Kia Optima vs. Lexus ES 350

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Optima and Lexus ES 350 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 Lexus ES 350.

When comparing the Kia Optima's and the Lexus ES 350'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 Lexus ES 350 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 Lexus ES 350's specifications and ratings, the Lexus ES 350 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 Lexus ES 350 is priced between $26,999 to $37,988.

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 Lexus ES 350 loses 41.1 percent of its value. This means the Lexus ES 350 retains 2 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 Lexus ES 350's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Lexus ES 350 being ranked 2 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10. For the Lexus ES 350 the reliability rating is 9.0 out of 10. This gives the Lexus ES 350 an 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 Lexus ES 350 base engine makes 302 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The ES 350 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 509 miles. This gives the Kia Optima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus ES 350. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Kia Optima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room. The Lexus ES 350 has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space. The Kia Optima and Lexus ES 350 are comparable in regards to rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Kia Optima and the Lexus ES 350 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.