Honda Accord vs. Kia Optima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord and the Kia Optima.

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

Pricing: A used 2020 Honda Accord ranges from $19,316 to $28,639 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 Honda Accord loses 31.5 percent of its value and the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Honda Accord retains 11.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Optima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Accord is 9.3 out of 10 while the Kia Optima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Honda Accord being ranked 1 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Accord is 9.3 out of 10. For the Kia Optima the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Honda Accord an advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda Accord’s base engine makes 192 horsepower, and the Kia Optima base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Accord is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles.This gives the Honda Accord the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

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

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