Kia vs Hyundai | Brand Comparison: Similarities and Differences

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Hyundai and Kia share many similarities. Both brands are based in South Korea and offer similar lineups. In fact, Hyundai Motor Co. owns just over a third (34%) of Kia Motors. Many of these vehicles share platforms, powertrains, or other parts and engineering. However, Hyundai and Kia operate independently of one another. Both brands maintain their own design studios, engineering staff, sales, and marketing departments. With that said, you’ll find more similarities than differences when you compare the two brands, and that’s actually a good thing. Both brands produce high quality vehicles with great warranties that are beloved by their owners. Still, it’s worth noting those small differences so that you can make an informed choice.

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Styling and Presence

Kia and Hyundai offer very similar model lineups. However, Kia does offer a few vehicles that Hyundai doesn’t, although it’s worth noting that Hyundai has created a luxury division, called Genesis, that fills most of those gaps. In general, Hyundai styling is far more conservative and subdued, with flowing curves and inoffensive round shapes making up the bulk of the design features. On the other hand, Kia cars offer sporty styling that makes them look more aggressive and dynamic than their Hyundai cousins. Similarly, Kia SUV models boast a more rugged, off-road inspired design than the comparable Hyundai model. In general, Kia styling is more angular and modern, designed to draw attention and make a statement, while Hyundai vehicles are more likely to blend in with the crowd.

Performance and Handling

Earlier, we mentioned that, while Hyundai and Kia share platforms and drivetrains, each brand maintains their own separate engineering departments. This is important, because it allows each brand to tune their vehicles’ ride and handling characteristics separately. With a wide variety of vehicles on offer – hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers, and vans – it’s a bit dangerous to generalize. However, in general, you will likely find that Kia vehicles offer more dynamic, engaging handling characteristics, while a comparable Hyundai vehicle is likely to prioritize a smoother, but more disconnected-feeling ride. There are strengths and weaknesses to both, but we personally think that the chassis tuning unique to Kia vehicles ups the fun factor considerably.

Price and Value

In general, you will find that Kia vehicles are less expensive than their Hyundai counterparts. For example, the Kia Forte starts at $17,890, while the similar Hyundai Elantra starts at $19,850. Even though the Forte is less expensive, that doesn’t mean that Kia skimps on features – or quality. Like Hyundai, Kia offers a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty that’s among the best in the business. Both brands stand behind their products and offer quality that’s matched by few in the business. For 2021, Kia ranked third in the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study*, ahead of brands like Toyota, Chevrolet, and even Mercedes-Benz. Kia even finished ahead of both Hyundai and their Genesis luxury subsidiary. Kia was ranked highest among mass market brands, matched in quality only by Porsche and Lexus. We’d say that Kia is in good company at the top of that list. It’s also worth noting that the Kia Optima, Sorento and Sportage were singled out as being the best vehicles in their respective classes by J.D. Power.

The Kia Advantage

So, the verdict is in – while Kia and Hyundai offer similar vehicles, Kia models offer better value and better quality, with bolder styling and a more dynamic driving experience. Simply put, Kia vehicles are all-around better vehicles, no matter what you value most in your car. Of course, the choice is ultimately up to you. A new car is a major purchase, and we understand that. We suggest you try both brands, because we’re confident that, at the end of the day, you’ll choose a Kia. It’s clearly the superior choice any way you slice it. No hard feelings, Hyundai.