Kia Optima vs Kia Seltos
Overview | |
Years produced2001-2020 | Years produced2021-Present |
MSRP$22,900 | MSRP$24,490 |
Listings299 | Listings614 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews9.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryEven though Americans appear to be trading in cars for good, the midsize family sedan looks better than it’s ever been. Nearly every choice in the segment sports impressive design, engineering, and equipment, and the 2019 Kia Optima shows just how good a typical midsize car can be. From its stylish looks and wide range of engine choices to its roomy interior and sophisticated safety technologies, the 2019 Optima is more than just a great value. It’s a great car. | |
Reviews SummaryThe Kia Seltos was first introduced for the 2021 model year and instantly made waves in the subcompact SUV segment. It was impressively spacious and offered plenty of headroom and legroom, even for second-row occupants. These were novel concepts in this small-crossover segment. The Seltos also delivered plenty of standard features and easy-to-use technology. Three years on, and the Seltos is enjoying its first mid-cycle refresh. Though it’s largely the same Seltos as before, it gains fresh styling as well as updated technology. Such tweaks can go a long way, and automakers endeavor to make unseen changes that contribute to the overall driving experience. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 185 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 185 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space26.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight3230 lbs | Curb Weight3108 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height63.4 in |
Length191.1 in | Length172.6 in |
Width73.2 in | Width70.9 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase103.5 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1104 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2001-2020 | 2021-Present |
MSRP | $22,900 | $24,490 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 9.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | Even though Americans appear to be trading in cars for good, the midsize family sedan looks better than it’s ever been. Nearly every choice in the segment sports impressive design, engineering, and equipment, and the 2019 Kia Optima shows just how good a typical midsize car can be. From its stylish looks and wide range of engine choices to its roomy interior and sophisticated safety technologies, the 2019 Optima is more than just a great value. It’s a great car. | The Kia Seltos was first introduced for the 2021 model year and instantly made waves in the subcompact SUV segment. It was impressively spacious and offered plenty of headroom and legroom, even for second-row occupants. These were novel concepts in this small-crossover segment. The Seltos also delivered plenty of standard features and easy-to-use technology. Three years on, and the Seltos is enjoying its first mid-cycle refresh. Though it’s largely the same Seltos as before, it gains fresh styling as well as updated technology. Such tweaks can go a long way, and automakers endeavor to make unseen changes that contribute to the overall driving experience. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 185 hp I4 | 2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 185 hp I4 | 2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 26.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3230 lbs | 3108 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 63.4 in |
Length | 191.1 in | 172.6 in |
Width | 73.2 in | 70.9 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 103.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1104 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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