Kia Optima vs Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2019 Kia Optima, while not as revolutionary in design as its earlier models, still managed to capture attention with its signature tiger-nose grille, fender-vent trim, and optional black panoramic glass roof. It offered a range of trim levels, allowing buyers to find a style that suited their taste and budget. However, the limited availability of interior color options, except for black, posed a challenge for those seeking a specific aesthetic. The price range varied from $22,900 for the base LX to $35,790 for the SX Turbo with the Limited Package, with the plug-in hybrid model being the most expensive. The SX Turbo trim, without the Limited Package, featured a sleek blacked-out exterior, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a sporty interior with black leather and red inserts, priced at $33,505.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback underwent subtle styling tweaks, including body-color crossbars on the air intakes, a new grille, and smoked headlights. The Sport Touring trim, with its Platinum White Pearl paint, garnered admiration for its striking appearance. Inside, it boasted stitched leather, soft surfaces, and quality materials, though hard plastics were still present. The six-speed manual gearbox, previously exclusive to the Sport trim, was now available with the Sport Touring trim, priced at $28,980. While not as performance-oriented as the Civic Si, the Hatchback offered a more comfortable and quieter ride, making it a practical choice for daily driving.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered a diverse range of powertrains, including hybrid options. The base LX and sporty S trims featured a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the EX Turbo utilized a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 178 horsepower. The hybrid models delivered impressive fuel efficiency, with the plug-in hybrid offering up to 28 miles of electric range. The SX Turbo trim, tested with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, generated 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It provided smooth, linear acceleration, complemented by a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The SX Turbo's unique rack-mounted steering system enhanced driving feel, though it lacked crispness on mountain roads. The sport-tuned suspension offered a firm ride, but excess body motion reduced confidence on challenging terrain. Overall, the Optima SX Turbo was enjoyable to drive, though not a true performance sedan.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback, equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivered 174 horsepower in LX, EX, and EX-L trims, and 180 horsepower in Sport and Sport Touring trims. Torque varied depending on the transmission, with the CVT offering 162 pound-feet and the 6-speed manual providing 177 pound-feet. The engine was quiet and refined, though the manual transmission's clutch travel and gearbox throws were longer than expected. While not as performance-focused as the Civic Si, the Hatchback offered a softer ride, wider seats, and a quieter cabin, making it more comfortable for daily use. It still provided excitement on winding roads, with a confidence-inspiring driving experience. The EPA rated the test car at 32 mpg in combined driving, and it achieved 32.7 mpg during testing.

The 2019 Kia Optima excelled as a daily driver, offering comfort, simplicity, and ample storage space. Its controls were logically arranged and easy to use, with buttons and knobs reducing reliance on the touchscreen infotainment system. The spacious interior featured a 15.9-cubic-foot trunk and numerous storage cubbies. The front seats provided various power adjustments, with available heating and ventilation. The Limited Package upgrade added luxurious Nappa leather and other premium features. Backseat legroom was impressive, with good thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. The Smart Trunk feature was convenient for hands-free access, though it could open unintentionally. Overall, the Optima was practical and easy to live with, offering a touch of luxury with the SX Turbo's Limited Package.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a compelling alternative to SUVs, with 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly more than the HR-V Touring. While it couldn't match the HR-V's maximum volume, the Civic's superior acceleration and fuel efficiency made it a practical choice. The low seating position made entry and exit less convenient, but the Sport Touring's heated leather front seats provided comfort and support. The center console storage area was cleverly designed, with a sliding armrest, tray, and cupholders. Rear seat comfort and legroom were good, though the lack of air-conditioning vents and dark tinted glass could make it uncomfortable in hot weather.

The 2019 Kia Optima came equipped with a generous standard infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display, UVO technology, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The Optima S and EX Turbo added satellite radio and UVO eServices, which relied on the owner's smartphone data plan. The SX Turbo trim included a navigation system, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the font choice was unique. The voice-recognition technology offered flexibility with commands, though it wasn't a natural voice-recognition system.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a stylish dashboard with digital instrumentation and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in all but the LX trim. The Sport Touring trim included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker premium sound system. While the Civic's technology offerings were not groundbreaking, features like automatic climate control and Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock added convenience. The lack of a tuning knob and limited voice-recognition capabilities were drawbacks, but the overall system was functional.

The 2019 Kia Optima was a standout in terms of safety, with standard driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems across all trims. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Optima received top crash-test ratings from the IIHS, except for an Acceptable rating for child safety seat LATCH anchor accessibility. The federal government awarded it 5-star ratings in most categories. The advanced safety features were effective and customizable, enhancing driver confidence and safety.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback included the Honda Sensing suite as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the system showed signs of aging, with less refined lane-keeping assist and occasional issues with adaptive cruise control. The Civic lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, relying on the LaneWatch system for the right-side blind spot. The Civic received top crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to poor headlight performance.