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Kia Optima Hybrid vs. Toyota Prius

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

When we compare the Kia Optima Hybrid's and the Toyota Prius's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. The Toyota Prius has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima Hybrid's and the Toyota Prius's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Prius is a better car than the Kia Optima Hybrid.

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid ranges from $16,892 to $24,795 while a used 2020 Toyota Prius is priced between $17,989 to $28,991.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Optima Hybrid loses 46.4 percent of its value and the Toyota Prius loses 30.7 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Prius retains 15.8 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 Hybrid is 8.5 out of 10 while the Toyota Prius' quality rating is 9.2 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima Hybrid being ranked 6 out of 25 Best Hybrid Cars and the Toyota Prius being ranked 1 out of 25.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima Hybrid is 7.9 out of 10. For the Toyota Prius the reliability rating is 8.9 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Prius a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima Hybrid.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Optima Hybrid’s base engine makes 192 horsepower, and the Toyota Prius base engine makes 121 horsepower. The Optima Hybrid is rated to deliver an average of 42 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 716 miles. The Prius is rated to deliver an average of 56 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 599 miles.This gives the Toyota Prius the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Optima Hybrid the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Prius, a hybrid compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more cargo space. The Kia Optima Hybrid, a hybrid midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of 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 Hybrid and the Toyota Prius have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Kia Optima Hybrid
Toyota Prius

2020 Kia Optima Hybrid
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Kia Optima Hybrid for Sale

2020 Toyota Prius
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Toyota Prius for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$29,310

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)

$30,220

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)

$25,870 - $36,090

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$24,325

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)

$24,011

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)

$22,930 - $26,500

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$21,345

Price Range:

$16,892 - $24,795

Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)

$23,071

Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)

$19,426 - $25,428

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

8

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

48,497

# Good or Great Deals:

5

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$23,587

Price Range:

$17,989 - $28,991

Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)

$21,152

Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)

$18,499 - $23,587

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

99

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

64,817

# Good or Great Deals:

32

Kia Optima Hybrid Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.5 / 10

Reliability:

7.9 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Toyota Prius Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

9.2 / 10

Reliability:

8.9 / 10

Retained Value:

8.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Optima Hybrid

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.2

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)

6.3

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)

6.2 - 8.9

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

3.5%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Prius

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

8.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)

8.9

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)

8.3 - 9.5

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

33.1%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

1.8

Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)

2.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)

1.3 - 14.4

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

1.5

Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)

1.5

Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)

1.3 - 17.6

Kia Optima Hybrid Rankings

Most Comfortable Hybrid Cars

3 / 25

Best Hybrid Midsize Cars for Tall People

3 / 11

Most Comfortable Hybrid Midsize Cars

3 / 11

Best Hybrid Midsize Cars Under $30k

3 / 5

Best Hybrid Cars Under $30k

4 / 9

Most Reliable Hybrid Cars

5 / 25

Best Hybrid Midsize Cars

5 / 11

Best Hybrid Cars

6 / 25

Safest Hybrid Cars

6 / 25

Hybrid Midsize Cars with the Most Legroom

6 / 11

Best Hybrid Cars for Tall People

7 / 25

Hybrid Midsize Cars with Best Resale Value

7 / 11

Hybrid Midsize Cars with the Most Horsepower

7 / 11

Hybrid Cars with the Most Horsepower

14 / 25

Hybrid Cars with the Most Legroom

15 / 25

Hybrid Cars with Best Resale Value

18 / 25

Toyota Prius Rankings

Best Hybrid Cars

1 / 25

Safest Hybrid Cars

1 / 25

Most Reliable Hybrid Cars

1 / 25

Best Family Hybrid Cars

1 / 25

Best Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)

1 / 10

Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV) with Best Resale Value

1 / 10

Most Reliable Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)

1 / 10

Best Family Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)

1 / 10

Best Hybrid Small Cars

1 / 9

Best Family Hybrid Small Cars

1 / 9

Best Hybrid Cars Under $30k

1 / 9

Best Hybrid Small Cars Under $30k

1 / 4

Most Affordable Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)

1 / 3

Best Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV) Under $30k

1 / 2

Best Hybrid Cars for Teens

1 / 1

Best Hybrid Small Cars for Teens

1 / 1

Best Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV) for Teens

1 / 1

Hybrid Cars with Best Resale Value

2 / 25

Hybrid Small Cars with Best Resale Value

2 / 9

Hybrid Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

2 / 9

Best Hybrid Cars for the Money

2 / 3

Best Gas Mileage Hybrid Cars

3 / 25

Most Affordable Hybrid Cars

3 / 10

Most Affordable Hybrid Small Cars

3 / 4

Most Comfortable Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)

5 / 10

Most Comfortable Hybrid Small Cars

5 / 9

Hybrid Small Cars with the Most Legroom

5 / 9

Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV) with the Most Horsepower

7 / 10

Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV) with the Most Legroom

7 / 10

Best Hybrid Small Cars for Tall People

7 / 9

Best Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV) for Tall People

8 / 10

Most Comfortable Hybrid Cars

11 / 25

Hybrid Cars with the Most Horsepower

12 / 25

Hybrid Cars with the Most Legroom

17 / 25

Best Hybrid Cars for Tall People

22 / 25

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Body Styles

Hatchback

Available Drivetrain Options

Hybrid

Available Drivetrain Options

Hybrid

Kia Optima Hybrid Trim Levels

EX

Toyota Prius Trim Levels

L Eco, LE, LE AWD-e, Limited, XLE, XLE AWD-e

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:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

192 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

271 foot-lbs @ 1770 rpm

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

0.055 hp per pound

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

121 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

Not yet available

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

0.040 hp per pound

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

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


40 / 45 / 42

Range (city/hwy):

636 / 716 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

1.8 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

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


58 / 53 / 56

Range (city/hwy):

655 / 599 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

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

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Internet Radio:

Available

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

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:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

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:

13.4 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

104.8 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.4 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

33.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

53 inches

Cargo Space:

27.4 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

120.5 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3496 lbs

Width:

73.2 inches

Height:

57.5 inches

Length:

191.1 inches

Wheelbase:

110.4 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.1 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3010 lbs

Width:

69.3 inches

Height:

57.9 inches

Length:

180 inches

Wheelbase:

106.3 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.1 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

215/55R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

15.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P195/65R15

Exterior Colors

Black

Aurora Black Pearl

Blue

Gravity Blue

Red

Runway Red

White

Snow White Pearl

Gray

Not available

Green

Not available

Silver

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Electric Storm Blue

Red

Supersonic Red

White

Blizzard Pearl / Super White

Gray

Magnetic Gray Metallic

Green

Sea Glass Pearl

Silver

Classic Silver Metallic

Interior Colors

Black

Black

White

White

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Black

White

Not available

Gray

Moonstone

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