Kia Optima vs. Hyundai VELOSTER

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Optima and Hyundai VELOSTER 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 Hyundai VELOSTER.

When comparing the Kia Optima's and the Hyundai VELOSTER'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, reliability and base engine power. The Hyundai VELOSTER has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the Hyundai VELOSTER's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai VELOSTER 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 Hyundai VELOSTER is priced between $14,867 to $23,965.

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 Hyundai VELOSTER loses 28.1 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai VELOSTER retains 15 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 8.6 out of 10 while the Hyundai VELOSTER's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Hyundai VELOSTER being ranked 9 out of 43 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10. For the Hyundai VELOSTER the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Kia Optima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai VELOSTER.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Optima’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the Hyundai VELOSTER base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The VELOSTER is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 436 miles.This gives the Hyundai VELOSTER the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai VELOSTER, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more cargo space. The Kia Optima, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.

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