Same target at the same distance
Ix35 Hyundai and Kia Sportage come from the same industrial fortress. They are made on the same basis in the same factory in Zilina, Slovakia. The first question was, we asked ourselves whether these two models differ in anything except appearance?
When considering that the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage are nearly identical models that come from the same industry group, it makes sense to consider that it would be very difficult to find a place for each of them in the crowded SUV market. However, the production of cars in the Hyundai Kia range is not a matter of chance, but the result of a carefully planned strategy, and since both models are almost identical in terms of engineering, it is to be expected that the tracks are completely different in terms of design.
By the way, Peter Schreyer is the chief designer of Kia Europe, while Thomas Burkle holds the same position at Hyundai. It goes without saying that both gentlemen have a strong German accent, the former working at Audi as the designer of the sporty Audi TT and the latter at BMW.
The differences when driving are minimal, but the Sportage seems to be more active in the curves according to its name
Similar but nothing alike The
appearance of each model is mainly determined by the dimensions. The difference is small, with a similar 2.64 wheelbase, while the Kia is longer, lower and wider. The components of the external body are different while the chassis is the same
At first glance, these two cars seem to come from different companies, from two different continents, and not from the same factory!
The two designs address completely different audiences. The Kia Sportage looks more powerful and somewhat “sharp”, with a relatively small glass size that shows the reason for the difference in height between the two cars. Hyundai ix35 is characterized by curved lines, this model is more similar to its predecessor than the previous generation.
Kia, on the other hand, might not look like the second-generation Sportage—except for the name, of course.
The combination of leather and fabric in the interior is very practical, and the display space is very good
It seems that the Kia Sportage is more to the taste of European customers because of its sharp lines, while the Hyundai ix35 is more popular in the United States.
Off-road driving
If you are a fan of off-road driving, these two cars will achieve your ambition with difficulty. The height is low, 17 cm. In general, they are suitable for a light walk or passing in shallow water after some rain, but more than that is not.
Differences on the horizon
Hyundai has announced that it is no longer a “manufacturer of cheap cars” according to its new business philosophy. Since the car we chose is top class, the seats are leather, and plenty of accessories only enhance this impression. Everything you can see or touch appears to be of good quality, while the “silver” plastic has not stood the test of time.
Compared to the Sportage, the ix35 looks a little more mature, not only because of the trim level and materials but the very organized space and design of the controls on the dashboard. For example, the ix35 has a larger and more organized dashboard, while the Sportage looks separate with smaller numbers
Also, additional centimeters with regard to the height of the ix35 can be noted in the interior space, because the cabin seems more spacious with the possibility of sitting more upright, especially for tall people. Besides, the large glass facades affect the subjective impression of the car’s spaciousness. .
To put the above into numbers, the ix35’s storage capacity of 465 liters goes up to 1436 liters. In the case of the Sportage, it starts at 465, but goes up to 1353 liters only when the rear seats are folded.
Differences with respect to leadership, .
Sportage, according to its name, is more flexible. Ix35 is quieter and more comfortable. Hyundai’s transmission appears to be softer and smoother than Kia’s
Finally, has the South Korean manufacturer succeeded in its determination to make two good but different cars on the same basis? Look to the market already to find out the answer to this question, as both models can be seen on our streets more often than others in this category.
The Ix35 does indeed offer a slight edge on paper in a direct comparison, because it offers more options to customers and in addition to lower prices and basic parts, Hyundai consumes less fuel by experiencing the same roads and driving style.
On the other hand, from an emotional point of view, we consider the Sportage a nicer car, “the cutest”, and this is shared by some members of the editorial board, provided that the ix35 looks more mature and perfect, especially when looking at the interior.
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