Hyundai Versus Kia - which is the best ?
Hyundai and Kia are both South Korea-based automobile makers that offer very similar makes and models of vehicles. They both offer great value for the money and longer warranties than other car manufacturers. In fact, Hyundai Motor Co. currently owns approximately 34% of Kia Motors, which accounts for similarities in platforms, powertrains, and other components. However, Hyundai and Kia operate independently, maintaining their own engineering and design studios. The respective designs of Hyundai and Kia show the audience to which they market.
Refinement vs Sportiness
Hyundai and Kia are both well-appointed, eye-catching vehicles. On the one side is Hyundai, which features sleeker, more flowing exterior designs. On the other side is Kia, which opts for a more modern, sporty look.
With its vehicles, Kia is trying to capture a younger car-buying generation--if they can capture the eye of a person in their 20s, Kia could make a customer for life. Kia makes cars that are both fun to look at and fun to drive.
Hyundai makes vehicles that are more complex, appealing to professionals, families, and individuals who want a high-class vehicle that feels luxurious without having to pay a high price.
In the end, the choice remains with the buyer. Kia offers sportiness and lower-priced cars while Hyundai focuses on design and luxury.
Hyundai vs. Kia Model Lineups
Hyundai offers 18 models that range from sporty sedans that are perfect for two or four people to large SUVs that can fit seven or more passengers. In the compact and sedan categories, Hyundai offers the Elantra (five models), Sonata (petrol and hybrid), IONIQ (three models), Veloster (two models), and Accent 5-door (one model). In the crossover and SUV categories, Hyundai offers the Kona, Venue, Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade, Kona Electric, and Nexo.
Kia also has 18 models in its Canadian lineup. For compact vehicles, buyers can choose from the Rio, Rio 5-door, Forte, and Forte5. In the mid-sized sedan class, Kia has the Optima, Optima PHEV, and K5. The crossover/SUV segment includes the Soul, Seltos, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride SUVs, along with the Sedona minivan. In the performance arena, Kia has the Stinger, and in the hybrid/electric vehicle category, Kia offers the Soul EV, Niro, Niro PHEV, and Niro EV.
Both Hyundai and Kia have invested the time and money into their futures with a number of hybrid, electric, and plug-in model versions. Kia beats Hyundai in the minivan segment, since Hyundai does not offer one. However, Hyundai offers more SUV models. In addition, Hyundai has the luxury Genesis brand that goes above and beyond what is offered by either manufacturer.
Making the Choice
After reviewing the options, Hyundai and Kia offer very similar vehicles with similar warranties. In terms of style, Hyundai focuses more on luxury and refinement with higher quality materials while Kia focuses more on sportiness and a lower price point. With more longevity, quality, comfort, and value, Hyundai is the manufacturer to choose.