Kia Optima vs. Cadillac CTS

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Optima and Cadillac CTS 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 Cadillac CTS.

When we compare the Kia Optima's and the Cadillac CTS'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, and fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Cadillac CTS has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the Cadillac CTS's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Cadillac CTS.

Pricing: A used 2019 Kia Optima ranges from $11,848 to $21,235 while a used 2019 Cadillac CTS is priced between $19,499 to $32,600.

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 Cadillac CTS loses 57 percent of its value. This means the Kia Optima retains 13.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Cadillac CTS.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima is 8.6 out of 10 while the Cadillac CTS's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Cadillac CTS being ranked 8 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10. For the Cadillac CTS the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Cadillac CTS 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 Cadillac CTS base engine makes 268 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 611 miles. The CTS is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 570 miles. This gives the Kia Optima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Cadillac CTS. The Optima uses regular unleaded, and the CTS uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Optima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Cadillac CTS has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.

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