Hyundai Sonata vs Kia Optima
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2020 Kia Optima
Overview
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SE | LX |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2020 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $27,600 | $23,390 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $23,791 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $23,791 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $23,791 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 2 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 29 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG (best) | 25 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 38 MPG (best) | 35 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal | 18.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 hp (best) | 185 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft (best) | 178 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.6 cu ft | 15.9 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,232 lbs | 3,230 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in (best) | 110.4 in |
| Length | 193.3 in (best) | 191.1 in |
| Width | 73.2 in | 73.2 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 57.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
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 | Hyundai Sonata | Kia Optima |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SE $27,600 MSRP(Currently comparing) | LX $23,390 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SEL Sport $29,400 MSRP | S $24,890 MSRP |
| 3 | SEL Sport $30,900 MSRP | SE $26,390 MSRP |
| 4 | Blue Hybrid $29,450 MSRP | EX $27,190 MSRP |
| 5 | SEL Hybrid $32,700 MSRP | EX $29,310 MSRP |
| 6 | N Line $36,300 MSRP | EX Premium $30,190 MSRP |
| 7 | Limited Hybrid $38,500 MSRP | SX $32,190 MSRP |
| 8 | — | EX $36,090 MSRP |
Live inventory
Hyundai Sonata vs Kia Optima FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Hyundai Sonata or 2020 Kia Optima?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Hyundai Sonata 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: 2027 Hyundai Sonata or 2020 Kia Optima?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2020 Kia Optima starts lower at $23,390. Live Hyundai Sonata listings start at $23,791.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Hyundai Sonata or 2020 Kia Optima?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,390).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Hyundai Sonata or 2020 Kia Optima?
- The 2027 Hyundai Sonata leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (51).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2027 Hyundai Sonata or 2020 Kia Optima?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Hyundai Sonata or 2020 Kia Optima?
- The 2027 Hyundai Sonata leads on horsepower in this comparison (290).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2027 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Kia Optima?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia Optima (5/5 NHTSA overall).