Kia Optima vs. Toyota Corolla

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

In comparing the Kia Optima's and the Toyota Corolla'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, interior volume and base engine power. The Toyota Corolla has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the Toyota Corolla's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla is priced between $14,720 to $22,994.

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 Toyota Corolla loses 26.3 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Corolla retains 16.8 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 Toyota Corolla's quality rating is 9.1 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Toyota Corolla being ranked 4 out of 43 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10. For the Toyota Corolla the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla base engine makes 139 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The Corolla is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 502 miles.This gives the Toyota Corolla the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. 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 head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Toyota Corolla, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.

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