largely determined by prices. Kia with a two-liter 150-horsepower engine, six-speed mechanics and front-wheel drive costs from 879,900 rubles, and Hyundai will cost 20 thousand more. What is cheaper with comparable power? Yes, only utilitarian

A handful of "Chinese" and an updated

And against this background, a couple of our charges look much more interesting and modern.

It is curious that when choosing a modification with a six-band automatic, the Hyundai ix35 already becomes cheaper - the price starts at 949,900 rubles, and the Kia Sportage costs 30,000 more. This is also due to differences in equipment. For example, the Sportage Classic boasts a heated steering wheel and a light sensor, but the Hyundai Start version is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels instead of 16-inch ones.

And dealers willingly make concessions - for everything complete set Kia Sportage has a discount of 30-50 thousand rubles until the end of November, and an additional 50 thousand will be thrown off for the performance of Luxe when the junk is handed over to the recycling program. So, you can become the owner of an all-wheel drive crossover with an automatic transmission for 1,069,900 rubles when choosing a Kia or 1,029,900 when you visit a Hyundai showroom. In addition to the models sounded above, only Mitsubishi ASX in the initial configuration will be cheaper.

However, in our case we are talking about completely different prices - both crossovers were tested in top versions. Kia Sportage Premium with xenon headlights, panoramic roof, 18-inch wheels, comfortable access, Infinity audio system with a subwoofer, leather interior and navigation can be bought for 1,359,900 rubles, and almost similarly equipped with Hyundai ix35 Prime + Style Pack (without electric driver's seat and an automatic "valet") will cost a thousand rubles less. But the maximum discount on Kia, according to the official website, can now be 140 thousand rubles. Not a bad offer! And if you come with a similar price list to Hyundai dealers, they may find it a convincing argument.

• The Kia dashboard has become prettier after the update, but still inferior in beauty to the Hyundai scales. But the ix35's blue button illumination is low-contrast at dusk, and the climate control display looks downright cheap.
• Fingerprints remain on the glossy plastic of the climate control unit, but the round temperature control knobs are more comfortable than the keys in Hyundai.
• The picture from the rear-view cameras is devoid of a trajectory of movement, and the lenses quickly get dirty even in rainy weather. What will happen in winter?

The parity between Kia and Hyundai is not only in prices - popular crossovers have identical technical stuffing. Under the hoods, there are 150-horsepower two-liter “fours” of the Nu series with direct injection, producing 191 Nm of torque, and the same six-range automatic machines. And the platform is the same - with a wheelbase of 2640 mm. And those three centimeters, which are longer than the Sportage (4440 mm versus 4410 mm), fall only on the shape of the bumpers.

It is all the more interesting that the rear passengers will not be indifferent to which car they sit in. The sofa itself is profiled in the same way, but due to the sloping roof in Hyundai, it is installed lower, so there is a little less legroom in the ix35. In the Kia, the rear seating position is more vertical. But there are no other differences - folding armrests with cup holders, door pockets and ... heated seats are available to the inhabitants of the "gallery"! Nice option, especially with leather upholstery.

Drivers will appreciate the heated steering wheel in both cars. But the perception of the interior from the front seats is completely different! Inside, the difference between the Asian and European schools is even stronger. In ix35 - a heap of forms and textures of materials, and in dark time of the day, the blue illumination of the buttons and the climate control display begins to annoy, because of which the interior is perceived by a stranger from the 90s. Though instrument cluster beautiful and informative. It seems that not everything is smooth and with durability - the steering wheel of a car with a mileage of 30 thousand kilometers is already worn out to a shine! The navigation system did not work either, which stubbornly believed that Hyundai was in the Vladimir region.

The Kia's interior looks better - especially the new instrument cluster, which appeared during the restyling. The blocks of the multimedia complex and climate control with large rotating temperature control knobs look more solid. But there are flaws here too: a huge gray plastic insert looks cheap, and fingerprints always remain on the black “gloss” of the climate. And if we liked the less flashy Sportage interior design, the Koreans still have to work on the textures of the materials. However, everything is assembled with high quality, the gaps are even, nothing rattles and does not fall off - this is true for both crossovers.

