Kia vs Hyundai: Which is better?

When it comes to Kia vs Hyundai, there are many similarities between the two. But there are some differences that can help determine what brand to go with. Both Kia and Hyundai are based in South Korea, and Hyundai Motor Company partially owns Kia. Because Hyundai is the parent brand of Kia, some of the similarities include sharing powertrains, platforms, and other parts of engineering. They are both backed by one of the best warranties out there. Although these two car brands are related, they are not the same. Take a look at our comparison of Kia vs Hyundai below.

Kia vs Hyundai Models and Designs

Kia and Hyundai have some models that are very similar. But Kia has the only subcompact car (the Rio) and a minivan (the Carnival) between the two brands. Hyundai does offer a pickup truck (the Santa Cruz), while Kia does not. Here is a list of Kia and Hyundai models:

 Kia Models: 19
Sedans: K4, Forte, K5, Stinger
SUVs: Soul, Seltos, Sportage, Sorento, Carnival MPV, Telluride
Hybrid/Electric: Niro Hybrid, Sportage Hybrid, Niro Plug-In Hybrid, Sorento Hybrid, Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, Niro EV, EV6, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, EV9

 Hyundai Models: 17
Sedans: Elantra, Sonata
SUVs: Venue, Kona, Santa Cruz, Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade
Hybrid/Electric: Kona Electric, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, Santa Fe Hybrid, IONIQ 5, Nexo, IONIQ 6, Elantra Hybrid, Sonata Hybrid

Check out some of our model comparisons: Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade  |  Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson | Kia Forte vs Hyundai Elantra | Kia Soul vs Hyundai Venue

Kia and Hyundai have different styles when it comes to their exterior designs. Kia has more of a sportier, sleeker look. Hyundai has a bold exterior design with flowing lines and curves. Between the two brands, Kia vehicles stand out on any road and attract the "younger" crowd with their aggressive designs. If you are looking for a vehicle with a new, fresh, and modern design, a Kia is the way to go.

Compare Kia and Hyundai Performance

comparison kia vs hyundai

Kia and Hyundai are similar in that they share platforms and drivetrains. But they do perform slightly different. They also share some of the same engines, but Kia does make some of its own. If you are looking for a more performance-based drive, Kia vehicles are the best option. Kia vehicles offer more of a dynamic driving experience. Hyundai vehicles focus on a smoother, more comfortable ride. Kia vehicles give you more control when driving. Therefore, Kia vehicles are more fun and exciting to drive. The best way to determine the performance difference between a Kia vs Hyundai vehicle is to schedule a test drive. Fill out the free online form now.

Kia vs Hyundai Conclusion

Kia and Hyundai are similar but different. For example, Kia has Kia Drive Wise, which is Kia's safety technology system, while Hyundai has Hyundai SmartSense. Both of these systems contain safety technology features to give you better peace of mind. When it comes to prices, these two brands are also very similar. They are both affordable. Kia vehicles are affordable while still coming standard with amazing features. Both brands also have great warranty. Both Kia and Hyundai have a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. You can't find that anywhere else. Kia has won great awards as well, like "Most Dependable Mass Market Brand 3 Years in a Row"*, "Most Model-Level J.D. Power 2023 U.S Residual Value Awards"**, and more. Overall, when comparing Kia vs Hyundai, Kia takes the win. Kia vehicles are more dependable and offer you better performance, style, quality, and experience.

Interested in a new or used Kia? Napleton Northlake Kia has a huge selection of Kia vehicles for sale. Stop by our Kia Dealership near West Palm Beach, FL. and fill out the form to schedule a free test drive. You can also browse our inventory online. We offer new Kia SUVs, sedans, and electric vehicles. We, at Northlake Kia, look forward to helping you find the perfect Kia for sale near you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kia and Hyundai the same?

No. Although Kia and Hyundai are very similar, they are not the same. Hyundai Motor Company partially owns Kia so they share some of the same features. They share similar powertrains, platforms, engines, and more. But Kia has distinguished its own design, performance, and other features.

What is the difference between Kia and Hyundai?

There are many differences between Kia and Hyundai. Kia has a sportier, aggressive design compared to Hyundai's bold, conservative design. Different kinds of models are available for each brand. Kia vehicles are more performance-based while Hyundai has a more comfortable drive. Vehicles from Kia are more reliable.

Contact Napleton Northlake Kia with any questions below.

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*Kia received the lowest rate of reported problems among mass market brands in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S Vehicle Dependability Study ((VDS), based on responses from 30,062 original owners of 2020 model-year after three-years of ownership, surveyed August-November 2022. For J.D. Power 2023 award information visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.
**Kia Telluride, Sportage, Rio, K5, and Soul have the highest retained value within their respective segments and Kia received the highest number of awards for residual value compared to all other brands in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards, based on the J.D. Power ALG residual value forecast for the 2023 model year. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.
Dealer not responsible for typographical errors. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. All vehicles subject to prior sales. See dealer for details. MSRP may not be price at which vehicle is sold in trade area. New car prices include applicable manufacturer incentives in lieu of special financing. Plus tax, title, tag, $199 doc processing & $899 dealer fees. New vehicle MPG’s are EPA’s estimated highway MPG’s. New vehicle MPGe/EPA Range Rating are based on EPA Range Rating. Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details. Used car prices plus tax, title, tag, $199 doc processing & $899 dealer fees. Used car MPG claims are based on EPA estimated city and highway ratings when vehicle was new. Used vehicle MPGe/EPA Range Rating are based on EPA Range Rating when vehicle was new. Consumers actual mileage will vary. The value of used vehicles varies with mileage, usage and condition. Book values should be considered estimates only.