2018 Kia Optima vs. 2018 Toyota Camry

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Kia Optima and 2018 Toyota Camry contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Kia Optima and the 2018 Toyota Camry.

When we compare the 2018 Kia Optima's and the 2018 Toyota Camry's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and interior volume. The 2018 Toyota Camry has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Kia Optima's and the 2018 Toyota Camry's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Toyota Camry is a better car than the 2018 Kia Optima.

Pricing: A used 2018 Kia Optima ranges from $9,994 to $18,998 while a used 2018 Toyota Camry is priced between $14,976 to $25,998.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value and the 2018 Toyota Camry loses 31.8 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Toyota Camry retains 11.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Kia Optima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima is 8.6 out of 10 while the Toyota Camry's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Toyota Camry being ranked 2 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10. For the Toyota Camry the reliability rating is 8.9 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Camry an advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Kia Optima’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the 2018 Toyota Camry base engine makes 203 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 629 miles. The Camry is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 595 miles.This gives the 2018 Toyota Camry the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2018 Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the 2018 Kia Optima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2018 Toyota Camry has the advantage in the areas of rear head room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Kia Optima and the 2018 Toyota Camry have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.