Kia Optima vs Toyota Corolla
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Toyota Corolla
Overview
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Toyota CorollaLE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | LE |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2020 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Toyota CorollaLE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,390 | $22,725 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Toyota CorollaLE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG | 35 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 25 MPG | 32 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 35 MPG | 41 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Toyota CorollaLE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 185 hp (best) | 169 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft (best) | 151 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.4 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Toyota CorollaLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.9 cu ft (best) | 13.1 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,230 lbs | 2,955 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.4 in (best) | 106.3 in |
| Length | 191.1 in (best) | 182.5 in |
| Width | 73.2 in (best) | 70.1 in |
| Height | 57.7 in (best) | 56.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Toyota CorollaLE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 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 | Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $23,390 MSRP(Currently comparing) | LE $22,725 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | S $24,890 MSRP | LE $24,975 MSRP |
| 3 | SE $26,390 MSRP | LE $26,375 MSRP |
| 4 | EX $27,190 MSRP | SE $24,180 MSRP |
| 5 | EX $29,310 MSRP | SE $25,165 MSRP |
| 6 | EX Premium $30,190 MSRP | SE $27,415 MSRP |
| 7 | SX $32,190 MSRP | SE $28,815 MSRP |
| 8 | EX $36,090 MSRP | FX $26,780 MSRP |
| 9 | — | XSE $27,175 MSRP |
| 10 | — | XSE $28,440 MSRP |
| 11 | — | XLE $29,340 MSRP |