Kia Sportage vs Suzuki Grand Vitara comparison

We have never had such an interesting derby! Both cars have already featured in comparisons, leaving their competitors far behind. What is the fight between Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which were on a par with each other. Or Suzuki's worthy rebuff to the flagship of the Japanese car industry Nissan Qashqai. It's time to cross them in a personal battle. Place the Grand Vitara in the red corner of the virtual ring, and the Kia Sportage in the blue. Boxing!

Production history

The Suzuki car stood on the conveyor for 17 years from 1997 to 2014, after which it was replaced by the Suzuki Vitara. In the beginning it was a rear-wheel drive SUV with predominantly gasoline engines. The driver could additionally connect front-wheel drive, if necessary, using the Part-Time system. Then the car became a full-fledged off-road vehicle according to the 4x4 formula.

By the second generation, all-wheel drive was included on an ongoing basis. Cars were supplied to the world market in one version of the universal type. But on the domestic market, Vitara was presented with a significant assortment of special versions: for active tourists, off-road conquerors, lovers of a chrome body. New mock-ups of the engine with a working chamber of 3.2 liters appeared, and the main priority was given to diesel fuel.

Kia Sportage celebrates 26 years of existence this year. The first cars were assembled in Germany at a partner plant, and after 5 years production moved to the homeland of the brand. They changed the shape of the body under the ladder frame. It existed in this form until 2004.

The next generation changed the designation from an SUV to a crossover. The car received new alloy wheels, the engineers significantly reworked the radiator grille and bumper. In 2013, the restyling included new headlights. The geography of production has significantly expanded. The assembly of Kia began in Kaliningrad based on semi-finished products from Zilina with their identifiers.

A disappointment was the reduction in the number of diesel engines to one two-liter engine, but then the situation changed. By the fourth generation, the line has become more economical. The model is kept on the conveyor until now.

Winning sides of the Kia Sportage

• Engine. The Grand Vitara has fewer valves. This feature negatively affects fuel consumption. The advantage over the motor valves gives the Korean a head start in torque, which is the key parameter for the passage of the track.
• The engine cylinders fill the combustion chamber more efficiently due to the larger diameter. Improved combustion of gases generates less toxic waste per kilometer for the same gasoline or diesel consumption.
• The base engine power is also better from the Kia. The bonus is twofold - the car goes faster than the Grand Vitara, but it significantly affects the owner's wallet. Horsepower affects vehicle tax and maintenance costs.
• The current generation Sportage is Euro 5 certified, significantly outperforming Suzuki in fuel consumption in all modes. The history of the Grand Vitara stopped at Euro-4. And Kia is preparing to release a modification of the Sportage Euro-6, a hybrid and an electric car.
• Exterior parameters are also in favor of the Korean. The permissible weight threshold, the load capacity of the trunk and the volume make it possible to operate the vehicle by families with children and summer residents.

Suzuki's answer

The Grand Vitara doesn't have as many trump cards as the Sportage. The car is ahead of the Korean in piston stroke and gas compression ratio. In theory, this should give an advantage in fuel consumption or toxic emissions. But due to the diameter of the pistons and the lower base power, the Japanese lost to their geographical neighbor. But he answered with dignity with the volume of the fuel tank. The argument is simple - a Japanese needs more fuel than a Kia for the same distance. The difference in individual modes is colossal - 4 versus 6-7 liters per 100 kilometers. And Kia are the favorites.

Other characteristics

Why is Kia ahead of the Grand Vitara without leaving the slightest chance? Korean engineers are more practical. Therefore, they have created a car that is more environmentally friendly. The arrangement of the cylinders, a more powerful engine for 30-40 horses with a working chamber under 2 cubic meters laid the foundation for a strong and durable car. Only large dimensions in length and width are depressing. On the one hand, more interior space - 4400 mm. against 4005 in length, 1855 against 1810 in width, but if you take parking space as a basis, it can be difficult to park.

The owner of a used Suzuki Grand Vitara will have to work long hours to keep the vehicle clean and reliable. The main body problems are at the bottom. Over the years of opening, the tank flap looses and dirt gets into the hose area. Condensation, which forms during periods of unstable weather, turns into rust along the edge of the frame body. You will also have to clean out behind the rear wheel on the right, where the body number is located. If it becomes unreadable, it will be problematic to prove the compliance of the car with the registration certificate.

The main problems of the Kia Sportage are the engine. Despite the diversity and all the efficiency, the two-liter gasoline engine is subject to overhaul after one hundred thousand kilometers. Not a good trend, given the manufacturer's warranty of 160 thousand kilometers.

Consumers also have questions about the quality of the interior trim. If the Japanese will delight the car owner for many years, then the Korean will need a cosmetic renovation of the interior in 3-4 years.

Conclusions

Both cars are imperfect. It is gratifying that both companies are gradually eradicating the problems of their offspring. But the history of the Grand Vitara has already ended, and the Kia Sportage of the next model year is already floating and driving along the highways of the world. Look forward to!