Ford Fusion Hybrid vs. Kia Optima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Fusion Hybrid and 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 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Kia Optima.

In comparing the Ford Fusion Hybrid's and the Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fusion Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and base engine power. The Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Ford Fusion Hybrid's and the Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Pricing: A used 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid ranges from $14,991 to $23,978 while a used 2020 Kia Optima is priced between $13,949 to $22,944.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Fusion Hybrid loses 49.4 percent of its value and the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Kia Optima retains 6.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Fusion Hybrid is 8.3 out of 10 while the Kia Optima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Fusion Hybrid being ranked 6 out of 11 Best Hybrid Midsize Cars and the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Fusion Hybrid is 7.6 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 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Fusion Hybrid’s base engine makes 188 horsepower, and the Kia Optima base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Fusion Hybrid is rated to deliver an average of 42 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 574 miles. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles.This gives the Ford Fusion Hybrid the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Optima, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Fusion Hybrid, a hybrid midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Ford Fusion Hybrid and Kia Optima are comparable in regards to rear head room.

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