On the go, there are practically no differences - with Kia seats and Hyundai break down quickly, but this is only the gearbox setting, and then the acceleration dynamics decreases. The machine is set up for smooth shifting, so our players are gaining speed slowly. There are enough opportunities to confidently stay in city traffic - on average, according to the results of measurements of 0-100 km / h, the ix35 got 12.06 seconds, and the Sportage - 12.13 seconds. But nothing more. For any acceleration, you need to constantly push the pedal to the floor and wait until, under the "tasteless" howl of the motor, the speedometer needle hits the right half of the dial.

The box is reluctant to switch to lower ones, to the last trying to stay at the current stage in order to save fuel, and sport mode neither Kia nor Hyundai. So for intensive overtaking or more dynamic driving, you need to switch to manual control and pre-select the desired gear before accelerating. Both cars also do not have paddle shifters, so this should be done in the old fashioned way - with a lever. And the character is really changing - the engines willingly spin up to almost 7 thousand (the peak power is at 6200 rpm) and there is a pleasant feeling when the car literally follows the gas pedal.

Moreover, in corners Kia and Hyundai demonstrate quite "light" habits, confidently clinging to the asphalt with Hankook Optimo tires. Moderate rolls, understandable and predictable behavior, moderately accurate reactions, and there is enough feedback on the steering wheel even in the "lightest" Comfort mode. There are two more options - "Standard" and "Sport", but they only add effort to the "steering wheel". A matter of taste. Everything described is relevant for both crossovers - we did not catch the differences on the go.

But with the smoothness of the course, everything is far from so unambiguous. As long as the road is flat, there are no problems. Surprisingly, the Koreans overcome the expansion joints of bridges and overpasses without impacts or shuddering with the whole body. But on large irregularities or in bad areas with a comb, patches and other defects - a disaster! The shock absorbers are unable to absorb the vibrations of 18-inch wheels, so they shake mercilessly. And if the holes come across in a turn, then both Kia and Hyundai begin to jump off the trajectory. So you don't have to dream of catching up on a dirt road with some Renault Duster ...

Passability? Take a look at the photo - rear wheel travel is less than that of other cars! Yes, you can lock the interaxle clutch by pressing a button, and the stabilization system simulates a cross-axle differential lock, which can help with diagonal hanging. But it's better not to think about serious sorties. And do not be confused by the high-set bumpers - from the edge to the asphalt, both Kia and Hyundai have as much as 32 centimeters, but under the protection of the crankcase only 18 centimeters.

In general, the comfortable habitat of the Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35 is the urban jungle. The smooth operation of the machine will lull you in endless traffic jams, the fuel consumption in the "80% city, 20% highway" mode is 11-12 l / 100 km, and the roads in large cities are good enough not to worry about the safety of 18-inch disks and your own spine ... After the upgrade, the A-pillars were thinner for improved visibility. And there will be no problems with parking - the top versions have front and rear sensors, a rear-view camera, and the Sportage can also boast of an automatic “valet parking”!

The reasons for the popularity of Kia Sportage and ix35 are obvious - striking appearance, reasonable prices and a wide range additional equipment... But what to choose from this pair? As with the duel Kia rio and Hyundai solaris(read Dmitry Laskov's material "What's the difference?"), there are practically no differences between them, it all comes down to personal preferences, design and convenience of location dealerships stamps. And if from the outside Sportage and ix35 are equal for us, then inside the Avto Mail.Ru editorial office we liked the European order and comfort of Kia's interior.

Vadim Gagarin
Photo by Viktor Borisov

My boss gave three of my friends $ 1 million each. 200 thousand rubles for new car... This is not the case when the boss is kind - there is no need to work. And they rushed to work to choose a car. It was impossible to take money, there was no point in buying something cheaper. A friend from the trade department was the first to find his car. The first story is about him.

Thoughtfulness and thrift have never bothered anyone, but my friend, it seems, was born that way. Before taking a step forward, he steps left and right to look around. This time on both hands of him were Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage.

If I were in the place of a friend, I had no doubts for a long time: I would take a Hyundai ix35 with a 2-liter diesel engine of 184 hp. The Kia Sportage does not have this, and the Toyota RAV4 for Russia is not equipped with diesel engines at all. Yes, I would have to add as much as 151 thousand rubles to the donated amount, but I would have received a small all-wheel drive treasure from the Slovak conveyor - a worthy successor to the Tucson, ideal in terms of price and quality, with a new name ix35 on the market.

