Even keen driving enthusiasts would admit that few vehicles can match the practicality and motoring flexibility offered by a crossover. Its combination of a five-seater hatchback body with the stance and ground clearance of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) is ideal for suburbanites living and working in our concrete jungle.
One of the most common crossovers on our island is the Hyundai Tucson. Its sleek bodywork, which is a far cry from the boxy and uninspired lines of the previous model, has aged so well that few would suspect that the Tucson is already five years old. Recently facelifted, the Tucson promises a better driving experience, thanks to its new powerplant and improved cabin.
Bearing no resemblance to its predecessor is the Subaru Forester. This fourth-gen model (tested here in Premium guise) has eschewed the more streamlined design of the last model for a more masculine appearance. Targeting drivers with active lifestyles, the Forester comes with permanent all-wheel-drive (the only contender here so equipped) and a roomier interior than before.
The third car in this comparison test is the facelifted Kia Sportage. Like its Tucson cousin from sister company Hyundai, the Sportage has received minor updates to its exterior and interior, plus a new 2-litre engine.
Which of these capable crossovers is the most versatile and the most driveable? Continue reading to discover what we think. 
If this contest was about finding the most car-like crossover, then the Hyundai Tucson would undoubtedly be the winner. But with this story looking for the strongest blend of versatility and driveability, the Tucson is disadvantaged by its lower equipment level and higher selling price relative to its two rivals. It’s a practical proposition, but it’s not the most compelling package in this case.
The Kia Sportage came very close to edging out the Tucson and Forester in this competition. The Sportage’s sporty cockpit, useful amenities and eager drivetrain score a lot of points, but its interior isn’t a top scorer in terms of flexibility, which is needed by suburbanites in their daily life.
Emerging victorious in this suburban shootout is the Subaru Forester. It may not be as fashionable or as comfortable as the two Korean contenders, but its highly “driveable” boxer powertrain and suburbanite-friendly features give it the lead. Factor in its attractive pricing ($10.6k and $3.6k less than the Tucson and Sportage respectively at press time), and the Forester is the winner in this “suburban utility” Group Test.
SPECIFICATIONS
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1999cc
BORE X STROKE 81mm x 97mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.3:1
MAX POWER 152bhp at 6200rpm
MAX TORQUE 191Nm at 4700rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 108.8bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 11.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 195km/h
CONSUMPTION 11.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 200g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Hankook Optimo H426
SIZE 225/55 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4410mm
WIDTH 1820mm
HEIGHT 1655mm
WHEELBASE 2640mm
KERB WEIGHT 1397kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $168,999
(no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
WE SAY
+ Most peaceful cabin, most practical backseat, powerful air-conditioning
– Highest sticker price, overly light steering, least responsive gearbox
* BEST OF THE THREE IN DRIVER-FRIENDLINESS
SPECIFICATIONS
Kia Sportage 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1999cc
BORE X STROKE 81mm x 97mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.3:1
MAX POWER 154bhp at 6200rpm
MAX TORQUE 191Nm at 4700rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 110.2bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 11.7 seconds
TOP SPEED 175km/h
CONSUMPTION 11.4km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 204g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Hankook Optimo H426
SIZE 235/55 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4440mm
WIDTH 1855mm
HEIGHT 1635mm
WHEELBASE 2640mm
KERB WEIGHT 1397kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $161,999
(no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
WE SAY
+ Nippiest drivetrain, quickest manual override, sweetest hi-fi system
– Smallest total cargo volume, least roomy cockpit, least efficient engine
* BEST OF THE THREE IN DRIVEABILITY
SPECIFICATIONS
Subaru Forester 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Flat-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1995cc
BORE X STROKE 84mm x 90mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1
MAX POWER 150bhp at 6200rpm
MAX TORQUE 198Nm at 4200rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 100.3bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT with
6-speed override
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 11.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 192km/h
CONSUMPTION 12.7km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 182g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs
REAR Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Yokohama Geolander G91
SIZE 225/60 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 7
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with VDC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4595mm
WIDTH 1795mm
HEIGHT 1735mm
WHEELBASE 2640mm
KERB WEIGHT 1495kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $158,400
(no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 5 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Most competitive pricing, likeable engine, biggest boot with backseats down
– Least comfortable rear seating, unintuitive hi-fi, confusing central display
* BEST OF THE THREE IN SUREFOOTEDNESS
