2019 Honda Civic vs 2019 Kia Optima

The 2019 Kia Optima, while not as groundbreaking as its 2011–2015 predecessor, still managed to capture attention with its signature tiger-nose grille, fender-vent trim, and available black panoramic glass roof. The variety of trim levels allowed buyers to find a look that suited their taste and budget. However, the limited availability of interior colors, except for black, made it challenging to find the perfect combination. Prices ranged from $22,900 for the base LX to $35,790 for the SX Turbo with the Limited Package, and the plug-in hybrid model topped $42,000. The SX Turbo trim, with its blacked-out exterior, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and red brake calipers, gave off a sporty vibe, while the interior featured black leather with red inserts and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Despite its appeal, the Limited Package upgrade was preferred for its luxurious touches and better interior materials.

In contrast, the 2019 Honda Civic brought its own brand of upscale style, featuring a new gloss-black upper grille, revised lower bumper, and larger 18-inch wheels. The sedan's silhouette was graceful, reminiscent of an Audi A7, with a long hood balancing the sizable cabin and short tail. The Touring-trim test car came with chrome door handles and LED headlights that resembled tiny crystals. The new Sport trim added a center-mounted exhaust and exterior flash similar to the performance-oriented Si trim. The Civic Hatchback, with its tall and aggressive rear end, and the Coupe model, offered unique paint options and a balanced design. The interior maintained a high-tech yet simplified theme, with a central LCD screen, minimal buttons, and clean lines. Despite a starting price under $20,000, the Civic's fit and finish felt high quality, with switchgear, buttons, and fabrics built to last.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered five different engines, including hybrid powertrains. The base LX and sporty S trim featured a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the mid-grade EX Turbo had a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 178 hp. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models provided 41 mpg in combined driving and up to 28 miles of pure electric range, respectively. The SX Turbo trim, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 245 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque, delivered smooth, linear acceleration. A 6-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The SX Turbo's unique rack-mounted steering system provided better feel, though it lacked crispness on mountain roads. The sport-tuned suspension offered a firm ride, but excess body motion reduced confidence on twisty roads. Overall, the Optima SX Turbo was enjoyable to drive but not a true performance sedan.

The 2019 Honda Civic offered a range of engines, starting with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque for the LX and Sport trims. The EX and above trims featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 with 174 hp and 162 lb-ft, paired with a CVT. The hatchback came exclusively with the turbo engine, making 180 hp in the Hatchback Sport. The Si and Type R models offered more power, with the Si's 1.5-liter engine producing 205 hp and 192 lb-ft, and the Type R's 2.0-liter engine delivering 306 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Civic's engines were smooth and refined, with the turbo engine providing better mid-range acceleration. The CVT was impressive, simulating gear ratios without straining the engine. The Civic's handling was superb, with direct steering, a well-tuned suspension, and strong brakes. It offered a sporty driving experience without sacrificing comfort and reliability.

The 2019 Kia Optima excelled as a daily driver, offering comfort, simplicity, and ample storage. Controls were logically laid out and easy to use, with buttons and knobs limiting interaction with the touchscreen infotainment system. The Optima's spacious interior included a 15.9-cubic-foot trunk and plenty of storage cubbies. The front seats offered various power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, while the backseat provided impressive legroom and thigh support. Rear air-conditioning vents and quick-charging USB ports added to passenger comfort. The Smart Trunk feature, which automatically opened the trunk lid when standing behind the car with the key fob, was convenient but could be turned off if needed. Overall, the Optima was easy to live with, offering practicality, utility, and a touch of luxury with the SX Turbo's Limited Package.

The 2019 Honda Civic's interior featured a touchscreen with a volume knob and shortcut buttons, making it easier to use than previous models. The three-spoke steering wheel controlled the central display in the instrument panel, providing quick access to various functions. The rear seat offered surprising roominess, with optional heated outboard seats and passable head- and legroom for long trips. Cargo space was significant, with the sedan offering 15.1 cubic feet in the trunk (14.7 in the Touring trim), the coupe providing 11.9 to 12.1 cubic feet, and the hatchback offering up to 25.7 cubic feet (46.2 with the rear seats folded). The center console provided ample storage, and visibility was good in all directions. The best LED headlights were reserved for the Touring trims, but overall, the Civic's interior was practical and comfortable.

The 2019 Kia Optima came with a generous standard infotainment system, including an 8-inch touchscreen display, UVO technology, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera. The Optima S and EX Turbo added satellite radio and UVO eServices, which ran on the smartphone's data plan. New for 2019, UVO eServices included a smartphone app for remote access to vehicle functions and remote start. The SX Turbo trim added a navigation system, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was easy to use, with a user-friendly interface and flexible voice-recognition technology.

The 2019 Honda Civic's Android-based infotainment system felt dated compared to newer Honda models. However, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which improved usability. The 450-watt, 10-speaker stereo on the Touring trim no longer rattled the back window, and Honda's LaneWatch provided a live feed of the right-side blind spot. The Garmin-based navigation system stood out with better graphics and quick, accurate voice-based input. Despite its dated interface, the Civic's infotainment system offered essential features and decent performance.

The 2019 Kia Optima included a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems, making it a great value for families. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking-assist sensors, and a driver-monitoring system. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a surround-view camera system. The Optima received top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with only minor exceptions.

The 2019 Honda Civic featured Honda Sensing as standard on all trims except the Si and Type R. This included forward-collision alert with emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Civic received top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rating for the coupe's passenger-side frontal crash rating. The Civic's safety features and ratings made it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.