Powerful build, sharp lines and a hexagonal radiator grille crown the end of the era of faceless oriental design. Although the body has grown in comparison with the Tucson by only 8 cm in length, it has noticeably increased rear space, and the trunk has begun to hold 465 instead of 325 liters. The rear seats do not move, the backrest folds down (3: 2). But there are enough different capacities, even for a full-size spare wheel. The four riders are spacious, only behind the falling roof will upset the tall passengers.

At this point in the Kia Sportage it seemed to me a little more spacious, although, in fact, they are twins with the ix35. Maybe because he was sitting in the most expensive Sportage configuration with a glass roof. One of the tall buyers at the car dealership praised the Sportage very much, saying that it was more spacious in the back seat than in the.

If you listen to the seller in the KIA showroom, the differences between Sportage and ix35 are only in the dashboard illumination: "here it is white, and there it is blue." When you compare expensive configurations, a car with white backlighting can be 10 thousand rubles cheaper, it is clear that this is a Sportage.

In driving, I liked the Hyundai ix35 more, it is more comfortable than the Sportage. Both cars are driven equally well on flat asphalt, but on a broken one in the spring they can get nervous. The Sportage has a slightly wider track, which means it is more stable, but the image lacks the ix35's swiftness.

There are no complaints about the shape and upholstery of the seats (see the gallery below) of both cars, the combined upholstery looks more noble fabric, leather is always better, but more expensive. Poor rearward visibility is compensated by a rear-view camera - an option only for all-wheel drive versions.

All-wheel drive is mandatory for the ix35 with 2-liter 136 and 184 hp diesels. A price-sensitive friend of mine didn't want to pay extra for them.

And I was pleased with the agility with which a high-torque 184-horsepower engine accelerates a 1.8-ton car. This variant is turbocharged for quick engine response. The 6-speed automatic switches, maybe even too often, but gently. Consumption diesel fuel in the urban cycle, 9.1 l / 100 km could have been less. By the way, the ix35 with a 2-liter gasoline engine, all-wheel drive and 5-speed mechanics accelerates to a hundred by 0.6 s slower, but it consumes 0.8 l / 100 km more fuel in the urban cycle. But this is still not the usual 15-16 liters per hundred for gasoline off-road vehicles.

In terms of the spirited temperament that not everyone has, the priority will always be with stable all-wheel drive, although the ix35 and Sportage can be mono-wheel drive. These versions they start from 800 - 900 thousand rubles. The difference between native brands in the budget version is up to 100 thousand rubles. Four-wheel drive is 50 thousand more expensive than the front one. Electronics, depending on the position of the gas pedal, steering wheel and slipping in 50 ms, transfers up to 50% of the torque to the rear axle.

The button can be used to activate the hill descent assistant and to lock this clutch (up to a speed of 38 km / h). Together with the electronic locking of the rear differential using wheel braking, the Hyundai ix35 can overcome some loose descents and ascents. Its minimum ground clearance is 170 mm, so it is better not to check the depth of snow on this machine, it may even bury itself.

The all-wheel drive version has found a good compromise between ease of steering and precision. The suspension dampens severe shock on bumps and, when relatively stiff, prevents too much roll. The Hyundai ix35 does not show any obvious weaknesses either when driving or when braking. But what distinguishes it even from the Toyota RAV4 is the guarantee. The salesperson at the Hyundai dealership just laughed at the salesperson at the Toyota dealership. Korean cars have a warranty of 5 years and 120 thousand kilometers for the engine and gearbox, and for the rest of the car - 3 years and 100 thousand kilometers. On my own behalf, I would add that both sellers did not shine in the eyes of both sellers.

Anyone who doesn't know my friend well will think that this can be an end to and surrender into the hands of the country of morning freshness. But my friend is not like that. Then he moved on to the third generation Kia Sportage - twin brother, as already mentioned, Hyundai ix35. Ever since Peter Schreier began to take care of the KIA design, KIA has been surprising over and over again - I noticed this last year at the Geneva Motor Show, where they presented new Sportage... It shares the same technique with the Hyundai ix35, but more pronounced body edges. Longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, the third generation Sportage shows where the bright path is heading. There is no more the brave off-road conqueror with whom I drove over the Arctic Circle in the last century.

