Kia Optima vs Subaru WRX
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru WRX
Overview
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | WRX (Base) |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2020 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,390 (best) | $32,495 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| City MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 19 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 35 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal (best) | 16.6 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 185 hp | 271 hp (best) |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.4 L | 2.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.9 cu ft (best) | 12.5 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,230 lbs (best) | — |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.4 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 110.4 in (best) | 105.2 in |
| Length | 191.1 in (best) | 183.8 in |
| Width | 73.2 in (best) | 71.9 in |
| Height | 57.7 in | 57.8 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 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 pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| 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 | Kia Optima | Subaru 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 | — |
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.
- 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).