The 2025 Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata is a fair battle, especially because these entry-level sedans are priced similarly, have a modern design, and are rated high in safety. However, we want to discuss their differences and advantages in this post. Stay tuned as we cover performance, pricing, safety, design, and fuel efficiency!
2025 Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata: Which to Buy?
The Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata in 2025 will be a question for anybody in the under $30,000 range. One thing we want to note before we dive into this comparison is that the Kia Optima, like many Kias this year, receives a new name: Kia K5.
Pricing and Value
Price points for the Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata are close. With the 2025 Optima (K5), you have a starting MSRP of $27,190. For the Sonata, Hyundai has priced this competitively at $26,900.
Hyundai Sonata Pricing
Here is a trim breakdown for the all-new 2025 Hyundai Sonata:
- SE: $26,900
- SEL: $28,000
- SEL Convenience: $31,050
- SEL Hybrid: $31,250
- N Line: $35,500
- Limited Hybrid: $37,700
Kia Optima Pricing
Here is a breakdown by trim for the K5:
- LXS FWD: $27,190
- GT-Line FWD: $28,190
- GT-Line AWD: $29,790
- GT: $33,290
- EX: $34,690
Engine and Performance
Engine and performance features in the 2025 K5 and the Hyundai Sonata are noteworthy. Between the two, you have better overall engine performance and economy with Hyundai.
Hyundai Sonata Performance
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata has many engine configurations, with the base being a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive. The hybrid engine is a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder that makes 192 ponies and comes with standard front-wheel drive (FWD). Lastly, the N Line performance Sonata has a 2.5-liter Turbo 4-cylinder making 290 horsepower.
Kia Optima Performance
The Kia Optima, now known as the K5, has fewer engine options than the Sonata. Your base engine is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine producing 191 horsepower (same as the base Sonata). The GT model's engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, making up to 290 ponies (same as N Line).
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is where the 2025 Hyundai Sonata and the Kia K5 look more different than alike. The Sonata is rated as having better MPG estimates than the Optima/K5 this year, so that is something to remember.
Hyundai Sonata Fuel Efficiency
The EPA gives the 2025 Hyundai Sonata several MPG estimates depending on engine configuration. You see the following figures:
- SE (FWD): 28/38/32 city/highway/combined
- SEL (FWD/AWD): 25/36/29 city/highway/combined / 25/34/28 city/highway/combined
- SEL Convenience (FWD): 25/36/29 city/highway/combined
- SEL Hybrid (FWD): 44/51/47 city/highway/combined
- N Line (FWD): 23/32/27 city/highway/combined
- Limited Hybrid: 44/51/47 city/highway/combined
Kia Optima Fuel Efficiency
According to the EPA, the 2025 Optima/K5 sees the following fuel economy estimates:
- LXS (FWD): 26/37/30 city/highway/combined
- GT-Line (FWD): 25/36/29 city/highway/combined
- GT Line (AWD): 24/33/27 city/highway/combined
- GT: 23/33/27 city/highway/combined
- EX: 25/36/29 city/highway/combined
Interior and Comfort
The interior and comfort of the Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata will differ in aesthetics and layout. Many drivers compliment the Sonata's luxurious trim and seating, stating that the Kia K5 feels more sporty.
Hyundai Sonata Interior
The inside of the 2025 Sonata is filled with comfort, convenience, and high-end materials. At a standard level, this sedan gets everything from premium cloth seats to 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, power-adjustable front seating, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a Rear View Monitor with parking guidance, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, and more.
Kia Optima Interior
The inside of the 2025 Optima/K5 is sporty and basic. You have standard features, including cloth seat trim, solar glass, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, manual adjustable driver and passenger seat, metallic painted trim, and a 4.2-inch instrument display.
Exterior Design
The outside of the Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata could not be more different. The K5 gets a refreshed aesthetic for 2025, focusing more on its compact look with a wide grille and sedan-style side profile. In contrast, the Sonata has a low-profile design and is headlined by a "Seamless Horizon Lamp" and a futuristic front light bar.
Hyundai Sonata Exterior
The Hyundai Sonata has arguably one of the best exteriors in the under $30,000 sedan market. You have a more refined and elegant aesthetic with smooth lines and a smooth profile with this five-seater, plus LED lights and unique color choices in 2025.
Kia Optima Exterior
The Kia Optima, now named the K5, does look better than previous generations. However, it has a bulkier and sportier outside design, which does not feel as fancy as the Sonata. Noteworthy updates to it include the Star Map LED front daytime running lights and a redesigned grille.
Safety and Reliability
Safety and reliability remain the priority inside the Kia Optima and the Hyundai Sonata. We will break these features and ratings down below.
Hyundai Sonata Safety
The 2025 Sonata has SmartSense technology standard, featuring things like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Highway Driving Assist. The IIHS rates it a Top Safety Pick.
Kia Optima Safety
The Optima/K5 in 2025 is safer than ever, with a standard suite of advanced safety features. You get things like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. The IIHS does not award it with Top Safety Pick status due to its lower-than-expected overlap front crash results and side crash test.
Warranty and Maintenance
The warranties between the Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata are generous, with Hyundai offering better coverage for the Sonata overall.
Hyundai Sonata Warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty
- 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty
- 5 years of roadside assistance
- 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance program
Kia Optima Warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty
- 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan
Get Your Hyundai Sonata at Granite Hyundai
Now that we have broken down the differences and similarities between the 2025 Kia Optima vs. Hyundai Sonata, the team here at Granite Hyundai in Somersworth, NH, wants to help match you with your dream car. We have plenty of new inventory to test drive and are open daily. Come see us now!
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