The new Kia Sportage demonstrates its best qualities, above all on asphalt, although it is equipped with electronically controlled all-wheel drive. To visually emphasize these claims, Schreier's team narrowed the glazing, replaced it with metal, as a result of which the Sportage, 4440 mm long, with a ground clearance of 172 mm, seems more massive and dynamic. This also has its negative aspects in terms of visibility. Irritation can increase if the rear seat backs are folded out - it turns out luggage compartment with a sloppy step, with a capacity of 1353 liters.

We sell a car with a 2-liter gasoline engine, 1.7-liter and 2-liter diesel engines. Gearboxes like the ix35. The most powerful for the Sportage 136-horsepower diesel with a torque of 304 N ∙ m and a 6-speed automatic pulls well, and only when high revs gets a little loud. On such a car with a full tank, I drove from Moscow to Podolsk along the high-speed highway. It looked impressive, only at night in a dark city it was scary to break a wheel. The Sportage petrol engine develops more power than a diesel of the same size, but less torque and is also not very quiet in operation.

There is something new in the pendants. If the front is unchanged, good old McPherson, then the rear is now multi-link kinematics with mechanically controlled shock absorbers. They regulate the oil flow with valves depending on the piston stroke. As a result, you can ride comfortably on a regular road and not suffer from the necessary rigidity on bumps. But I still suffered. You forget about this weakness in fast corners. On a good surface, the car drives on front wheel drive, and only when slipping are connected rear wheels... And at speeds up to 40 km / h, it is possible to block the center differential.

The moment to the wheels is transmitted through a 6 or 5-speed manual transmission, but there may also be a 6-speed automatic transmission familiar from the Sorento. With him, Sportage can easily match the amount allocated to my friend by a kind boss. You can get away from it by 400 thousand rubles. down if you select the front wheel drive chassis. As usual, Korean cars convince with good equipment, including climate control and a stereo system with an iPod connection, and, again, are tempted by a guarantee.

But my friend still gave the Toyota. He drove to her car dealership on Rublevka and admired a row of eight used SUVs. All of them turned out to be already reserved by the new owners. Note that this was before the earthquake. Today, according to sellers, Toyota has cut the supply of new cars in half. Those who want to buy a car immediately pay extra 40 thousand rubles. And under the order you will have to wait up to five months.

It's not for nothing that my friend has a salesman's nose, he bought a Toyota RAV4 with all discounts even before the first aftershocks on the island, from where the car arrived - clean Japanese assembly! My remarks that Toyota RAV4 in Germany was mercilessly driven out by "Tiguan" caused only a smile in my friend. "Germans" lose 50% of the price in three years, he countered, and RAV4 - 6% per year, a total of 18% in three years, then my friend will sell it. With minimal losses! Because there is nothing to break in Toyota, and if something comes under suspicion, the company immediately recalls the car and changes it at its own expense. It happened twice on a personal Toyota Auris my friend.

What to do, the arguments of the expert were not heard, the "Koreans" had to be handed over. The owner-master of the golden RAV4 allowed me to drive his new short-wheelbase "Japanese" with a 2-liter petrol engine (158 hp), and a CVT. Chrome and pronounced fenders give the RAV4 in the fourth generation a muscular look, flashing lights are integrated into the mirrors. A friend will love the high seating position and the spaciousness around. Plus, Toyota RAV4 earns points on ergonomics and, not least, on 6 airbags already in the "standard" package. He is not going to drive more than 120 km / h, he will not meddle on the off-road, the variator will work silently, saving fuel.

My opinion that the Hyundai ix35 rides better is no longer relevant. I can only bellow that two gasoline engines are not enough for the RAV4 in Russia. The one my friend has is quite noisy. I don't think the long wheelbase RAV4 with a 2.4-liter (170 hp) engine is quieter in the cabin. The all-wheel drive version of my friend is equipped with all electronic assistants for downhill driving, but it's hard for me to imagine this company on the mountain. Points "Toyota RAV4" is also gaining thanks to the volume of the trunk (486 - 1752 liters), the presence of the Easy Flat seat folding system. In a couple of movements rear seats disappear into the floor, creating a flat surface with a low loading height.

