Kia Vs. Hyundai: The Ultimate Brand Comparison
Choosing the most reliable used vehicle will often lead you to a Kia vs. Hyundai brand comparison. Both of these automakers elevate value with their sedans and SUVs – gas-powered or electrified – that prioritize function and form, bringing you an unforgettable drive at a great price. Once you compare Hyundai vs. Kia vehicles and their benefits, you'll see that it's a close call but that Kia models tend to take the edge with drivers looking for reliability and resale value. See how they compare below, then visit Used Car Superstores to see them in person.
Kia vs. Hyundai Comparison at a Glance
- Both automakers offer a versatile range of stylish, dependable sedans and SUVs for all types of drivers and families.
- Depending on mileage and age, many used Kia or Hyundai models from recent model years get the remainder of the Basic Warranty, covering five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.1, 2
- Using 2022 as a recent example, Hyundai received nine Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ Awards from the IIHS.3 Kia edged them out with 10 awards.4
- According to RepairPal, Kia rates slightly higher in reliability ranking for models as old as 2010, at #3 out of 32 compared to all brands,5 while Hyundai is just behind in fourth place.6
- Kia models tend to have better resale value. For example, according to J.D. Power, at 86/100 resale value,7 the 2022 Kia Telluride beats out competition like the Hyundai Palisade, which sits at 80/100.8
Used Kia vs. Hyundai Sedans
You'll find a variety of model years at our dealership, but let's examine how a 2020 Kia Forte matches up to that year's Hyundai Elantra. These two vehicles offer impressive MPG specs, with both sedans reaching up to an EPA-estimated 41 MPG (Highway) on their base trims.9, 10 That's thanks to their similar 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines that produce 147 horsepower.
The differences between the Kia vs. Hyundai sedans become more obvious with the feature lineup. For instance, an 8-inch touchscreen display is the standard for the 2020 Forte, while the base trim of the 2020 Elantra doesn't have a touchscreen at all. Scan our used car deals and find more value-driven cars.
Used Kia vs. Hyundai SUV Models
Our used car dealership loves its SUV lineup, thanks in part to Kia and Hyundai models. For example, the 2022 Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade matchup favors the Kia model. The Palisade creates up to 86.4 cubic feet of trunk space, while the Telluride barely edges out the competition with 87 cubic feet.
For a more compact viewpoint, see how the pre-owned Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson battle plays out in their 2018 models. The used Sportage begins with a more expressive 181-horsepower engine, compared to the 164 horsepower in a 2018 Tucson. The Hyundai SUV has an impressive array of standard safety features, but the Kia strikes back with earlier access to a premium audio system. No matter your preferred SUV, you can trade in your current vehicle to make it easy to climb model years or trim levels and access those prestigious options.
Pre-Owned Kia vs. Hyundai Brand Reliability Chart
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| Kia | Hyundai | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | Remainder of 5-yr/60,000-mi1 | Remainder of 5-yr/60,000-mi2 |
| Certified Pre-Owned Powertrain Warranty | Remainder of 10-yr/100,000-mi11 | Remainder of 10-yr/100,000-mi2 |
| Parts Warranty | 12-mos/Unlim-mi2 | 12-mos/12,000-mi2 |
| Number of 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick Awards | 104 | 93 |
| RepairPal Reliability Score | 4/55 | 4/56 |
| RepairPal Reliability Ranking | 3/325 | 4/326 |
| RepairPal Estimated Annual Maintenance/Repair Cost | $4745 | $4686 |
| RepairPal Estimated Annual Maintenance/Repair Frequency | 0.225 | 0.276 |
| RepairPal Estimated Repair Severity | 10%5 | 10%6 |
Kia vs. Hyundai Reliability
As you can see in the above chart, the Kia vs. Hyundai reliability ranking tilts slightly in favor of the Kia, with the former ranking one spot higher than the latter, according to RepairPal.5, 6 The close matchup showcases just how important reliability is to both brands, but Kia comes out ahead.
