Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid VS 2015 Hyundai Sonata Near Scottsdale, AZ

The Optima Hybrid EX’s optional blind spot warning system uses digital cameras monitored by computer to alert the driver to moving objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing safer, the Optima Hybrid EX’s optional cross-path warning system uses wide-angle radar in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Optima Hybrid and the Sonata Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front-wheel drive, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Kia Optima Hybrid is safer than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Kia Optima Hybrid is safer than the Sonata Hybrid:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Kia Optima Hybrid is safer than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in the IIHS moderate overlap frontal impact, side impact, rear impact, roof-crush crash tests, and an “Acceptable” rating in the newer small overlap frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Optima Hybrid as a “Top Pick” for 2014. The Sonata Hybrid is not a “Top Pick” for 2014.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2014 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia 19th in reliability. With 18 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked 27th.

As tested in Road & Track the Kia Optima Hybrid is faster than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:

The Optima Hybrid stops shorter than the Sonata Hybrid:

The Optima Hybrid handles at .79 G’s, while the Sonata Hybrid pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Road & Track skidpad test.

When two different drivers share the Optima Hybrid EX, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Optima Hybrid’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Optima Hybrid’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Sonata Hybrid’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

The Optima Hybrid EX’s standard air conditioned front seats cool the driver and front passenger and help take the sting out of hot leather in Summer. The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t offer air conditioned front seats.

On extremely cold Winter days, the Optima Hybrid EX’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Optima Hybrid second among midsize cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Sonata Hybrid isn’t in the top three.