Kia Optima vs. Kia Optima Hybrid

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

When comparing the Kia Optima's and the Kia Optima Hybrid'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 resale value. The Kia Optima Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and base engine power. The Kia Optima and Kia Optima Hybrid have the same interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the Kia Optima Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima Hybrid 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 Kia Optima Hybrid is priced between $11,947 to $23,633.

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 Kia Optima Hybrid loses 49.3 percent of its value. This means the Kia Optima retains 1.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Optima Hybrid.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima and Kia Optima Hybrid is 7.8 out of 10.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.3 out of 10. For the Kia Optima Hybrid the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Kia Optima Hybrid 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 Kia Optima Hybrid base engine makes 192 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The Optima Hybrid is rated to deliver an average of 42 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 716 miles. This gives the Kia Optima Hybrid the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Optima. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Optima and Kia Optima Hybrid are comparable in regards to interior volume, 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 Kia Optima Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.