Which is Better: Kia or Hyundai? Here's What You Should Know

Which is better Kia or Hyundai? Our comparison cuts to the chase, providing key insights into performance, cost-effectiveness, and innovation to see how these siblings stack up. Which will you choose? An exceptionally reliable new Kia, or Hyundai's classy comfort-based approach?

With a focus on what truly matters to you as a buyer—from tech features to warranty offers—we’ll help you navigate the distinct advantages and drawbacks that might sway your preference for either brand.

Hyundai vs Kia at a Glance

• Kia and Hyundai operate independently under the Hyundai Motor Group umbrella, offering distinctive styles and driving experiences to cater to diverse consumer preferences.

• Kias generally offer a more dynamic and sporty drive with a bolder design aesthetic, while Hyundais prioritize comfort and have a more classic, understated appearance.

• As a prominent long-range EV sedan, the Kia EV6 gets 96 MPGe in AWD and 117 MPGe in RWD.

• The Kia Sportage plug-in Hybrid gets 34 MPG while the Hyundai Tucson gets 33 MPG.

• Kia’s EV6 can exercise up to 576 horsepower; Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N can produce 641 horsepower.

• The Kia Forte's 2.0L 4-cylinder generates 147 horsepower while the Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Elantra N sports a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four generating 286 horsepower.

• Most Kias cost an average of $474 per year to repair, with models like the Kia Soul only costing $437 per year.

The History Between Kia and Hyundai

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand the dynamics at play under the hood of these two automotive powerhouses. Once an independent company, Kia was brought under the wing of Hyundai Motor Group following its bankruptcy in 1997.

Although Hyundai Motor Co. now holds a significant 34% stake in Kia Motors, both brands play to different crowds. The result is a choice between great cars that compete with each other in a friendly contest—with different ideas about what's most important.

Kia, with its daring aesthetics and performance zest, contrasts Hyundai’s more reserved and polished approach. Nevertheless, both Hyundai and Kia stand shoulder to shoulder with industry giants like Toyota, Honda, and Chevrolet, consistently pushing the envelope to create all-around better vehicles.

Whether you’re in the market for an efficient SUV like the Kia Sorento Hybrid or a family-friendly sedan such as the Hyundai Elantra, these brands ensure there’s a perfect match for every driveway.

Performance Face-Off: Kia vs. Hyundai

Performance is often the heartbeat of car brand loyalty, and when it comes to Kia and Hyundai, the pulse is thrillingly close. At first glance, you might think that these two brands from the same company would offer similar vehicles with indistinguishable performance—but you’d be wrong.

Kia vehicles, known for their more dynamic driving experience, inject a dose of excitement behind the wheel. The yin and yang of performance characteristics means that whether you’re a corner-carving enthusiast or a fan of leisurely cruises, there’s a model with your name on it.

On the flip side, Hyundai cars prioritize comfort over sportiness, ensuring a smooth ride that soothes rather than stirs. Hyundai means modern era, and this brand always looks to future designs with aesthetics from the past.

SUV Showdown: Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson

In the SUV arena, the dependable Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson have a lot of notoriety, and each offer a lot. Both rugged contenders in the compact SUV class, they’re closely matched in price and features. Both vehicles come armed with standard safety features like lane departure warning, ensuring that your most precious cargo is protected no matter what.

The Sportage plug-in hybrid edges out the Tucson with a slight advantage, offering 1 more MPG (the Sportage gets 34 MPG). This marginal difference might not seem like much, but over time, it can add up to noticeable savings at the pump. We'll give a slight edge to our OEM, Kia!

Sedan Showdown: Kia Forte vs. Hyundai Elantra

In the sedan arena, the new Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra also make for an interesting dilemma. Both scrappy contenders in the compact car class, they’re closely matched in price and features, but the Elantra narrowly clinches the win in overall scores by a hair’s breadth.

The Forte, starting at just over $21,000, punches above its weight with a spacious interior and fuel efficiency Hyundai’s Elantra, on the other hand, counters with a starting price tag of $19,850—and a secret weapon—a performance version with more horsepower than the Forte's 1.6L turbo.

