2016 Hyundai Sonata vs Kia Optima Comparison

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Upon first glance, the Sonata will turn plenty of heads. Its sporty appearance is a higher quality than that of the Kia Optima, including side rocker panels with chrome molding. While the Optima features front and rear fascia, it cannot match the Sonata's rotational-dip paint process, which distributes primer over every inch, reducing the effects of the elements. Both cars give you a panoramic sunroof, but only the Sonata offers the option of a power tilt and slide sunroof for easy conversion in ever changing weather.

The Sonata is also the midsize with the interior space of a much larger car. With 122.4 cubic feet inside, there's room for more cargo and people than any other midsize sedan. Loading parcels just got easier with the smart trunk feature. This allows the trunk to automatically open when it senses the Proximity key behind the vehicle within three feet for more than three seconds. This features is nowhere to be found on the Optima.

Safety

Safety on the road is paramount. No matter how skilled the driver, modern amenities are always a plus. The 2016 Hyundai Sonata offers such features as Automatic Emergency Braking, which uses a camera and radar sensor to determine if a crash is imminent and stop the vehicle. Blind Spot Detection provides both a visual and an audible warning if what's in your rear view mirror isn't quite as it appears. In addition, rear parking sensors alarm the driver with sound when bumpers get too close while getting in and out of spots.

The Kia Optima has a surround view monitor for parking, but gives no sound warning. If you get distracted and can't look right at it, it can't help you. Also not found on the Kia Optima is the Hyundai Sonata's Lane Departure Warning, which indicates if you are drifting too much to you left or right, and the High Beam Assist, which shoot your brights on for you when necessary. These will be very useful on long or especially dark road trips. When any airbag is deployed, the response center is automatically notified through Blue Link Connected Care, which also offers SOS emergency assistance that is easily accessible through a touch of the rear view mirror.

Cost Efficiency

When it comes to your wallet, let's just say you get way more bang for your buck with the Hyundai Sonata than you do with the Kia Optima. In addition to having a lower sticker price, it has a lower estimated five year fuel cost and higher residual value. It not only beats the Optima here, but ranks at the top of the list of midsize Sedans in terms of affordability. In short, you pay less and get a lot more.