Your Toyota companion for all ownership needs
Guide

Safety showdown: toyota corolla vs. kia optima in a head-to-head crash test

What To Know

  • The Corolla gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the Optima gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
  • The Optima comes standard with a sunroof, heated front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen display, while the Corolla comes standard with a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 6.

The Toyota Corolla and Kia Optima are two of the most popular compact cars on the market. Both cars offer a lot of value for the money, but they also have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we’ll compare the two cars in detail to help you decide which one is right for you.

Performance

The Toyota Corolla is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 139 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Optima is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The Optima’s engine is more powerful than the Corolla’s, but it also gets worse gas mileage. The Corolla gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the Optima gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Handling

The Toyota Corolla is known for its agile handling. The car is easy to maneuver and it feels planted on the road. The Kia Optima also handles well, but it’s not as nimble as the Corolla. The Optima’s steering is a bit heavier than the Corolla’s, and the car feels less responsive overall.

Comfort

The Toyota Corolla is a comfortable car for both the driver and passengers. The seats are supportive and the cabin is spacious. The Kia Optima is also comfortable, but it has a bit less legroom in the back seat than the Corolla. The Optima’s seats are also not as supportive as the Corolla’s.

Features

The Toyota Corolla comes standard with a number of features, including a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen display. The Kia Optima comes standard with more features than the Corolla, including a sunroof, heated front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen display.

Safety

The Toyota Corolla and Kia Optima have both received good safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Corolla received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Optima received a four-star overall safety rating. The Corolla also received a “Good” rating in all of the IIHS’s crash tests, while the Optima received a “Good” rating in all but the small overlap front crash test.

Price

The Toyota Corolla has a starting price of $19,950. The Kia Optima has a starting price of $23,390. The Optima is more expensive than the Corolla, but it also comes with more standard features.

Which Car is Right for You?

The Toyota Corolla and Kia Optima are both great compact cars. The Corolla is more affordable and fuel-efficient, while the Optima is more powerful and has more standard features. Ultimately, the best car for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which car has better gas mileage, the Toyota Corolla or the Kia Optima?

A: The Toyota Corolla has better gas mileage than the Kia Optima. The Corolla gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the Optima gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which car is more powerful, the Toyota Corolla or the Kia Optima?

A: The Kia Optima is more powerful than the Toyota Corolla. The Optima’s engine produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the Corolla’s engine produces 139 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which car has more standard features, the Toyota Corolla or the Kia Optima?

A: The Kia Optima has more standard features than the Toyota Corolla. The Optima comes standard with a sunroof, heated front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen display, while the Corolla comes standard with a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen display.

Back to top button