BMW vs. Kia

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from BMW and Kia contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both BMW and Kia cars.

When comparing the BMW brand to the Kia brand, BMW has the advantage in the areas of horsepower, towing capacity, reliability and variety of models offered. Kia has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, used car pricing, depreciation, fuel efficiency, overall quality, safety and retained value.

BMW versus Kia: Pricing and Value: Analyzing BMW versus Kia pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Kia in 11 out of 11 vehicle comparisons. Kia also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 11 out of 11 comparisons. Kia models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 11 out of 11 comparisons. The lower overall prices for Kia, plus their lower depreciation rate, gives Kia the overall advantage over BMW.

BMW versus Kia: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: BMW vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 9 out of 11 model comparisons, with Kia offering more horsepower in 2 comparisons. Kia offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 6 out of 9 comparisons. BMW offers a greater towing capacity in 5 out of 5 comparisons.

BMW versus Kia: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of BMW versus Kia overall quality ratings shows Kia with higher quality ratings in 5 out of 7 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, BMW has the advantage in 6 out of 7 comparisons. Kia has better safety ratings in 3 out of 6 comparisons. Kia shows higher ratings for retained value in 11 out of 11 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings:

Most Reliable Car Rankings:

Best Cars for the Money Rankings:

Available Body Styles: BMW offers 14 SUVs, 15 sedans, 6 coupes, and 5 convertibles. In comparison, Kia offers 13 SUVs, 1 wagon, 4 sedans, 1 hatchback, and 1 minivan.

Drivetrain Options: BMW offers 23 gasoline vehicles, 5 plug-in hybrids, and 4 electric vehicles. Kia offers 11 gasoline vehicles, 3 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles.

BMW offers 26 all-wheel-drive models, 1 front-wheel-drive model, and 15 rear-wheel-drive models. Kia offers 12 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 3 rear-wheel-drive models.