Kia Optima vs. Ford Mustang

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Optima and Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang.

In comparing the Kia Optima's and the Ford Mustang'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 and interior volume. The Ford Mustang has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the Ford Mustang's specifications and ratings, the Ford Mustang is a better car than the Kia Optima.

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Optima ranges from $10,496 to $21,500 while a used 2020 Ford Mustang is priced between $18,849 to $85,287.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Optima loses 47.6 percent of its value and the Ford Mustang loses 28.7 percent of its value. This means the Ford Mustang retains 18.9 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 Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10 while the Ford Mustang's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 8 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Ford Mustang being ranked 2 out of 14 Best Sports Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.3 out of 10. For the Ford Mustang the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang base engine makes 310 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The Mustang is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 465 miles. This gives the Kia Optima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Mustang. Both models use regular 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 Ford Mustang have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.