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Chevrolet Cobalt vs Kia Optima

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

Vehicles

Chevrolet logo

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt

Kia logo

2020 Kia Optima

Overview

SpecChevrolet CobaltXFEKia OptimaLX
Selected trimXFELX
Body styleCoupeSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission5-speed manual6-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20102020

Pricing & market

SpecChevrolet CobaltXFEKia OptimaLX
MSRP$14,990 (best)$23,390
Lowest listing price$10,488 (best)
Median listing price$15,867 (best)
Highest listing price$18,000 (best)
For sale now06 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecChevrolet CobaltXFEKia OptimaLX
Combined MPG30 MPG (best)29 MPG
City MPG25 MPG25 MPG
Highway MPG37 MPG (best)35 MPG
Fuel tank13 gal18.5 gal (best)

Performance

SpecChevrolet CobaltXFEKia OptimaLX
Horsepower155 hp185 hp (best)
Torque150 lb-ft178 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2.2 L2.4 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecChevrolet CobaltXFEKia OptimaLX
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors24 (best)
Cargo volume13.9 cu ft15.9 cu ft (best)
Towing capacity1,000 lbs (best)
Curb weight2,721 lbs (best)3,230 lbs
Ground clearance5.4 in (best)5.3 in
Wheelbase103.3 in110.4 in (best)
Length180.5 in191.1 in (best)
Width67.9 in73.2 in (best)
Height55.5 in57.7 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecChevrolet CobaltXFEKia OptimaLX
NHTSA overallNot Rated5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (driver)4 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)3 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side poleNot Rated5 / 5 ★ (best)
RolloverNot Rated5 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)5None 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.

TrimChevrolet CobaltKia Optima
1

XFE

$14,990 MSRP(Currently comparing)

LX

$23,390 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

XFE

$14,990 MSRP

S

$24,890 MSRP

3

LS

$15,670 MSRP

SE

$26,390 MSRP

4

LS

$15,670 MSRP

EX

$27,190 MSRP

5

LT

$16,470 MSRP

EX

$29,310 MSRP

6

LT

$16,470 MSRP

EX Premium

$30,190 MSRP

7

SS

$24,535 MSRP

SX

$32,190 MSRP

8

EX

$36,090 MSRP

Live inventory

Chevrolet Cobalt vs Kia Optima FAQ

Which is better: 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt or 2020 Kia Optima?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 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: 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt or 2020 Kia Optima?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt starts lower at $14,990. Live Kia Optima listings start at $10,488.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt or 2020 Kia Optima?
The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (14,990).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt or 2020 Kia Optima?
The 2020 Kia Optima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (42).
Which has better electricRangeMi: 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt or 2020 Kia Optima?
The 2020 Kia Optima leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (28).
Which has better horsepower: 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt or 2020 Kia Optima?
The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt leads on horsepower in this comparison (260).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt or 2020 Kia Optima?
The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,000).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vs 2020 Kia Optima?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Cobalt (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall); Kia Optima (5/5 NHTSA overall).