Kia vs Hyundai

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As a driver in the Indianapolis, Plainfield, and Bloomington, IN, areas, you’re likely considering driving a Kia or Hyundai. No matter which option you choose, these brands are sure to please. At Andy Mohr Automotive, we’d like to explore how these brands differ.

Read more to hear about the history and important features that define Kia and Hyundai.

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Kia vs Hyundai Brand History

Kia and Hyundai have been providing us with sporty and comfortable vehicles for quite some time. As such, each brand has a rich history that defines them as a brand in general.

Kia

The brand we know as Kia had very humble beginnings as a steel tube and bicycle parts manufacturer. This company introduced South Korea to its first domestic bicycle, helping to mobilize urban commuters. Today, Kia holds true to that goal of mobilizing commuters with their sporty and uniquely designed vehicles.

Hyundai

Hyundai, on the other hand, first began as an engineering company manufacturing a number of different mechanical products. Since the company has begun producing cars, it has grown to become one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in the world.

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Hyundai and Kia Inventories

The benefit of such large and global brands is that they offer so many options to choose from, based on what you need out of your vehicle. For example…

SUVs for Families of All Sizes

Whether you’re just starting your family, or your crew reaches a half-dozen or more, it’s easy to see the benefit of an SUV. Over time, more and more families have turned to these spacious vehicles for carpooling and running errands. Not only do they have ample seating and interior space, but they also come with all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive, which can help your SUV keep a firm grip on the road during rainy or snowy weather.

If you need a 3-row option with up to seven or eight seats, the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, or Kia Carnival MPV are both up to the task.

Young Adults and Commuters

Do you typically only have one or two passengers in your cabin? If you’re a young adult who mostly uses their vehicle to commute to work or school, then you may be drawn toward a myriad of  options. For example, the Hyundai Venue and Hyundai Kona offer a compact wheelbase that’s ideal for navigating parking lots and city streets. You’ll get similar features with the Kia Seltos.

If you prefer a sedan that’s easy on the gas mileage, then consider the Kia Rio or Kia K5 for your daily commutes. Hyundai also offers well-known models, like the Sonata and Elantra, that are household names for a reason.

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles for the Modern Driver

Are you ready to be rid of all those stops at the pump? Turn to the expansive (and growing) hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) inventories offered by both Kia and Hyundai. You’ll find a variety of models available from Hyundai, like the compact Hyundai Kona electric SUV or the spacious 3-row Santa Fe Hybrid. Kia offers several as well, including the Niro and Kia Sorento.

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Should I Buy a Kia or Hyundai?

Both of these brands are standouts, so it’s easy to make the right choice when choosing between the two. No matter which one you decide to drive, you’re sure to enjoy the ride. However, there are a few things to consider that may help you decide which way to lean:

SUVs vs Sedans

Either Kia or Hyundai are excellent options when you’re looking for an SUV of any size. However, if you prefer a sedan, then you may find that Hyundai is a bit preferrable here. Their sedans tend to come with powerful engines that still achieve impressive MPG. The 2023 Elantra, for example, is set to come with an engine that achieves up to 201 horsepower and a highway fuel economy of an EPA-estimated 42 MPG.

On the other hand, the Kia Forte achieves a similar horsepower, but falls shorter on the MPG, achieving an EPA-estimated 35 MPG on the highway.*

Hybrids and EVs

While both brands have ample hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) options, they tend to put their emphasis on different body styles. Kia has a total of eight hybrid or EV models in their lineup, however, these are fully relegated to their SUVs.

Hyundai also offers eight hybrid, EV, or fuel-cell models, but spaces them out between their SUVs and sedans. The best match for you here will depend more on what body style you’re looking for.

Family-friendly

As mentioned, both the Hyundai and Kia SUVs are well-suited to a family of two to eight, and offer many different SUV models to choose from.

If you’re looking for something akin to a minivan that still offers the power and handling of an SUV, then you’ll probably want to turn toward Kia. This brand offers the Carnival MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) with available rear-seat entertainment systems and features like available passenger view, which allows you to keep an eye on the kids in the back.

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Help Me Choose My Vehicle near Indiana

When it comes to providing a stylish design and sporty ride, you’ll find just what you’re looking for, with either Kia or Hyundai. These manufacturers offer excellent models that are great choices for Indianapolis, Plainfield, and Bloomington, Indiana, drivers.

If you’re wondering which is the right fit for you, visit the team at Andy Mohr Automotive. We’ll go over your needs and your lifestyle and make our personalized recommendations. Contact us to schedule a test drive today!

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*MPG: Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition.

EPA-estimated MPG HWY for the Forte lineup is 31-41 MPG HWY and varies by trim/options selected.