Both vehicles come armed with standard safety features like lane departure warning, ensuring that your most precious cargo is protected no matter which badge you choose.

Price Points: Affordability Across the Range

When dollars and cents come into the equation, Kia’s knack for affordability shines. Generally, Kia automobiles tend to be priced lower than their Hyundai counterparts, with even more savings to be had with our used Kia selection—without skimping on features or quality.

Take the 2024 Kia Sportage for instance, with an MSRP of $27,190, which is slightly more budget-friendly than the Hyundai Tucson at $27,500.

On the flip side, the Kia Sorento can be the pricier option when compared to the Santa Fe. But when you consider how reliable Kia Soul models from recent years are only $437 per year to repair, well below the industry average, the long-term value becomes even clearer.

Innovation and Tech: In-Car Experience Compared

Both Kia and Hyundai pack their cars with a bevy of tech features designed to delight the digital denizen. Take the Kia Rio, for example, a new car which comes standard with an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keeping you connected on the go without the premium price tag.

Kia’s technology is all about user-friendliness, ensuring that you don’t need a degree in software engineering to sync up your playlist or navigate to your next destination. Hyundai, not to be outdone, offers its own suite of tech amenities, including Hyundai Blue Link, which answers the challenge of Kia’s Connect service.

Design Language: Bolder Styling or Subdued Elegance?

Design is a statement, and with Kia and Hyundai, that statement can be as loud or as subtle as you like. Kia’s design philosophy takes boldness to new heights with angular and modern lines. Our sporty aesthetics are particularly appealing to those who want their vehicle to make an entrance before they do.

In contrast, Hyundai’s design approach is like a well-tailored suit: classic, timeless, and sophisticated. With a focus on flowing curves and rounded shapes, Hyundai offer similar vehicles that provide a more conservative and understated form of beauty that appeals to a different set of sensibilities.

Ultimately, whether you’re drawn to the sportier edge of Kia or the classic elegance of Hyundai might just come down to how you want to express your personal style on the road. If you're looking for style and modernity for your next ride, you can always check out our used Hyundai inventory.

Electric Vehicles: The Race to Electrification

As the automotive world accelerates towards an electric future, Kia and Hyundai are charging up to lead the pack. Kia’s EV6 flexes its electric muscles with up to 576 horsepower, leaving Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 trailing with its still-impressive 320 horsepower; the Ioniq 5 N, a distinct model, can produce 641 horsepower.

Hyundai isn't lacking in the EV department, as its portfolio boasts a broad lineup of electric vehicles, including great offerings of fully electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models.

Range and MPGe in Long Range EV Sedans

A showdown of makes against one another in the arena of EV sedans gives you an idea of how these companies are faring in their different approaches, with interesting outcomes. Let's compare apples to apples.

In the world of electric vehicles, the yardstick we use to estimate costs is miles per gallon equivalent, or MPGe; the cost of power to charge at a charger takes the place of a visit to the fuel pump—giving you the chance to compare how these vehicles compete on operating expenses.

The long-range models are more expensive from each automaker, but they'll each get you all over So Cal and well into Mexico with road trips. In AWD drivetrains, the Ioniq 6 from Hyundai wins out with 103 MPGe, compared to the Kia EV6's 96 MPGe. But AWD might be overkill for San Diego road conditions and daily use, meaning you might want to stick with RWD. In that, the EV6 gets 5 more MPGe in the city!

Warranty Wars: Which Brand Offers the Best Warranties?

A car’s warranty can be the deciding factor for many, and in this regard, Kia and Hyundai are neck and neck. Kia’s generous 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty shows the brand’s confidence in its vehicle’s longevity. Kia also has a transferrable warranty on resale, meaning the original 10-year/100,000-mile warranty becomes a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty for the new owner!

Hyundai matches the 10-year commitment and counters with a comprehensive package that includes 5 years or 60,000 miles of New Vehicle Limited Warranty, alongside an Anti-Perforation Warranty and 24-Hour Roadside Assistance. These offerings underline a commitment from both brands to stand behind their vehicles and support their customers long after the sale is made.

