Kia vs. Hyundai: Which Car Brand is Better?

Kia and Hyundai are both popular car brands among Delray Beach drivers. If you’re searching for a new vehicle, you might be wondering, which is better: Kia or Hyundai? While both make dependable vehicles, there are a few significant differences between the two car manufacturers. Compare Kia vs. Hyundai, and find out which car brand comes out on top!

Are Kia and Hyundai the Same Company?

This is a very common question as there are quite a few comparable models in the lineups. And while Hyundai is not the parent company to Kia Motors, Hyundai does have a bit of ownership of Kia. Both Kia and Hyundai are headquartered in South Korea. So are Kia and Hyundai the same company? No, but Hyundai does own 33.8% of Kia Motors.

Kia vs. Hyundai: Vehicle Options

With 18 different models, Kia offers a larger selection of vehicles than Hyundai. Kia models include sedans, minivans, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles. Hyundai offers different options, consisting of sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, electric vehicles, hybrids, and fuel cells. Here’s a closer look at what each brand has to offer.

Kia vs. Hyundai: Warranty

You’ll have peace of mind on your daily Boynton Beach commutes no matter which brand you choose. Both Kia and Hyundai offer long-lasting basic warranties, as well as an outstanding 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty. More perks of the Kia warranty include:

• 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
• Trip interruption coverage
• Emergency roadside assistance

Kia vs. Hyundai: Technology

Comparing Kia vs. Hyundai results in a near tie when it comes to tech features. Kia offers UVO, an infotainment and telematics system that enables you to perform a variety of actions, including connecting your phone to Bluetooth, sending the location of your car to your phone, and more. Hyundai has a similar system called Hyundai Blue Link.

Kia vs. Hyundai: Exterior Design

Exterior design: Kia or Hyundai? This depends on your taste preference. Kia models tend to have a sportier exterior design while Hyundai cars and SUVs have an aerodynamic shape.

Kia vs. Hyundai: Safety Features

While both Kia and Hyundai models offer advanced safety features, Kia models come with a wide variety of both active and passive safety features, including:

• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Electronic stability control and traction control system
• Front and rear crumple zones
• Rollover mitigation and vehicle stability management system
• Cornering brake control and electronic brake-force distribution
• Brake assist system and hill start assist control
• Lower anchors and tethers for kids

Kia vs. Hyundai: Vehicle Comparison

Kia Forte vs. Hyundai Elantra:

The 2021 Kia Forte starts at just $17,890 MSRP, while the 2021 Hyundai Elantra comes in at $19,650 MSRP. The two models offer near-identical starting specs and can achieve up to 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway with the proper equipment. So, why would you choose the new Kia Forte? It’s simple! Despite being available at a lower starting price, the Forte also offers many more standard safety features in the base trim, including a lane departure warning. The Forte also offers a slightly larger trunk. Of course, it retains its advantage in pricing across the lineup, making it easier to secure your favorite features.

Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata:

The 2021 K5 has a starting MSRP of $23,590 whereas the Sonata starts at $23,700. At the lower cost, the new Kia K5 offers Bluetooth technology, Rear View Camera w/ Dynamic Guidelines, Remote Keyless Entry, and more. While these are also available on the Sonata, they will cost extra as they aren’t standard features.

Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade:

The new Telluride comes at a starting MSRP of $32,190, or you could drive off in the Hyundai Palisade which starts at $32,525. The 2021 Telluride offers drivers standard Sofino seat trim, Auto Emergency Braking Technology, Blind Spot Collision Technology, and more standard. The Palisade offers leather seating, an 8-way power passenger seat, and the safety advances of the Kia SUV, but they all come at an extra cost and upgrade to a package with more features.

Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson:

Should you choose the Kia or Hyundai SUV? You can bring home a 2021 Kia Sportage for $23,990 MSRP or a 2021 Hyundai Tucson for $23,700 MSRP. These two five-passenger SUVs both offer roughly the same amount of cargo space, but the Hyundai interior includes more hard plastics than it’s charmingly-appointed rival, the Kia Sportage. The biggest difference? Only the new Kia Sportage is available in a sport-tuned high-end trim level with a 240-hp turbocharged engine. The most powerful Tucson engine only delivers 181 hp, making it a far less engaging choice!

Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe:

You’ll pay around $29,390 MSRP for a 2021 Kia Sorento or $26,850 MSRP for a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. Although Hyundai used to offer a three-row version of the Santa Fe (called the Santa Fe XL), this model was discontinued in 2020. All this is to say that you’ll need to spring for the more expensive Hyundai Palisade if you want to compete with the people-hauling capabilities of the new Kia Sorento, which offers a third row as standard. If you’re still set on comparing the Sorento and the Santa Fe, you’ll notice that the Kia SUV has the performance advantage here as well! The Hyundai only offers up to 235 hp, while the Sorento delivers up to 290 hp with its optional V6.

Explore the New Kia Lineup at Kia Delray

Deciding whether Kia or Hyundai is better ultimately depends on your preferences. You can continue to compare Kia vs. Hyundai, but the Kia models tend to offer more for your dollar! Contact Kia Delray with any questions about our new vehicle inventory, and while you’re at it, be sure to check out our car-buying tips, like how to buy a car online! Apply for Kia financing online today to get the process started, or take a minute to learn about the Kia Smart Trunk.