Ford Focus vs Kia Optima
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2020 Kia Optima
Overview
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | S | LX |
| Body style | Sedan | 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 | 2018 | 2020 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $17,950 (best) | $23,390 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 25 MPG | 25 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG | 35 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 18.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 160 hp | 185 hp (best) |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.2 cu ft | 15.9 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,928 lbs (best) | 3,230 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.3 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in | 110.4 in (best) |
| Length | 178.7 in | 191.1 in (best) |
| Width | 71.8 in | 73.2 in (best) |
| Height | 57.8 in (best) | 57.7 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 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) | 7 | 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 | Ford Focus | Kia Optima |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S $17,950 MSRP(Currently comparing) | LX $23,390 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SE $19,245 MSRP | S $24,890 MSRP |
| 3 | SE $20,540 MSRP | SE $26,390 MSRP |
| 4 | SEL $21,870 MSRP | EX $27,190 MSRP |
| 5 | SEL $22,070 MSRP | EX $29,310 MSRP |
| 6 | Titanium $24,270 MSRP | EX Premium $30,190 MSRP |
| 7 | Titanium $24,470 MSRP | SX $32,190 MSRP |
| 8 | ST $25,170 MSRP | EX $36,090 MSRP |
| 9 | Electric $29,120 MSRP | — |
| 10 | RS $41,120 MSRP | — |
Ford Focus vs Kia Optima FAQ
- Which is better: 2018 Ford Focus or 2020 Kia Optima?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2018 Ford Focus 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: 2018 Ford Focus or 2020 Kia Optima?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2018 Ford Focus starts lower at $17,950.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2018 Ford Focus or 2020 Kia Optima?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (17,950).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2018 Ford Focus or 2020 Kia Optima?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (42).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2018 Ford Focus or 2020 Kia Optima?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (115).
- Which has better horsepower: 2018 Ford Focus or 2020 Kia Optima?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on horsepower in this comparison (350).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2018 Ford Focus vs 2020 Kia Optima?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Focus (5/5 NHTSA overall); Kia Optima (5/5 NHTSA overall).