Page Loading

Kia Optima vs. Kia Sorento

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

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

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Optima ranges from $13,949 to $22,944 while a used 2020 Kia Sorento is priced between $15,994 to $27,483.

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 Kia Sorento loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the Kia Optima retains 4.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Sorento.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima is 8.6 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Kia Sorento being ranked 15 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Kia Sorento a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Kia Optima and the Kia Sorento makes 185 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 545 miles. This gives the Kia Optima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Sorento. Both models use regular unleaded.

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

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Kia Optima has higher safety ratings than the Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.49 out of 5 Stars.

See More See Less
Model & Pricing
Kia Optima
Kia Sorento

2020 Kia Optima
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
Kia Optima for Sale

2020 Kia Sorento
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
Kia Sorento for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$23,390

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)

$25,348

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)

$22,095 - $35,995

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$26,990

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$30,923

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$23,675 - $36,120

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$17,665

Price Range:

$13,949 - $22,944

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)

$21,688

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)

$17,665 - $30,211

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

544

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

69,919

# Good or Great Deals:

215

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$21,178

Price Range:

$15,994 - $27,483

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$27,718

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$18,600 - $37,369

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

477

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

67,062

# Good or Great Deals:

187

Kia Optima Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.6 / 10

Reliability:

7.8 / 10

Retained Value:

7.8 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

8.2 / 10

Retained Value:

7.5 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Optima

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

5.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)

6

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)

5.3 - 9

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

5.3%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sorento

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

5.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.6 - 9.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

13%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

1.7

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)

3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)

1.2 - 16.8

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.7

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1 - 31.3

Kia Optima Rankings

Best Midsize Cars for Tall People

3 / 13

Most Comfortable Midsize Cars

3 / 13

Best Midsize Cars Under $25k

3 / 5

Safest Midsize Cars

6 / 13

Best Midsize Cars

7 / 13

Midsize Cars with the Most Horsepower

8 / 13

Midsize Cars with Best Resale Value

9 / 13

Most Reliable Midsize Cars

10 / 13

Midsize Cars with the Most Legroom

10 / 13

Kia Sorento Rankings

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

1 / 32

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

1 / 28

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

3 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $25k

3 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

3 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

3 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $60k

3 / 6

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $35k

4 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $25k

4 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

4 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $35k

4 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

4 / 10

Best Midsize SUVs Under $35k

4 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $25k

4 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $35k

4 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

4 / 7

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

5 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

5 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

7 / 21

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

12 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 39

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

16 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs

17 / 32

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

18 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

18 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

18 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

19 / 67

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

19 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

19 / 30

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

21 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

21 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

21 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

21 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

22 / 39

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

22 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

23 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

23 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

23 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

23 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

23 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

23 / 32

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

24 / 67

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

24 / 39

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

25 / 67

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

25 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

26 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

26 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

27 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

28 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

29 / 39

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

33 / 59

Safest Crossover SUVs

42 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

58 / 67

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Kia Optima Trim Levels

EX, EX Premium, LX, S, Special Edition, SX Turbo

Kia Sorento Trim Levels

EX V6, L, LX, LX V6, S V6, SX V6

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.49 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

185 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.057 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

185 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.049 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.4 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


24 / 32 / 27

Range (city/hwy):

444 / 592 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.4 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


22 / 29 / 25

Range (city/hwy):

414 / 545 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Available

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wifi:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Available

Lane Departure Warning:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Pedestrian Detection:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.8 inches

Front Leg Room:

45.5 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

58.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.8 inches

Rear Leg Room:

35.6 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

56.4 inches

Cargo Space:

15.9 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

Not yet available

Overall Interior Volume:

104.8 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.5 inches

Front Leg Room:

44.1 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.3 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58 inches

Cargo Space:

11.3 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

73 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

165.5 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3230 lbs

Width:

73.2 inches

Height:

57.7 inches

Length:

191.1 inches

Wheelbase:

110.4 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.3 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3810 lbs

Width:

74.4 inches

Height:

66.3 inches

Length:

189 inches

Wheelbase:

109.4 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

16.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

205/65R16

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/65R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Ebony Black

Blue

Horizon Blue

Gray

Gravity Gray

Red

Sangria

Silver

Sparkling Silver

White

Snow White Pearl

Exterior Colors

Black

Ebony Black

Blue

Not available

Gray

Not available

Red

Not available

Silver

Everlasting Silver / Sparkling Silver

White

Snow White Pearl

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Brown

Brown

Interior Colors

Black

Satin Black

Brown

Not available

Popular Optima Model Year Comparisons

Popular Sorento Model Year Comparisons

Related Car Comparisons

Popular Sorento Trim Comparisons

Popular Car Comparisons