Kia vs. Lexus
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from Kia and Lexus contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both Kia and Lexus cars.
When comparing the Kia brand to the Lexus brand, Kia has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, used car pricing, towing capacity and safety. Lexus has the advantage in the areas of depreciation, horsepower, overall quality, reliability, retained value, vehicle rankings and variety of models offered.
Kia versus Lexus: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Kia versus Lexus pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Kia in 2 out of 2 vehicle comparisons. Kia also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 2 out of 2 comparisons. Lexus models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 2 out of 2 comparisons.
Kia versus Lexus: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Lexus vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 1 out of 2 model comparisons, with Kia offering more horsepower in 1 comparisons. Lexus offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 1 out of 2 comparisons. Kia offers a greater towing capacity in 2 out of 2 comparisons.
Kia versus Lexus: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of Kia versus Lexus overall quality ratings shows Lexus with higher quality ratings in 1 out of 1 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Lexus has the advantage in 1 out of 1 comparisons. Kia has better safety ratings in 2 out of 2 comparisons. Lexus shows higher ratings for retained value in 2 out of 2 comparisons.
Best Car Rankings:
Most Reliable Car Rankings:
Best Cars for the Money Rankings:
Available Body Styles: Kia offers 13 SUVs, 1 wagon, 3 sedans, and 2 minivans. In comparison, Lexus offers 18 SUVs, 8 sedans, 5 coupes, and 1 convertible.
Drivetrain Options: Kia offers 9 gasoline vehicles, 4 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles. Lexus offers 16 gasoline vehicles, 10 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 2 electric vehicles.
Kia offers 11 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models. Lexus offers 24 all-wheel-drive models, 8 front-wheel-drive models, and 9 rear-wheel-drive models.
New Car Pricing
SUVs
Kia Sorento
$32,380 - $47,988
Kia Telluride
$39,299 - $55,243
New Car Pricing
SUVs
Lexus RX 350
$52,529 - $67,035
Lexus RX 350
$52,529 - $67,035
Used Car Pricing
SUVs
Kia Sorento
$30,001 - $45,821
Kia Telluride
$37,995 - $54,695
Used Car Pricing
SUVs
Lexus RX 350
$50,178 - $62,847
Lexus RX 350
$50,178 - $62,847
5-Year Depreciation (Lower is better)
SUVs
Kia Sorento
52.3%
Kia Telluride
48.8%
5-Year Depreciation (Lower is better)
SUVs
Lexus RX 350
38.9%
Lexus RX 350
38.9%
Horsepower / Torque
SUVs
Kia Sorento
191 hp / 181 foot-lbs
Kia Telluride
291 hp / 262 foot-lbs
Horsepower / Torque
SUVs
Lexus RX 350
275 hp / 317 foot-lbs
Lexus RX 350
275 hp / 317 foot-lbs
MPG (city/highway/combined)
SUVs
Kia Sorento
23 / 31 / 26
Kia Telluride
20 / 26 / 22
MPG (city/highway/combined)
SUVs
Lexus RX 350
22 / 29 / 25
Lexus RX 350
22 / 29 / 25
Max Towing Capacity
SUVs
Kia Sorento
4500 lbs
Kia Telluride
5500 lbs
Max Towing Capacity
SUVs
Lexus RX 350
3500 lbs
Lexus RX 350
3500 lbs
iSeeCars Overall Quality Ratings
SUVs
Kia Sorento
7.8 / 10
Kia Telluride
Not available
iSeeCars Overall Quality Ratings
SUVs
Lexus RX 350
8.4 / 10
Lexus RX 350
8.4 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Ratings
SUVs
Kia Sorento
7.3 / 10
Kia Telluride
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Ratings
SUVs
Lexus RX 350
8.4 / 10
Lexus RX 350
8.4 / 10
iSeeCars Safety Ratings
SUVs
Kia Sorento
8.5 / 10
Kia Telluride
10 / 10
iSeeCars Safety Ratings
SUVs
Lexus RX 350
8.4 / 10
Lexus RX 350
8.4 / 10
iSeeCars Resale Value Ratings
SUVs
Kia Sorento
7.7 / 10
Kia Telluride
7.9 / 10
iSeeCars Resale Value Ratings
SUVs
Lexus RX 350
8.5 / 10
Lexus RX 350
8.5 / 10
iSeeCars Most Reliable Car Rankings
SUVs
Lexus RX 350
#1 of 68 in
Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs
iSeeCars Best Cars for the Money Rankings
SUVs
Kia Sorento
#7 of 30 in
Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money
iSeeCars Best Cars for the Money Rankings
SUVs
Lexus RX 350
#1 of 25 in
Best Luxury Midsize SUVs for the Money