Kia Sportage Black Edition vs MG HS vs Hyundai Tucson — Which SUV Truly Rules the Road?

In Pakistan’s ever-evolving SUV market, three names are constantly battling for the spotlight — Kia Sportage Black Edition, Hyundai Tucson Ultimate, and MG HS Essence.

Each offers its own blend of style, performance, features, and brand loyalty.

But in a world where car buyers are smarter and more value-conscious than ever, the real question remains: which one truly deserves your hard-earned money in 2025?

Let’s break it down like a seasoned auto expert, with first-hand experience and data-backed insights.

Kia Sportage Black Edition — Stylish but Is It All Show?

The Sportage Black Edition has arrived with a bold, murdered-out look. From its all-black 19-inch alloy wheels to the darkened emblems and gloss black grille, this SUV screams attitude. And it works — visually, the Sportage now feels fresh and premium once again.

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However, underneath the hood, there’s nothing new. You still get the same 2.0L naturally-aspirated engine producing 155 hp and 196 Nm of torque.

It’s paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and an AWD system, which makes it capable but not thrilling.

Inside, the cabin has been given a darker theme, switching from beige to black, but the layout remains dated.

You’ll find leatherette seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a roomy cabin — but not much innovation.

MG HS Essence — Feature-Packed and Surprisingly Premium

Don’t let its Chinese origin fool you — the MG HS Essence punches way above its weight class.

With 6 airbags, a 360° camera, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, it has safety tech that rivals some German SUVs.

Its 1.5L turbocharged engine delivers a zippy 160 hp and 250 Nm torque, offering more punch than the Sportage and Tucson.

But since it’s FWD-only, its ability to handle rough terrain is limited.

The interior is where HS truly shines — from stitched leather seats to brushed aluminum touches, the cabin feels luxurious.

It even features ambient lighting and a soft-touch dashboard — elements missing in more expensive rivals.

Its only downside? You can get it in just black or white colors. That’s it.

Hyundai Tucson Ultimate — The Balanced Veteran

The Tucson Ultimate may not scream “new,” but its design remains clean and purposeful. It shares the same engine and AWD system as the Sportage, offering identical performance numbers.

Inside, it features a more refined layout than the Sportage with a 10-inch infotainment screen, soft-touch panels, and a more modern dash.

It also offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even a wireless charger, which are notably absent in the Sportage.

That said, with the global debut of a next-gen Tucson already done, this version feels a bit outdated — especially at a price close to 9 million PKR.

Size & Space — Which SUV Fits Your Life Best?

Spec	MG HS Essence	Kia Sportage Black Edition	Hyundai Tucson Ultimate
Length	4,574 mm	4,485 mm	4,480 mm
Width	1,876 mm	1,855 mm	1,850 mm
Height	1,685 mm	1,635 mm	1,660 mm
Wheelbase	2,722 mm	2,670 mm	2,670 mm
Ground Clearance	175 mm	172 mm	172 mm
Boot Space	463 L	491 L	491 L
Weight (Approx)	1,550 kg	1,544 kg	1,500 kg

The Sportage and Tucson are nearly identical in space, while the MG HS edges out in height and wheelbase, making it roomier for passengers — especially in the rear.

Performance & Efficiency — The Drive Matters

• Kia Sportage / Hyundai Tucson: 2.0L NA engine, 155 hp, AWD, 10–12 km/l.
  
• MG HS Essence: 1.5L Turbo, 160 hp, FWD, claimed 10–14 km/l.
  

On paper, MG HS has the best numbers. But on real roads, Sportage and Tucson offer better handling on rough terrain thanks to AWD, which MG lacks.

 Features That Count

Feature	Sportage BE	Tucson Ultimate	MG HS Essence
AWD System	✅	✅	❌
360° Camera	❌	❌	✅
Adaptive Cruise Control	❌	❌	✅
Lane Keep & Blind Spot Assist	❌	❌	✅
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto	❌	✅	✅
Ambient Lighting	❌	❌	✅
Heated Front Seats	❌	❌	✅
Reclining Rear Seats	✅	✅	❌

MG HS wins big in safety and tech. But if AWD is a priority, Tucson or Sportage is your go-to.

💰 Price Comparison (As of 2025)

SUV Model	Price (PKR)
MG HS Essence	Rs. 8,800,000
Hyundai Tucson	Rs. 8,859,000
Kia Sportage BE	Rs. 9,050,000

The Sportage Black Edition is the most expensive, offering the least in terms of tech. MG HS, though FWD, offers the best value-to-feature ratio.

✅ Final Verdict — Which SUV Should You Buy?

If you’re buying with your eyes, the Kia Sportage Black Edition looks the most aggressive and stylish. If you’re buying with your head, the MG HS Essence offers the most features, safety, and comfort for the money.

But if you want a little bit of everything, the Hyundai Tucson Ultimate remains the most balanced pick — just slightly behind the times.

🔍 Expert’s Choice: MG HS Essence — Perfect for city drivers who want top-tier features, premium comfort, and real value for money.

🏞️ Alternative Pick: Kia or Tucson (for AWD lovers and off-roaders)