Vehicle Data Hub

Hyundai Sonata vs Kia Optima

The Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima are rated the same on fuel economy: 27 MPG combined. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)

Side by side

Hyundai SonataKia Optima
Complaints (NHTSA)2,6681,896
Most reported problemEngineEngine
Crashes and fires141 and 16477 and 171
Typical mileage at complaint79,000 miles85,000 miles
Recalls99
Fuel economy, combined27 MPG27 MPG
City and highway24 and 3424 and 34
Yearly fuel cost (EPA)$2,500$2,500
NHTSA overall safety

What the numbers say

NHTSA has 2,668 complaints for the Hyundai Sonata and 1,896 for the Kia Optima. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.

NHTSA's overall safety ratings: 5 stars for the Hyundai Sonata, 5 stars for the Kia Optima.

Safety recalls on file: 9 for the Hyundai Sonata, 9 for the Kia Optima.

Work out the fuel cost of each on your own mileage