Hyundai vs. Kia Depreciation
When you want to shop used inventory for great resale value, look no further than a Kia. For instance, according to J.D. Power, the 2022 Kia Telluride has a resale score of 86/1007 while the 2022 Hyundai Palisade again earns a respectable 80/1008 – a fantastic score compared to other vehicles but trailing behind the Kia SUV. This is a trend across these brands, with both having excellent value over time but Kia getting you just a bit more.
Kia vs. Hyundai Maintenance
According to RepairPal, maintenance is slightly more expensive on the Kia model, with the average being six dollars higher than the Hyundai equivalent.5, 6 However, Hyundai vehicles suffer from more frequent repairs, while Kia is estimated to have slightly fewer required maintenance visits in a given year.
Kia and Hyundai Parts
The availability and cost of Kia vs. Hyundai parts for their sedans and SUVs depend somewhat on the supply chain and demand. Both use highly dependable OEM parts and accessories that are reasonably priced.
Kia vs. Hyundai Warranty
Speaking of warranties, both Kia and Hyundai feature exceptional coverage for their new vehicles: a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty.1, 2. Depending on the individual model's history, the pre-owned Kia or Hyundai you choose could have a good portion of that peace of mind remaining. Ask us to walk you through the warranty status of the vehicle you're interested in.
Find a Kia or Hyundai among our certified pre-owned vehicles, and the differences in benefits are apparent. Where Hyundai adds no additional warranty time, Kia compliments your certified option with one year or 12,000 miles – whichever comes first – of Platinum Coverage. This extended policy protects a significant percentage of your vehicle.12
Shop Hyundai or Kia Models at Used Car Superstores
No matter your preference in the pre-owned Kia vs. Hyundai comparison, we hope you'll choose to shop our inventory of secondhand vehicles. We promise you'll find your next reliable used car or used SUV when you shop at any of our locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kia and Hyundai the same company?
Kia and Hyundai are both members of the Hyundai Motor Group, a larger manufacturing conglomerate that handles some tasks for each company. In 1988, Hyundai owned the majority stake in the Kia company and operated as its owner. Nowadays, Kia operates independently of Hyundai, but both brands may share platforms or components with one another, as well as safety and convenience improvements.
Are Kia models more fuel-efficient than Hyundai vehicles?
Generally, when comparing Kia models' fuel efficiency to their Hyundai counterparts, the former has a slight advantage. For example, the 2021 Kia Sorento SUV has an EPA-estimated 24/29/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),9 while the more compact Hyundai Santa Fe only offers 25/28/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)10 with its standard setup. Overall, Kia has minor advantages, but Hyundai remains close.
Which brand has higher safety ratings: Kia or Hyundai?
Both of these automakers have an impressive safety lineup and history. For example, in the 2022 model year, Kia models received 10 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ Awards,4 while the Hyundai lineup was close behind with nine awards.3 Hyundai has had years with the winning trophy case, too, so either pick will give you peace of mind.
How do Kia and Hyundai compare in terms of warranty coverage?
Kia and Hyundai both offer superb coverage to drivers of their vehicles. Used models may have the remainder of the Basic Warranty – five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.1, 2 The Kia brand wins the certified pre-owned warranty matchup, though: You get one year or 12,000 miles – whichever comes first – of Platinum coverage;12 Hyundai has no equivalent to this.
Which brand offers better hybrid and electric vehicle options: Kia or Hyundai?
Kia and Hyundai offer a diverse array of electrified vehicles. For instance, the first Kia EV debuted in 2014 with the Kia Soul EV, while the Hyundai BlueOn was the first Hyundai EV. From those models, Kia and Hyundai created a huge array of electrified vehicles, ending with the 10 current electric and hybrid models in the Kia lineup and the nine for Hyundai.
1Warranties 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.
2Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks/2022/all/hyundai#award-winners
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks/2022/all/kia#award-winners
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/kia
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/hyundai
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/kia/telluride
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/hyundai/palisade
9Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
10All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
11The Kia CPO 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty program begins on the original in-service date of vehicle and odometer mile "0." The limited warranty program includes the remainder of roadside assistance, powertrain coverage and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty (Basic). See retailer for details.
12Platinum Coverage begins on the vehicle purchase date and odometer reading on purchase date. Platinum Coverage is limited; for exact coverages, exclusions and limitations, please review CPO contract or see retailer for details.