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Ford Focus vs Kia Optima

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

Vehicles

Ford logo

2018 Ford Focus

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Kia logo

2020 Kia Optima

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Overview

SpecFord FocusSKia OptimaLX
Selected trimSLX
Body styleSedanSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission5-speed manual6-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20182020

Pricing & market

SpecFord FocusSKia OptimaLX
MSRP$17,950 (best)$23,390
Lowest listing price$6,423 (best)$10,488
Median listing price$8,860 (best)$15,867
Highest listing price$15,717 (best)$18,000
For sale now56 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecFord FocusSKia OptimaLX
Combined MPG28 MPG29 MPG (best)
City MPG25 MPG25 MPG
Highway MPG34 MPG35 MPG (best)
Fuel tank12.4 gal18.5 gal (best)

Performance

SpecFord FocusSKia OptimaLX
Horsepower160 hp185 hp (best)
Torque146 lb-ft178 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2 L2.4 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecFord FocusSKia OptimaLX
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume13.2 cu ft15.9 cu ft (best)
Curb weight2,928 lbs (best)3,230 lbs
Ground clearance—5.3 in (best)
Wheelbase104.3 in110.4 in (best)
Length178.7 in191.1 in (best)
Width71.8 in73.2 in (best)
Height57.8 in (best)57.7 in

Safety & recalls

SpecFord FocusSKia OptimaLX
NHTSA overall5 / 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 pole5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Rollover4 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)7None 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.

TrimFord FocusKia 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

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10

RS

$41,120 MSRP

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Live inventory

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. Live Ford Focus listings start at $6,423. Live Kia Optima listings start at $10,488.
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).