Two crossovers, three cars in the fleet
The Tucson and the Sportage are in the same class and share much of their mechanics: compact five-seat crossovers that people pick when they want something roomier than a saloon without paying for a large SUV. In our fleet there is one Kia Sportage from 2025 and two Hyundai Tucsons, a 2024 and a 2023. They differ noticeably in price and terms, so it is best to compare all three. Prices are as of October 2026; the current price for your dates is on the car page.
Prices and specifications
| Kia Sportage 2025 | Hyundai Tucson 2024 | Hyundai Tucson 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0 L, 156 hp | 2.0 L, 156 hp | 2.5 L, 191 hp |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Boot | 590 L | 540 L | large, volume not listed |
| Per day, AED | 190 | 190 | 139 |
| Per week, AED | 1,240 | 1,240 | 890 |
| Per month, AED | 4,200 | 4,200 | 2,890 |
| Deposit and minimum | no deposit, from 1 day | partner car: 1,000 AED deposit, 7 days minimum | no deposit, from 1 day |
The key point from the table: the Tucson 2024 and the Sportage 2025 cost the same, but the Sportage comes with no deposit and a minimum of one day, while the Tucson 2024 is a partner car with its own terms. If you need a car for two or three days, the Sportage works straight away and the Tucson 2024 does not.
Equipment inside
Sportage 2025. A curved panel of two 12-inch screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, ventilated power seats, a panoramic roof and wireless phone charging. The boot holds 590 litres and fuel use is around 8 litres per 100 km.
Tucson 2024. A 10-inch screen with Apple CarPlay, digital instruments, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise with lane keeping, ventilated seats and a panoramic roof. The boot holds 540 litres and fuel use is around 8 litres per 100 km.
Tucson 2023. A simpler but practical option: digital instruments, Apple CarPlay, a rear camera, a high driving position and a soft ride. Its 2.5-litre engine with 191 hp is stronger than in the two newer cars.
How they behave in Dubai
In the city and on the expressways the difference is hard to feel. The Sportage and the Tucson 2024 share the same 2.0-litre 156 hp engine with an automatic gearbox, and Dubai's fast roads call for a calm ride and good air conditioning rather than power. If you often head into the mountains towards Hatta or Jebel Jais, spare power helps, and the Tucson 2023 with 191 hp comes out ahead. For relaxed drives to Abu Dhabi and along the waterfronts, any of the three is enough.
For a family with children and suitcases the boot matters: the Sportage has 50 litres more than the Tucson 2024, roughly one extra backpack. For four adults with a week of luggage the gap is rarely critical, but for strollers and big suitcases the Sportage is easier.
What it costs for different periods
On the weekly rate the Sportage and the Tucson 2024 work out at about 177 AED a day instead of 190, and on the monthly rate about 140 AED a day. The Tucson 2023 is 890 AED a week, about 127 AED a day, and 2,890 AED a month, about 96 a day. So the Tucson 2023 is 350 AED cheaper than the Sportage per week and 1,310 AED cheaper per month, and it is the only one of the three where the saving is large.
If you need seven seats, look at the Kia Sorento (220, 1,320 and 4,400 AED) or the Hyundai Santa Fe (230, 1,380 and 4,600 AED): both have all-wheel drive, 191 hp and no deposit.
Three questions before you choose
How many days do you need the car? For less than a week the partner Tucson 2024 will not work. How much luggage are you carrying? The extra 50 litres in the Sportage only matter when the car is fully loaded. Where are you going? For the city and expressways any of the three is enough, for the mountains the more powerful Tucson 2023 is better.
If you are choosing between the Sportage and the Tucson 2023, compare equipment as well as price. The Sportage is newer and better equipped: two large screens, wireless charging and ventilated power seats. The Tucson 2023 is simpler but 51 AED cheaper per day.
What is the same in every rental
- Most cars need no deposit, insurance is included and 250 km per day is in the price.
- Delivery and return in Dubai are free from 7 days; for shorter rentals delivery and return together cost 210 AED. Partner cars have their own terms: 80 AED each way, free from 30 days.
- Driver from 21 years old with at least one year of experience.
- Driving to Oman: ask when booking; it is not allowed on partner cars.
- Salik tolls and fines are paid by the renter at actual cost.
The short answer
Want a recent car with no deposit and the most comfort: the Sportage 2025. Want it cheap and with spare power: the Tucson 2023. The Tucson 2024 makes sense if the partner terms suit you: a 1,000 AED deposit and a rental of at least 7 days. If you are unsure, write to us with your route and dates and we will help you choose.