We've said it before, and we'll say it again; with a whopping 94% of drivers expressing satisfaction with Kia’s warranty coverage, it’s clear that you get quality on Kia purchases. Discover the amazing kia offers available for these reliable vehicles.

Customer Satisfaction: Owner Experiences with Kia and Hyundai

Let’s turn the spotlight on the people who matter most: the owners. When it comes to reliability and owner satisfaction, Kia has earned its stripes with consistently high performance in industry studies, including a recent 3rd place ranking out of 31 auto brands in the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.

With a RepairPal reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, Kia’s models have proven trustworthy on the road, earning the brand third position among 32 car brands. Hyundai is very close with RepairPal customer ratings of 3.8 out of 5 stars, and more than 184 four-star reviews out of 420. In recent years, owners reported only 148 problems per 100 vehicles, ahead of dependable makes like Toyota and Dodge.

Market Presence: Sales and Brand Perception

The proof is in the numbers, and when it comes to market presence, Hyundai Motor Group’s strategy is paying dividends. Our dealership here in Chula Vista is only a small part of the puzzle; here are some key statistics that highlight our OEM's global success and ambition:

• Kia’s record-breaking sales of 3.08 million units in 2023

• Hyundai’s 6.2% overseas shipments in the same period

• Hyundai Motor Group’s target of 7,443,000 combined vehicle sales for 2024

Half of Hyundai Motor Group's sales are Kias! That says something about the quality as well as its distinct reputation. On the other hand, Hyundai’s strength in its home market of South Korea, with a 10.6% increase in domestic sales, underscores its own strong foothold and its potential to build on this foundation in international markets.

Visit Chula Vista Kia to See the Kia Advantage for Yourself

Kia’s emphasis on affordability, dynamic driving experience, and bolder styling caters to those seeking a youthful and spirited ride. Hyundai, with its focus on sophisticated design, comfortable ride, and a wider range of electrified vehicles, appeals to those who prioritize elegance and variety.

Don't get us wrong, both brands offer extensive warranties and have made significant strides in customer satisfaction, though Kia seems to have the edge in reliability. Whichever brand you choose, you’ll be behind the wheel of a vehicle that’s backed by the might of the Hyundai Motor Group.

Don't take our word for it without having us walk our talk; contact us and schedule a test drive today to make sure that Kia has the balance of fun, reliability, and pricing you can love as well as live with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kia cars generally cheaper than Hyundai?

Yes, Kia cars are generally more affordable than Hyundai's, but it can vary based on the specific model and trim level. Get pre-qualified for financing a Kia; with lower purchase price, your monthly payments will be lower.

Despite strong sales, Hyundai Motor America’s customer satisfaction ratings weren't always stellar. They've got to make up for lost time, especially when only 22% of car shoppers were likely to consider the brand decades ago.

Which brand offers a more dynamic driving experience?

Kia is known for offering a more dynamic driving experience with vehicles that prioritize performance and driver engagement. Try checking out their lineup for a fun driving experience!

Whether you lean towards the sporty verve of a Kia or the composed assurance of a Hyundai, you’ll be making a choice that’s been informed by performance, price, innovation, design, and the experiences of countless drivers before you.

Which brand has better warranty coverage out of Kia and Hyundai?

Both Kia and Hyundai offer extensive warranty coverage, with Kia's powertrain warranty being particularly noteworthy, while Hyundai's overall warranty package is also comprehensive. You can expect reliable warranty coverage from both brands.

How do Kia and Hyundai's electric vehicles compare?

Hyundai, while generally trailing slightly behind Kia in some areas, does have its moments in the sun; the Hyundai Ioniq 5, for example, received highest overall safety ratings in recent years. These nuances in customer satisfaction highlight the importance of considering individual model performance and owner experiences when making your choice.

The course towards electrification is clear, and whether you’re looking for raw power or a range of choices, both Korean automakers are racing to meet your eco-friendly driving desires. But in performance for EV sedans with RWD, the edge goes slightly to Kia!