Which is better: 2017 Buick Verano or 2020 Kia Optima?

It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2017 Buick Verano vs 2020 Kia Optima on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.

Which costs less: 2017 Buick Verano or 2020 Kia Optima?

Based on starting MSRP, the 2017 Buick Verano starts lower at $21,065. Live Kia Optima listings start at $9,987.

Which has better startingMsrp: 2017 Buick Verano or 2020 Kia Optima?

The 2017 Buick Verano leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (21,065).

Which has better combinedMpg: 2017 Buick Verano or 2020 Kia Optima?

The 2020 Kia Optima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (42).

Which has better electricRangeMi: 2017 Buick Verano or 2020 Kia Optima?

The 2020 Kia Optima leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (28).

Which has better horsepower: 2017 Buick Verano or 2020 Kia Optima?

The 2020 Kia Optima leads on horsepower in this comparison (245).

Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2017 Buick Verano or 2020 Kia Optima?

The 2017 Buick Verano leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,000).

How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2017 Buick Verano vs 2020 Kia Optima?

NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Buick Verano (5/5 NHTSA overall); Kia Optima (5/5 NHTSA overall).

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Buick Verano vs Kia Optima

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

2017 Buick Verano

Trim

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2020 Kia Optima

Trim

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Overview

Spec	Buick Verano1SV	Kia OptimaLX
Selected trim	1SV	LX
Body style	Sedan	Sedan
Drivetrain	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Fuel type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
Transmission	6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Engine type	gas	gas
Model year	2017	2020

Pricing & market

Spec	Buick Verano1SV	Kia OptimaLX
MSRP	$21,065 (best)	$23,390
Lowest listing price	—	$9,987 (best)
Median listing price	—	$14,367 (best)
Highest listing price	—	$18,000 (best)
For sale now	0	8 (best)

Fuel economy & range

Spec	Buick Verano1SV	Kia OptimaLX
Combined MPG	24 MPG	29 MPG (best)
City MPG	21 MPG	25 MPG (best)
Highway MPG	31 MPG	35 MPG (best)
Fuel tank	15.6 gal	18.5 gal (best)

Performance

Spec	Buick Verano1SV	Kia OptimaLX
Horsepower	180 hp	185 hp (best)
Torque	171 lb-ft	178 lb-ft (best)
Engine size	2.4 L	2.4 L
Cylinders	I4	I4

Size & capability

Spec	Buick Verano1SV	Kia OptimaLX
Seating	5 seats	5 seats
Doors	4	4
Cargo volume	14.3 cu ft	15.9 cu ft (best)
Towing capacity	1,000 lbs (best)	—
Curb weight	3,300 lbs	3,230 lbs (best)
Ground clearance	—	5.3 in (best)
Wheelbase	105.7 in	110.4 in (best)
Length	183.9 in	191.1 in (best)
Width	71.4 in	73.2 in (best)
Height	58.1 in (best)	57.7 in

Safety & recalls

Spec	Buick Verano1SV	Kia OptimaLX
NHTSA overall	5 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (driver)	5 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)	5 / 5 ★ (best)	4 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)	5 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★
Side crash (passenger)	5 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★
Side pole	5 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)	1	None reported (best)

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

Trim	Buick Verano	Kia Optima
1	1SV $21,065 MSRP(Currently comparing)	LX $23,390 MSRP(Currently comparing)
2	Sport Touring $24,115 MSRP	S $24,890 MSRP
3	Leather Group $26,555 MSRP	SE $26,390 MSRP
4	—	EX $27,190 MSRP
5	—	EX $29,310 MSRP
6	—	EX Premium $30,190 MSRP
7	—	SX $32,190 MSRP
8	—	EX $36,090 MSRP

Live inventory

Kia Optima8 for sale

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