KIA Optima Vs. Hyundai Sonata Comparison

Year after year, drivers find themselves looking for reliable and dynamic mid-size cars that deliver great times on road trips near and far. They’ll scour worlds of webpages and comb through the Kelley Blue Book with a watchful eye for their favorite features, only to find themselves overwhelmed as all of the information and jargon overflows. Our vehicle experts find that a lot of drivers in this scenario wind up deciding between two mid-size stalwarts: Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata.

Look no further, we have everything you need to know about your driveway’s next adventurous automobile, and you can buy here pay here as soon as you step onto our lot.

Survey the Floor

Before we sweat any of the small details, we’ve laid out for you every trim available between the Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata in 2020 and 2021. We break down the trims, starting MSRPs, Kia vs. Hyundai reliability, and some unique features here for both:

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata received a five-star rating for overall safety from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

• 2020 Hyundai Sonata SE – Starting at $23,600 MSRP,¹ the base model comes with forward collision avoidance assist that alerts you when either another vehicle or pedestrian darts in front of your car, and it drives at an elite mark of 38 EPA-estimated^* MPG highway.
• 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL – Starting at $25,700 MSRP,¹ driver assistance features let you know if someone is lurking in your blind spot during a lane change or behind you as you back out in a crowded lot. Carrying something heavy and can’t wait to finally drop it down in the trunk? This Sonata feels your presence and opens up the back without the need for the touch of a button or lifting any handles.
• 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus – Starting at $27,650 MSRP,¹ you can run the SEL Plus with a couple of swipes of your finger, either on the 12.3-inch LCD infotainment screen or through the Hyundai digital key on your smartphone. Can’t find your smartphone in the cabin? Check the wireless device charging station.
• 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited – Starting at $33,500 MSRP,¹ get where you need to go with the 10.25-inch navigation system and see every inch of your vehicle through the surround-view monitor. When it’s time to fit into a tight parking spot, use the smart parking function to slide in without a scratch.

Not to be outdone, the 2020 Kia Optima offers six trims.

• 2020 Kia Optima LX – Starting at $23,390 MSRP,² the Optima base model is powered by a 2.4L 4-CYL engine with 185HP and protected by a host of safety technology.
• 2020 Kia Optima S – Starting at $24,890 MSRP,² enjoy the Optima’s signature dependability inside a stylish ensemble: Sport Black cloth & leatherette seat bolsters match with Sport side sills and rear spoiler to keep your car slick from head to toe. Open it all up with the available panoramic sunroof and shine on every street.
• 2020 Kia Optima Special Edition – Starting at $26,390 MSRP,² stay warm and cozy in the heated, black leather front seats and while clutching the heated steering wheel. Perfect for when old man winter rolls in near Dallas, TX.
• 2020 Kia Optima EX – Starting at $27,190 MSRP,² the EX trim can be started up from your smartphone app or the keyless push-to-start button. Wireless charging capabilities and an extra USB charger up front merge your car seamlessly with all of the traffic on your devices.
• 2020 Kia Optima EX Premium – Starting at $30,190 MSRP,² the EX Premium has a Harman/Kardon® premium audio system that will have you booming down the block through 10 speakers, stop & go cruise control, and fog lights that illuminate the greyest of the grey.
• 2020 Kia Optima SX – Starting at $32,190 MSRP,² this final Optima option boasts a 2.0L 4-CYL Turbo engine with 245hp, a six-speed automatic transmission under the hood, and a high-class cabin that keeps you in control of your car’s climate and connectivity without taking your hands off of the wheel.

The biggest difference between the 2021 Hyundai Sonata and the 2020 model is the debut of a new wheel-and-tire combination for the SEL Plus that features P Zero tires from legendary racing brand Pirelli and a standard safe exit warning feature across all trims.

If you’re looking for a 2021 Kia Optima, take note of this important change:

The 2021 version of the Kia Optima is now named the Kia K5.

In addition to changing the name, Kia added a sleek “tiger nose grille,” set the K5 on a wider platform than the Optima, and added a full-width taillight. The K5 comes in five trims: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT, and drives in normal, smart, sport, and custom modes.

As you can see, each of these models has a lot to offer. Explore these models and similar cars in our used cars for sale section.

A Short Drive From Dallas

If you still have questions about the Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata debate, come visit our showroom
in Irving, TX. Our vehicle experts are familiar with each of our Sonata vs. Optima cars in stock and will guide you through buying a used car or a new vehicle today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are KIA Optimas good cars?

Yes, Kia Optima models typically score a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, which places it eighth out of 24 in the midsize car category. Typical annual repairs amount to $471, which is lower than average ownership costs. Contact our service department for professional Kia auto repair.

Is the Hyundai Sonata a reliable car?

Yes, the Hyundai Sonata is solidly reliable as long as you take regular care of it by following the factory maintenance schedule. Regular oil and filter changes are essential to getting the most miles out of your car’s engine. Doing so should make your Sonata run for more than 200,000 miles.

How long do KIA Optima transmissions last?

Most Kia Optima transmissions will last between 100,000 to 200,000 miles when properly maintained. Regular auto maintenance from our Kia service department is the key to getting the most out of your car’s transmission. Since the Kia Optima can reach 200,000 miles, the transmission should last the life of the vehicle.

How does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid work?

With a 4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has a range of benefits. One of the biggest wins associated with this model is its 166 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque. However, the electric motor and combined 206 horsepower make a nice touch. Book your test drive to experience this new hybrid car for sale in person.

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Disclosure:¹ MSRP excludes freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. Freight charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost. Accessory items shown may vary according to model and illustration.

²“Starting MSRP” price is manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest model trim. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options, and dealer charges. Actual price set by dealer and may vary. See “Build and Price” section for MSRP of model shown and applicable destination and handling charges. Vehicles shown with optional equipment. Some features only available as part of packages. See “Features & Specifications” and “Options” pages for details. Kia Motors reserves the right to make changes at any time as to vehicle availability, destination, and handling fees, colors, materials, specifications, features, accessories, packages, and models.