Kia Stinger vs. Kia Optima

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

When comparing the Kia Stinger's and the Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the Kia Stinger has the advantage in the area of base engine power. 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, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Kia Stinger's and the Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Kia Stinger.

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Stinger ranges from $22,779 to $37,526 while a used 2020 Kia Optima is priced between $13,949 to $22,944.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Stinger loses 43.1 percent of its value and the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Kia Optima retains 0 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Stinger.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Stinger is 8.3 out of 10 while the Kia Optima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Kia Stinger being ranked 10 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Stinger is 7.0 out of 10. For the Kia Optima the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Kia Optima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Stinger.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Stinger’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Kia Optima base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Stinger is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 461 miles. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. This gives the Kia Optima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Stinger. The Stinger uses premium unleaded, and the Optima uses 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, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Kia Stinger has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space.

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