And now, what I do not accept at all: backdoor opens to the right, that is, not there. But this is not so bad. For the second month, the purchased car has been waiting for my friend to make the necessary alterations to remove the full-size spare tire from the door under the floor. Otherwise, the shiny wheel will be stolen and the car will be ruined.

I remember that once in Munich the head of the entire BMW company explained to me why Toyota cars do not break down - they are bought by pensioners who travel little. My friend is far from retirement, but he has already lost a month and a half away. True, two other friends did not buy a car for themselves during this time. I'll tell you more about them.

Specifications

Toyota RAV4: dimensions, mm 4460х1860х1720, weight 1700 kg., Gasoline engine 2.0 l., 158 hp. develops a torque of 198 Nm at 4000 rpm. maximum speed with it 185 km / h, fuel consumption 7.4 or 7.6 l / 100 km (front or four-wheel drive).

Hyundai ix35: dimensions, mm 4410x1820x1660, weight 1600 kg, diesel engine 2.0 liters, 184 hp, develops a torque of 392 Nm at 1800-2500 rpm, maximum speed 195 km / h, consumption fuel combined cycle 7.1 l / 100 km (four-wheel drive). Kia Sportage: dimensions, mm 4440x1855x1635, weight 1675 kg, diesel engine 2.0 liters, 136 hp, develops a torque of 320 N.m at 1800-2500 rpm, maximum speed 180 km / h, combined fuel consumption 6.9 l / 100 km (four-wheel drive).

Choosing a quality crossover is a responsible task. The Kia Sportage and Hyundai IX 35 are some of the most popular models on the market. Many experts believe that these cars are extremely similar to each other: both are from South Korean manufacturers, have approximately the same characteristics and are in constant demand.

So who is better?

Kia Sportage 3 or Hyundai IX35

In this article, we will compare Kia cars Sportage 3 and Hyunda IX35, in several metrics such as:

• cost of ownership and service
• interior
• power
• control
• specifications

Price

If we compare the most popular configurations, then Hyundai will cost less. Its cost is 879 thousand rubles against 999 thousand rubles from Kia. This is primarily due to the fact that Sportage has recently released an updated and improved equipment. In addition, the KIA brand is better known and popular all over the world, which also influenced the final cost.

At the same time, the equipment of the models is similar. If you compare pricing policy and ask the question “Which is better: Kia Sportage orIX35? ”, Then the advantages are clearly on the side of the latter.

WINNER: Hyundai ix35

Maintenance cost and service

The fuel consumption of both cars is roughly comparable. In modern trim levels, Kia has a slight advantage, where the consumption will be 10.7 liters per 100 km versus 9.8 liters for Hyundai. At the same time, such an interval will remain both when driving in the city and on large highways, where the level of consumption is usually lower.

As for diesel models, Kia already has an advantage. On the entire line of such cars, consumption does not exceed 7.9 liters, while for Hyundai it ranges from 8.6 liters for Comfort to 9.8 liters for Travel. Compared to the latest model, any Kia equipment looks much preferable, because having almost the same amount of horsepower (184 and 185, respectively), the consumption of the Sportage is much less.

However, the Kia is much more expensive to maintain. Take at least an oil change. Looking at the prices of well-known car services, you can see that the cost of this procedure for Kia is 65% higher than for Hyundai. The situation is the same for the rest of the details. The operation of the Kia Sportage will cost much more. The only advantage of Kia is a longer period. warranty service(150 thousand km versus 100 thousand km for Hyundai). These are 5 and 3 years respectively. But, as a rule, we are talking only about the key mechanisms. This is clearly not enough to look more competitive against its competitor.

Therefore, we again give the advantage in this section to the crossover from Hyundai.

WINNER: Hyundai ix35

Interior

Let's start with the Kia Sportage Classic.

It looks like this inside. The spacious interior provides special comfort for passengers sitting in the rear seat. Unlike many other cars (even of this manufacturer), now there is a lot of space, and there is also a place where you can comfortably sit. The seats can also be adjusted. Especially for those who are located in the back of the car, airflow deflectors are equipped.

There are sockets in the cabin. They are located both in front and behind. The seats are finished not only with leather, but also with fabric. All this is done in a business style. There is a small compartment under the boot floor, which is designed for compact items and various car parts. The panels are finished in leather. There are not so many buttons, you can quickly navigate in all of them.

