KIA Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson vs Nissan Qashqai: which one has the best infotainment system?

By Farzana Chaumoo

We take a look at the infotainment systems in three popular family SUVs.

 

KIA Sportage - 3.5/5

All KIA Sportage EX models feature a 7-inch touch-screen that’s mounted at the top of the dash. EX+ models feature an 8-inch touch-screen. It’s fairly easy to use and pretty responsive.

The lack of colour on the menu could make it tricky to select the correct feature. However, on the plus side, there’s a row of physical shortcut buttons underneath the screen that is sure to help you jump from one feature to another without having to take your eyes off the road for too long.

RDS radio and Bluetooth connectivity with an Audio Remote Control comes as standard on all Sportage models. EX and EX+ models get the addition of Voice Recognition.

Satellite Navigation comes standard on EX+ plus models only and is optional for the entry-level models. Although without nav, EX models will benefit from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring which allows you to use a variety of your phone’s navigation apps through the built-in screen.

 

Hyundai Tucson - 4/5

The Hyundai Tucson’s interior shares several components with the Sportage. Even the 7-inch infotainment screen is in the same position while key touch-points are conspicuously similar, too. The Tucson features better feeling materials and even appears less dull the Sportage.

An infotainment system comes standard on all Tucson models in the range. The infotainment system is linked to Steering Wheel Multifunction Controls which is linked to the Audio, Bluetooth, Cruise Control and the Onboard computer as standard on all models.

The infotainment screen is reasonably bright and also has a handy set of shortcut buttons that helps when driving.

There’s no sat nav in the Tucson but you can use Apple Carplay which will sync your iPhone with your onboard display for seamless entertainment (think Spotify), communication and beam your phone’s navigation apps.

 

Nissan Qashqai - 3/5

The Nissan Qashqai comes with AM/FM radio with CD/MP3/USB/auxiliary jack & iPod compatibility with RDS, as well as a hands-free Bluetooth system as standard on all models. However, they lack any kind of central infotainment screen or satellite navigation system.

The top spec 1.5dCi Tekna is the only model that comes with a Bose Premium Audio System with a 7-inch touchscreen display. Although, the menu graphics are said to be a little crowded and the screen isn’t the sharpest around when compared to that of the Tucson and Sportage which are modern and easier to read.

On the positive side, the system does have a quick response time when you touch the screen and the latest model should be able to understand smartphone gestures such as pinching to zoom.

Sat-nav comes standard on the Nissan Qashqai 1.5dCi Tekna model only. While directions are simple, it has been said that the directions on the five-inch driver’s display can be a bit slow and can get tricky in heavy traffic when turns or lane changes are needed to be made.

The entry-level Visia model is the only model that has to make do with a frail four-speaker stereo system while all the Acenta Premium and Acenta Plus derivatives feature an improved six-speaker system. As aforementioned, the top-spec Tekna model gets a significantly better stereo system as standard with eight speakers and a bass-boosting subwoofer which is not available as an optional extra on the cheaper models.

 

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