2012 Hyundai Sonata vs. Kia Optima Showdown. First let me say that both car models: Sonata and Optima share the same frame/chassis, are built in the same plant in Georgia and employ US workers. Hyundai and KIA offer the same 10 yr. 100k powertrain warranty, 5yr. 60k bumper to bumper and road-side assistance. Both vehicles have similar incentives, rebates, low interest financing and availability.

The Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata are selling SO well right now, there is little in the way of rebates or incentives, and interest rates are starting around 3.9% for 72 months for over 700 credit scores, which could be beat at a local credit union.

LOOKS:  The Optima was designed by the former head of design and engineering at AUDI. This is how the Optima, and Sportage got their beaded headlamps. You will see a sleek refinement in both the Hyundai and KIA, however, the Optima is unique from the Forte, and the Forte is different from the Rio. Hyundai Sonata takes it’s styling cues from the Mercedes Benz CLS550. In the Hyundai line-up, the Accent, Elantra and Sonata all look the same in different proportions. I call it the 3 Bears look. The sad part of this cookie-cutter styling approach is…  if you paid $25k for a Sonata, you don’t want someone mistaking it for the Elantra. ENGINE: The Kia line-up introduced the new GDI engine into the 2012 KIA Soul and Optima. A remarkable power-plant that offers 26 city and 34 highway fuel economy. That’s AMAZING in such a big car, in a 4cyl, without a Turbo. Although they do offer a TURBO in the Optima, which is extremely quick, sacrificing a few MPG’s to get you there faster. SERVICE:  In Las Vegas there are 3 KIA dealerships owned by different companies and 3 Hyundai dealers owned by 2 companies. Read the Google, Yelp, Dealerrater reviews before venturing into some of the dealerships for service. This can be the one item that sways you from buying a KIA or Hyundai.  I say, you only deal with the salesperson once, but the service department for years to come, so make sure they have a good reputation. BTW: IMHO, it is hard to justify the extra expense of the HYBRID in these cars over the Turbo, if you like to drive a sporty-peppy car. The Hybrid lags a bit, but you are saving the enviroment, and MAYBE getting some tax credit for the next year… as long as the IRS says so. —————————————– Feel free to comment… Sarah Lee Marks is MyCarlady. She has over 22+ years of experience. She writes about cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. MyCarlady offers free car buying advice, and private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles. Call Sarah Lee for more information: 702-521-7546 ———————————————————————- ]]>