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 depreciation, overall quality, safety, retained value and vehicle rankings. Kia has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, used car pricing, horsepower, fuel efficiency, towing capacity, reliability 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 Kia in 11 out of 21 vehicle comparisons. Kia also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 11 out of 19 comparisons. Hyundai models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 19 out of 21 comparisons.

Hyundai versus Kia: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Kia vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 9 out of 21 model comparisons, with Hyundai offering more horsepower in 8 comparisons. Hyundai and Kia vehicles have similar horsepower in 4 comparisons. Kia offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 1 out of 2 comparisons. Both Hyundai and Kia vehicles have the same MPG in 1 comparisons. Kia offers a longer driving range in 1 out of 2 model comparisons. Kia offers a greater towing capacity in 5 out of 12 comparisons. Hyundai offers greater towing capacity in 1 out of 12 comparisons, and in 6 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 3 out of 3 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Kia has the advantage in 2 out of 3 comparisons. Hyundai has better safety ratings in 11 out of 17 comparisons. Hyundai shows higher ratings for retained value in 18 out of 21 comparisons. Kia shows higher retained value ratings in 1 out of 21 comparisons, and Hyundai and Kia tie over 2 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Hyundai has better car rankings in 9 categories: Hyundai TUCSON in Best 5-seater SUVs, Hyundai SANTA FE in Best 6-seater SUVs, Hyundai SANTA FE in Best 7-Seater SUVs, Hyundai ELANTRA in Best Compact Cars, Hyundai TUCSON in Best Crossover SUVs, Hyundai SONATA in Best Midsize Cars, Hyundai SANTA FE in Best Midsize SUVs, Hyundai TUCSON in Best Small SUVs, and Hyundai SANTA FE in Best SUVs with 3 Rows. Kia has better car rankings in 4 categories: Kia Optima Hybrid in Best Hybrid Cars, Kia Optima Hybrid in Best Hybrid Midsize Cars, Kia Rio 5-Door in Best Small Cars, and Kia Rio 5-Door in Best Subcompact Cars.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Hyundai has better car rankings in 3 categories: Hyundai SANTA FE in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, 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 4 categories: Kia Optima Hybrid in Most Reliable Hybrid Cars, Kia Optima in Most Reliable Midsize Cars, Kia Forte in Most Reliable Small Cars, and Kia Sportage in Most Reliable Small SUVs.

Safest Car Rankings: Hyundai has better car rankings in 3 categories: Hyundai IONIQ 5 in Safest Electric SUVs, Hyundai SONATA in Safest Midsize Cars, and Hyundai ELANTRA in Safest Small Cars. Kia has better car rankings in 5 categories: Kia Telluride in Safest Crossover SUVs, Kia Optima Hybrid in Safest Hybrid Cars, Kia Sportage Hybrid in Safest Hybrid SUVs, Kia Telluride in Safest Midsize SUVs, and Kia Telluride in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Hyundai has better car rankings in 2 categories: Hyundai SANTA FE in Best Midsize SUVs for the Money and Hyundai SANTA FE in Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money.Kia has better car rankings in 3 categories: Kia Sportage in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money, Kia Forte in Best Small Cars for the Money, and Kia Sportage in Best Small SUVs for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Hyundai offers 11 SUVs and 6 sedans. In comparison, Kia offers 13 SUVs, 1 wagon, 3 sedans, and 2 minivans.

Drivetrain Options: Hyundai offers 9 gasoline vehicles, 4 hybrids, 1 plug-in hybrid, and 4 electric vehicles. Kia offers 9 gasoline vehicles, 4 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles.

Hyundai offers 12 all-wheel-drive models, 13 front-wheel-drive models, and 3 rear-wheel-drive models. Kia offers 11 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models.