Chevrolet Cobalt vs Kia Optima
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2020 Kia Optima
Overview
| Spec | Chevrolet CobaltXFE | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | XFE | LX |
| Body style | Coupe | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2010 | 2020 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Chevrolet CobaltXFE | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $14,990 (best) | $23,390 |
| Lowest listing price | $3,898 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $3,898 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $3,898 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 1 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Chevrolet CobaltXFE | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 29 MPG |
| City MPG | 25 MPG | 25 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 37 MPG (best) | 35 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13 gal | 18.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Chevrolet CobaltXFE | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 185 hp (best) |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.2 L | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Chevrolet CobaltXFE | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 4 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 13.9 cu ft | 15.9 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 1,000 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 2,721 lbs (best) | 3,230 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.4 in (best) | 5.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.3 in | 110.4 in (best) |
| Length | 180.5 in | 191.1 in (best) |
| Width | 67.9 in | 73.2 in (best) |
| Height | 55.5 in | 57.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Chevrolet CobaltXFE | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | 5 / 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 pole | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 5 | 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 | Chevrolet Cobalt | Kia 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 Chevrolet Cobalt listings start at $3,898.
- 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).
