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. For help with choosing between a Kia or Hyundai, 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 of 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 a wide array of different models, Kia offers a large selection of models to choose from. Kia models include sedans, minivans, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles. Hyundai offers different options as well, consisting of sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, electric vehicles, and hybrids. 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 Kia Connect, 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:

• Rearview monitor
• Electronic stability control and traction control system
• Rollover mitigation and vehicle stability management system
• Cornering brake control and electronic brake-force distribution
• Brake assist system and hill start assist control
• Rear-cross traffic alert
• Blindspot collision alert
• Lane keep assist
• Driver attention warning
• Forward collision warning
• And so much more!

Kia vs. Hyundai: Vehicle Comparison

Kia Forte vs. Hyundai Elantra:

The 2023 Kia Forte starts at just $19,690 MSRP, while the 2023 Hyundai Elantra comes in at $20,950 MSRP. The two models offer near-identical starting specs and can achieve up to 28 mpg city and 39 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 2023 K5 has a starting MSRP of $25,390 whereas the Sonata starts at $25,250. So, which is better, the Kia or Hyundai? At a similar 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 $35,990, or you could drive off in the Hyundai Palisade which starts at $35,900. The 2023 Telluride offers drivers a standard Sofino seat trim, standard Auto Emergency Braking Technology, and more. 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 2023 Kia Sportage for $26,290 MSRP or a 2023 Hyundai Tucson for $26,900 MSRP. These two five-passenger SUVs both offer roughly the same amount of cargo space, but the Hyundai interior includes more hard plastics than its charmingly-appointed rival, the Kia Sportage.

Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe:

Compare these two Kia vs. Hyundai SUVs, and you’ll note that the Sorento offers higher performance and better overall value, despite being marginally more expensive. You’ll pay around $30,090 MSRP for a 2023 Kia Sorento or $28,750 MSRP for a 2023 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 277 hp, while the Sorento delivers up to 281 hp with its optional V6.

Kia EV6 vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5:

Which is better, a Kia or Hyundai EV crossover? When comparing Kia vs. Hyundai SUVs with electric motors, you’ll want to explore both the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Starting at $42,600 MSRP, the 2023 Kia EV6 costs about the same as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which starts at $41,450. All the while, it offers much higher horsepower (up to 576 hp versus 320), higher torque (up to 545 lb-ft compared to 446), and a nearly identical electric range (310 miles vs. 320 miles).

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.