Kia Optima vs. BMW 3 Series

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Optima and BMW 3 Series 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 Kia Optima and the BMW 3 Series.

When comparing the Kia Optima's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and interior volume. The BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series is a better car than the Kia Optima.

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Optima ranges from $13,949 to $22,944 while a used 2020 BMW 3 Series is priced between $22,456 to $43,479.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value and the BMW 3 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value. This means the Kia Optima retains 7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 3 Series.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima is 8.6 out of 10 while the BMW 3 Series' quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the BMW 3 Series being ranked 3 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10. For the BMW 3 Series the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the BMW 3 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Optima’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the BMW 3 Series base engine makes 255 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles.This gives the BMW 3 Series the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. The Optima uses regular unleaded, and the 3 Series uses premium 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, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Kia Optima and the BMW 3 Series have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.