Hyundai vs. Kia

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from Hyundai 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 Hyundai and Kia cars.

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

Hyundai versus Kia: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Hyundai versus Kia pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Hyundai in 13 out of 25 vehicle comparisons. Hyundai also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 15 out of 22 comparisons. Hyundai models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 22 out of 25 comparisons. The lower overall prices for Hyundai, plus their lower depreciation rate, gives Hyundai the overall advantage over Kia.

Hyundai versus Kia: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Kia vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 10 out of 25 model comparisons, with Hyundai offering more horsepower in 10 comparisons. Hyundai and Kia vehicles have similar horsepower in 5 comparisons. Kia offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 9 out of 16 comparisons. Hyundai vehicles have higher MPG in 4 comparisons, and both Hyundai and Kia vehicles have the same MPG in 3 comparisons. Kia offers a longer driving range in 2 out of 2 model comparisons. Kia offers a greater towing capacity in 4 out of 14 comparisons. Hyundai offers greater towing capacity in 1 out of 14 comparisons, and in 9 comparisons Hyundai and Kia have the same towing capacity.

Hyundai versus Kia: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of Hyundai versus Kia overall quality ratings shows Hyundai with higher quality ratings in 5 out of 6 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Hyundai has the advantage in 4 out of 6 comparisons. Kia has better safety ratings in 7 out of 18 comparisons while Hyundai has better safety ratings in 5 out of 18 comparisons. Hyundai and Kia tie for safety in 6 comparisons. Hyundai shows higher ratings for retained value in 22 out of 25 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Hyundai has better car rankings in 10 categories: Hyundai SANTA FE in Best 6-seater SUVs, Hyundai SANTA FE in Best 7-Seater SUVs, Hyundai VELOSTER in Best Compact Cars, Hyundai SANTA FE in Best Crossover SUVs, Hyundai SONATA Hybrid in Best Hybrid Cars, Hyundai SONATA Hybrid in Best Hybrid Midsize Cars, Hyundai SONATA in Best Midsize Cars, Hyundai SANTA FE in Best Midsize SUVs, Hyundai VELOSTER in Best Small Cars, and Hyundai SANTA FE in Best SUVs with 3 Rows. Kia has better car rankings in 3 categories: Kia Sportage in Best 5-seater SUVs, Kia Sportage in Best Small SUVs, and Kia Rio 5-Door in Best Subcompact Cars.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Hyundai has better car rankings in 4 categories: Hyundai SANTA FE in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Hyundai SONATA in Most Reliable Midsize Cars, Hyundai SANTA FE in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs, and Hyundai SANTA FE in Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows. Kia has better car rankings in 3 categories: Kia Optima Hybrid in Most Reliable Hybrid Cars, Kia Rio 5-Door in Most Reliable Small Cars, and Kia Sportage in Most Reliable Small SUVs.

Safest Car Rankings: Hyundai has better car rankings in 6 categories: Hyundai SANTA FE in Safest Crossover SUVs, Hyundai SONATA Hybrid in Safest Hybrid Cars, Hyundai SONATA in Safest Midsize Cars, Hyundai SANTA FE in Safest Midsize SUVs, Hyundai VELOSTER in Safest Small Cars, and Hyundai SANTA FE in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows. Kia has better car rankings in 2 categories: Kia Niro EV in Safest Electric SUVs and Kia Sportage Hybrid in Safest Hybrid SUVs.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Hyundai and Kia each have better car rankings in 2 categories. Hyundai ranks better with the TUCSON in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money and the TUCSON in Best Small SUVs for the Money.Kia ranks better with the Sorento in Best Midsize SUVs for the Money and the Sorento in Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Hyundai offers 13 SUVs and 6 sedans. In comparison, Kia offers 13 SUVs, 1 wagon, 4 sedans, 1 hatchback, and 1 minivan.

Drivetrain Options: Hyundai offers 10 gasoline vehicles, 4 hybrids, 2 plug-in hybrids, 3 electric vehicles, and 1 hydrogen vehicle. Kia offers 11 gasoline vehicles, 3 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles.

Hyundai offers 12 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models. Kia offers 12 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 3 rear-wheel-drive models.