Now let's move on to the Hyundai IX 35 Start.

The interior of this model is very similar to the previous one. All conditions for passengers are also created here. If necessary, the rear seats can be folded, thus significantly increasing the capacity of the trunk. In this configuration, it is 591 liters, which is slightly more than that of the Kia (there is a volume of 491 liters). Heated seats allow both drivers and passengers to feel comfortable. This model has fabric upholstery for the seats and doors.

One of the main differences inside the cabin is much greater manufacturability. on-board computer at Hyundai. Korean developers have tried to fit all the functions on the front panel. As a result, it is quite convenient for the driver, but it does not look so aesthetically pleasing. One feels that this parameter has been overdone.

Thus, if we compare cars by their interior, the Kia Sportage Classic looks more attractive here. He:

• stylish;
• practical;
• modern;
• combines luxury and moderate manufacturability.

So the gap is confrontation KiaWITHportageor HyundaiIX35 decreased.

WINNER: Kia Sportage 3

Under the hood

Let's continue the comparison of the already selected configurations. Under the hood, Kia looks like this.

This petrol model has a capacity of 150 horsepower. The motor works well when driving both in the city and on highways. The machine is equipped with special systems that help it move upwards even after a long idle time. The engine displacement is 1999 cm³.

Let's move on to the Hyundai IX 35 Start. Under the hood, it looks like this.

The engine displacement is only 1 cm³ less than that of the Kia, it is 1998 cm³. All the same 150 horses under the hood.

The most powerful engines are 184 and 185 hp. Such parameters go exclusively to petrol version... On a diesel engine, these figures will be much lower, they will amount to 136 horsepower. Both manufacturers have provided complete sets of both 6 automatic transmissions and 6 manual transmissions.

Both cars are equipped with manual transmissions. Their parameters are comparable, but let's give a slight advantage to Hyundai, since the car itself is somewhat lighter (by 30 kg), and all other things being equal, this plays an important role.

WINNER: Hyundai ix35

How is it managed

The Kia grade has good grip. The Korean manufacturer has always been known for its reliable cars that feel good on any surface. When driving at high speed (especially on a car with gasoline engine) Hyundai looks more preferable. He:

• More obedient;
• responds faster to commands;
• maintains a stable speed.

The same cannot be said about the Kia: the car can "twitch" slightly. This is almost imperceptible, but for the driver, this can play a significant role.

You can watch the video describing the advantages and disadvantages of the models, as well as the control features:

In terms of dynamics, cars are not inferior to each other. They adapt equally well to any weather conditions. One of the main differences is the suspension. In Kia, it is more rigid, thanks to which the car will be easier to control, but at the same time, the passengers inside will feel less comfortable, since they will fully feel the complexity of the route (especially if it is with tight turns). But Hyundai has more soft suspension... It is more convenient for passengers, but the car will not feel as confident on a winding road as its competitor.

Thus, to the question "Hyundai ix35 or Kia Sportage: which is better?" no definite answer can be given. Let's give a slight advantage to the latter, given the greater comfort.

WINNER: Kia Sportage 3

Comfortable ride. Off road and city

Traffic in the city and beyond - important characteristic functioning of the car. We will be especially interested in movement on highways, highways and off-road. After all, it is obvious that they are well adapted to urban conditions.

Initially, let's pay attention to the clearance. In Kia, it is slightly higher - 182 mm (170 mm for Hyundai). However, these are far from the best indicators for crossovers. However, this is offset by overhangs, which make the ride more comfortable. Even off-road, you can develop a decent speed.

Of course, there is no point in driving such cars on clay or wet sand, however, for a regular trip out of town (for nature or a picnic), they are perfect. At the same time, the fuel consumption of Hyundai will be lower, although when moving outside the settlements, these indicators practically level out: 6.1 liters per 100 km for the IX 35 Start, and for the Sportage Classic - 6.3 liters.

In such circumstances, HAC comes in handy. It is an assistant in those cases when you need to get under way uphill.

In the city, both cars feel in their native element, but Hyundai will again consume less fuel.

In this section, we will give priority to Kia. Since such a machine is more "omnivorous" and adapts equally well to different conditions.

WINNER: Kia Sportage 3

Specifications

We have already mentioned fuel consumption. Now let's move on to other characteristics.

