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Kia Optima vs Subaru WRX

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

Vehicles

Kia logo

2020 Kia Optima

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Subaru logo

2026 Subaru WRX

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Overview

SpecKia OptimaLXSubaru WRXWRX (Base)
Selected trimLXWRX (Base)
Body styleSedanSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel driveall wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedpremium unleaded (recommended)
Transmission6-speed shiftable automatic6-speed manual
Engine typegasgas
Model year20202026

Pricing & market

SpecKia OptimaLXSubaru WRXWRX (Base)
MSRP$23,390 (best)$32,495
Lowest listing price$9,987 (best)$13,897
Median listing price$14,367 (best)$27,504
Highest listing price$18,000 (best)$40,979
For sale now828 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecKia OptimaLXSubaru WRXWRX (Base)
Combined MPG29 MPG (best)22 MPG
City MPG25 MPG (best)19 MPG
Highway MPG35 MPG (best)26 MPG
Fuel tank18.5 gal (best)16.6 gal

Performance

SpecKia OptimaLXSubaru WRXWRX (Base)
Horsepower185 hp271 hp (best)
Torque178 lb-ft258 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2.4 L2.4 L
CylindersI4flat 4

Size & capability

SpecKia OptimaLXSubaru WRXWRX (Base)
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume15.9 cu ft (best)12.5 cu ft
Curb weight3,230 lbs (best)—
Ground clearance5.3 in5.4 in (best)
Wheelbase110.4 in (best)105.2 in
Length191.1 in (best)183.8 in
Width73.2 in (best)71.9 in
Height57.7 in57.8 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecKia OptimaLXSubaru WRXWRX (Base)
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)4 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side pole5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Rollover5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reportedNone 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.

TrimKia OptimaSubaru WRX
1

LX

$23,390 MSRP(Currently comparing)

WRX (Base)

$32,495 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

S

$24,890 MSRP

Premium

$33,995 MSRP

3

SE

$26,390 MSRP

Limited

$38,995 MSRP

4

EX

$27,190 MSRP

Limited

$39,995 MSRP

5

EX

$29,310 MSRP

GT

$44,995 MSRP

6

EX Premium

$30,190 MSRP

tS

$44,995 MSRP

7

SX

$32,190 MSRP

Series.Yellow

$45,995 MSRP

8

EX

$36,090 MSRP

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Live inventory

Kia Optima vs Subaru WRX FAQ

Which is better: 2020 Kia Optima or 2026 Subaru WRX?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2020 Kia Optima vs 2026 Subaru WRX on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2020 Kia Optima or 2026 Subaru WRX?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2020 Kia Optima starts lower at $23,390. Live Kia Optima listings start at $9,987. Live Subaru WRX listings start at $13,897.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2020 Kia Optima or 2026 Subaru WRX?
The 2020 Kia Optima leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,390).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2020 Kia Optima or 2026 Subaru WRX?
The 2020 Kia Optima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (42).
Which has better electricRangeMi: 2020 Kia Optima or 2026 Subaru WRX?
The 2020 Kia Optima leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (28).
Which has better horsepower: 2020 Kia Optima or 2026 Subaru WRX?
The 2026 Subaru WRX leads on horsepower in this comparison (271).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2020 Kia Optima vs 2026 Subaru WRX?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia Optima (5/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru WRX (5/5 NHTSA overall).