Kia Optima vs. Subaru Impreza

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

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

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Optima ranges from $10,496 to $21,500 while a used 2020 Subaru Impreza is priced between $12,646 to $21,996.

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 Subaru Impreza loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Impreza retains 13.1 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 Subaru Impreza's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 8 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Subaru Impreza being ranked 9 out of 37 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.3 out of 10. For the Subaru Impreza the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Impreza 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 Subaru Impreza base engine makes 152 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The Impreza is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 409 miles. This gives the Kia Optima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru Impreza. 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 shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Subaru Impreza, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of rear leg room. The Kia Optima and Subaru Impreza are comparable in regards to front head room.

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