The Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima are known for bringing style and performance to the midsize sedan class. Though these cars appear to have several attributes in common, the Sonata has earned countless awards from established online reviewers and local test drivers in Cape May County, Cumberland County, and Salem County alike.
In the following Hyundai Sonata vs Kia Optima review, we'll show you why you should choose the Sonata over the Optima. Keep reading for the full scoop from your friends at Action Hyundai of Millville.
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Hyundai Sonata vs. Kia Optima: Model Overview
The Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima wear similar body lines but different head-on looks. The Sonata's is characterized by flowing headlights, a hexagonal grille, and signature rowed LED lights that form its polished, confident, and aerodynamic appearance.
On the flip side, the Optima's outer shell joins its headlights and narrow mesh grille, creating an assertive, interesting appeal.
To hit on the must-haves of such a wide-ranging segment of buyers, the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima come in an array of trim levels. The Sonata's six trims are the SE, Eco, Sport, Sport 2.0 T, Limited, and Limited 2.0T. The Optima's five trims are the LX, EX, SX, SX Turbo, and SXL Turbo.
Get to know more about the Sonata's offerings with our detailed Sonata vehicle review.
While each car seats five passengers, the Sonata factors in extra wiggle room. In comparison to the Kia Optima, the Hyundai Sonata has more headroom throughout the cabin plus more space in its trunk, allotting owners 16.3 cubic feet over the Optima's 15.9-cubic-foot capacity.
Matching Engine Equipment
Under the hood, the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima share similar powertrain attributes, from their base 185-horsepower four-cylinder motors to their top 245-horse turbocharged engines.
Even though their performance equipment wears identical specs, other variables factor into efficiency, and that's where the Sonata and the Optima show their true colors. The Hyundai Sonata beats the Optima when it comes to fuel spend, earning an EPA-estimated 25/38 mpg for city and highway driving with its base powertrain. The Kia Optima is close behind in city mileage but lags in terms of highway running. It achieves entry-level EPA estimates of 24/35 mpg.
Sonata vs. Optima: Trendsetting Technology
Standard Bluetooth® to rearview cameras, the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima come equipped with the tech basics you crave.
The Sonata and the Optima feature the latest driver assistance safety aids currently on the market, such as Smart Cruise Control and Automatic Emergency Braking. One assistance feature exclusive to the 2017 Sonata is Dynamic Bending Light, an innovative mechanism that links the function of your headlights to your steering wheel, so your path is always well lit.
In comparing each car dashboard's ability to integrate with your smartphone's features, the Sonata's standard Apple CarPlayâ„¢ and Android Autoâ„¢ support definitely put it on the cutting edge. The 2016 Kia Optima has Android Autoâ„¢ capability in its features lineup but, unlike the Sonata, doesn't make it available on all trim levels and unfortunately doesn't offer a comparable program for iPhone users.
Hyundai Sonata vs Kia Optima: Verdict
At first glance, the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima are close in competition. But where the Kia Optima falters, the Hyundai Sonata rises.
The Sonata is the complete midsize sedan package, and it just may be the ride for you! Those from Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties interested in getting behind the wheel of a Hyundai Sonata can get in touch with Action Hyundai to schedule a test drive today.
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