Options	Hyundai IX35 Start	Kia sportage classic
Acceleration to 100 km (sec)
Maximum speed (km / h)
	Front	Front
Fuel tank size
Transmission	5 step	6 speed

V technical characteristics ah also there are no fundamental differences. All indicators differ by 1-2 points, which does not play a fundamental role. The same applies to external characteristics... Hyundai is literally one and a half centimeters taller, and its length and width are only 7 and 3.5 centimeters less.

Despite the fact that the initial volume of the trunk is larger in the IX 35 Start, but if the rear seats are folded, the Sportage will be more spacious: 1,480 versus 1,436 liters. Cars are made of durable materials, their bumpers will not bend with minor damage. This is especially true for Kia, because, as mentioned above, the repair of such a car will cost much more.

Nevertheless, in terms of characteristics, we will also give a small advantage to Sportage. It is more convenient for the driver, who will be able to appreciate all the benefits of buying a crossover.

WINNER: Kia Sportage 3

Outcome

All the previous stages of comparison showed that we have 2 equal competitors. It would be surprising if something else came to light, as both cars are popular with buyers. If we compare the dry numbers, then the advantage is for the Kia Sportage 3 (4: 3 in its favor). This configuration is more suitable for domestic realities. The Korean manufacturer made sure that not only the operation, but also the repair of the machine was relatively affordable. But any replacement in Kia is a real luxury.

However, this car also has its admirers. Mainly due to the high level of security and excellent technical equipment. However, not everyone can afford to maintain such a car on a permanent basis. To understand what exactly you need, you should drive both cars. Only by feeling them "in motion", you can understand what exactly you need, and which car is more suitable for this. Now test drives are offered by many major car dealerships.

Thus, our answer to the question “ Kia Sportage or HyundaiIX35: which is better?"There will still be the first option, since it is of a higher quality and more convenient for drivers.

WINNER: Kia Sportage 3

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When buying a car, you need to pay attention to all the more or less significant nuances. If you are thinking about whether to buy a Hyundai ix35 or if you should pay attention to the models of other cars in the same price category, you need to make a simple comparison of their functionality, technical characteristics and appearance. The first model that comes to mind for comparison with the Hyundai ai 35 is the Kia Sportage, given their similarity in many respects and almost the same cost.

Spaciousness and spaciousness

Compared to other models of this Korean manufacturer, the length of Hyundai has increased by only 8 centimeters, but it feels like there is room for passengers in the cabin. rear seats increased much more. In addition, now the owners of this car have at their disposal a trunk with a volume of 465 liters, which significantly exceeds the parameters of the previous model. However, the lowered roof at the rear of the car conceals space a little, which can cause discomfort for tall passengers in the rear seats.

Kia dimensions Sportage does not exceed the Hyundai ai 35 in length, but the space in the rear seats of this car visually seems to be larger, especially with a panoramic roof.

Road behavior

When it comes to road behavior, the Sportage is more stable due to its wide track. However, the testers of the Hyundai ix35 note its swiftness and ride comfort, surpassing those of the opponent.

The dynamics of the car deserves special appreciation, given that its diesel modification with an engine capacity of 184 horse power and a volume of two liters is designed for such a relatively heavy machine weighing 1800 kg. Within the city, fuel consumption for the diesel version is just over 9 liters per hundred kilometers, while a car with a gasoline engine consumes within 10 liters.

A new version Kia Sportage models available with diesel engine volume of 2 liters and 1.7 liters and with a gasoline engine of 2 liters. By outward appearance this car looks larger than the Hyundai ix35, and its ground clearance is 172 mm. Hyundai's ground clearance is 170 mm, which raises doubts about its ability to overcome deep snow. However, the machine is equipped with a clutch lock and a special device that activates the downhill assist.

Salon

The interiors of both cars are well thought out and do not give rise to any particular complaints. The combination seat trim, which combines fabric and leather elements, looks especially impressive. The presence of climate control and a good audio system in both models provides passengers with additional comfort while driving. You can find out more about the model from Hyundai.

So both korean car pretty well staffed. In addition, they have a long warranty period. Since they are approximately equal in various indicators, the choice when buying can be based only on the personal preferences of the motorist and his feelings during test driving of these two models.