2019 Hyundai ELANTRA vs. 2019 Kia Optima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA and 2019 Kia Optima 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 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA and the 2019 Kia Optima.

When comparing the 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA's and the 2019 Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The 2019 Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA's and the 2019 Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Kia Optima is a better car than the 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA.

Pricing: A used 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA ranges from $10,995 to $19,294 while a used 2019 Kia Optima is priced between $11,848 to $21,235.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA loses 33.4 percent of its value and the 2019 Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA retains 9.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Kia Optima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 8.3 out of 10 while the Kia Optima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai ELANTRA being ranked 21 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 7.8 out of 10. For the Kia Optima the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Kia Optima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai ELANTRA.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the 2019 Kia Optima base engine makes 185 horsepower. The ELANTRA is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 504 miles. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 611 miles.This gives the 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2019 Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 2019 Kia Optima, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2019 Kia Optima has higher safety ratings than the 2019 Hyundai ELANTRA, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.64 out of 5 Stars.