If you want your everyday commutes around Visalia and Clovis to be a bit more sporty and high-tech, you might be considering a sedan like the Hyundai Sonata or Kia Optima. Both are great choices, but the team at Selma Hyundai wanted to know which car has more to offer Fresno area drivers.
So, we compared the Hyundai Sonata vs. Kia Optima side-by-side and found ourselves a winner.
Hyundai Sonata vs Kia Optima Powertrain Comparison
When it comes to power output, both the Sonata and Optima offer a nearly identical powertrain, so you can expect a similar performance with either sedan. They both offer the following engines:
- 2.4L I-4: 185 horsepower, 178 lb-ft of torque
- 2.0L turbo I-4: 245 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque
With both cars, the 2.4L engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission optimizes your shift schedules to improve efficiency and performance, but lets you operate in a limited manual mode when you want more control.
When you upgrade to the 2.0L turbo engine, however, the Sonata switches your 6-speed transmission to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The extra two gears may be why this engine gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 MPG city and 32 MPG highway in the Sonata.1
The Optima sticks with the 6-speed automatic transmission and only gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 MPG city and 30 MPG highway.
Sonata vs Optima Interior Dimensions and Seating
You and your passengers can expect to enjoy a comfortable drive around town in either the Hyundai Sonata or Kia Optima. In fact, both cars offer the same amount of legroom:
- Front-seat Legroom: 45.5 inches
- Rear-seat Legroom: 35.6 inches
While the interiors feel plenty spacious on their own, you can also add a panoramic sunroof to either sedan that spans the length of the cabin and lets that California sunshine fill the cabin with natural light.
If you need to bring any extra luggage along for your next getaway, however, you may be able to pack a bit heavier in the Sonata, which provides 16.3 cubic feet of trunk space compared to 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space in the Optima.
The Sonata also lets you stretch out a bit more in its 106.1 cubic feet of passenger space, compared to just 104.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in the Optima.
Technology in the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima
Whether you're heading out on a road trip or simply commuting to work, having the right infotainment features can make all the difference. The good news is that both the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima offer systems designed to enhance your journey.
Both sedans make Bluetooth® connectivity standard so that you can make hands-free phone calls while on-the go or stream music directly from your device. They also include standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ compatibility that fully integrates your favorite smartphone apps with your infotainment system, including:
- Contacts
- Text messages
- Internet radio
- Navigation
While both sedans let you keep your devices energized via USB ports, only the Sonata includes an available wireless charger. Without a similar feature, drivers in the Optima won't be able to charge their phone if they forget their cable at home or the office.
The Hyundai Sonata vs Kia Optima: Our Winner
The team at Selma Hyundai compared the Hyundai Sonata vs. Kia Optima and determined that the Sonata has a lot to offer drivers near Fresno, Clovis, and Visalia. If you want to see for yourself, stop by our dealership and take it for a test drive.
Contact us to test drive the Hyundai Sonata today!
