Kia Optima vs Lexus ES
Overview | |
Years produced2001-2020 | Years produced1990-Present |
MSRP$22,900 | MSRP$40,950 |
Listings4167 | Listings7803 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews9.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 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 SummaryAuto manufacturers are always pursuing younger customers, but some cars appeal to a different clientele. The 2022 Lexus ES attracts the softest of buyers, mature adults seeking a mid-size luxury sedan without a giant price tag. Available with four cylinders, six cylinders, or a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Lexus ES starts at $40,800. In the age of the SUV and at the dawn of electrification, the ES does its best to to capture any remaining new car buyers interested in a traditional sedan. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 185 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway34 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 185 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway34 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3230 lbs | Curb Weight3780 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height57.1 in |
Length191.1 in | Length195.9 in |
Width73.2 in | Width73.4 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase113.0 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload905 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2001-2020 | 1990-Present |
MSRP | $22,900 | $40,950 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 9.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 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. | Auto manufacturers are always pursuing younger customers, but some cars appeal to a different clientele. The 2022 Lexus ES attracts the softest of buyers, mature adults seeking a mid-size luxury sedan without a giant price tag. Available with four cylinders, six cylinders, or a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Lexus ES starts at $40,800. In the age of the SUV and at the dawn of electrification, the ES does its best to to capture any remaining new car buyers interested in a traditional sedan. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 185 hp I4 | 2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 34 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 185 hp I4 | 2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 34 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3230 lbs | 3780 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 57.1 in |
Length | 191.1 in | 195.9 in |
Width | 73.2 in | 73.4 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 113.0 in |
Maximum Payload | 905 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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