2012 Hyundai Sonata vs 2012 Kia Optima

2012 Hyundai Sonata

2012 Kia Optima

Select style

4-Door Sedan 2.0T Automatic Limited

Style	MPG City	MPG Hwy	Invoice	MSRP
Sonata 4-Door Sedan 2.0T Automatic Limited	22	34	$26,345	$28,195
Sonata 4-Door Sedan 2.0T Automatic Limited w/Wine Int	22	34	$26,345	$28,195
Sonata 4-Door Sedan 2.0T Automatic SE	22	34	$23,400	$24,745
Sonata 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic GLS	24	35	$19,916	$20,795
Sonata 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic GLS PZEV	24	35	$19,916	$20,795
Sonata 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic Hybrid	34	39	$24,434	$25,850
Sonata 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic Limited	24	35	$24,725	$26,445
Sonata 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic Limited PZEV	24	35	$24,725	$26,445
Sonata 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic Limited PZEV w/Wine Int	24	35	$24,725	$26,445
Sonata 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic Limited w/Wine Int	24	35	$24,725	$26,445
Sonata 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic SE	24	35	$21,952	$23,195
Sonata 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Manual GLS	24	35	$18,971	$19,795

Select style

4-Door Sedan 2.0T Automatic EX

Style	MPG City	MPG Hwy	Invoice	MSRP
Optima 4-Door Sedan 2.0T Automatic EX	22	34	$23,455	$25,100
Optima 4-Door Sedan 2.0T Automatic SX	22	34	$24,760	$26,500
Optima 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic EX	24	35	$21,675	$23,200
Optima 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic Hybrid	34	39	$24,115	$25,800
Optima 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic LX	24	35	$20,065	$21,000
Optima 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Manual LX	24	35	$19,095	$19,500

Show Only Differences

Pricing

Invoice Price

$26,345

$23,455

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price

$28,195

$25,100

Monthly Payment Estimate

$470 / month

$418 / month

The Car Connection's Take

TCC Rating

8.6

Read Our Full Review

8.6

Read Our Full Review

TCC’s Bottom Line

After more than a decade on the market, the latest Hyundai Sonata's an overnight success--thanks to great gas mileage, grabby styling, and exceptional value for the dollar.

The basics don't have to be boring: the 2012 Kia Optima evades design and driving boredom with suave looks, good performance and great gas mileage and features.

TCC Likes

Curvaceous styling
A fuel-sipper in every trim
Ride is well-damped

Handsome, chiseled shape
Interior looks sporty, refined
Engaging handling

TCC Dislikes

Steering feels inconsistent
Firm seats
Noisy cabin, at higher speeds

Seats have short, flat bottom cushions
Fast roofline cuts down on head room
Nav system eliminates UVO

Fuel Economy

City

22 mpg

Highway

34 mpg

Vehicle

EPA Classification

Large Cars

Midsize Cars

Interior Dimensions

Second Hip Room (in)

54.9

54.5

Front Shoulder Room (in)

57.9

57.2

Passenger Volume (ft³)

103.8

102.2

Second Head Room (in)

37.2

37.6

Second Shoulder Room (in)

56.7

55.7

Front Leg Room (in)

45.5

Passenger Capacity

Front Hip Room (in)

55.2

54.7

Second Leg Room (in)

34.6

34.7

Front Head Room (in)

38.2

40.0

Exterior Dimensions

Track Width, Front (in)

62.5

62.8

Min Ground Clearance (in)

5.5

5.3

Length, Overall (in)

189.8

190.7

Height, Overall (in)

57.9

57.3

Track Width, Rear (in)

62.5

62.8

Wheelbase (in)

110.0

Liftover Height (in)

- TBD -

Width, Max w/o mirrors (in)

72.2

72.1

Cargo Area Dimensions

Trunk Volume (ft³)

16.4

15.4

Brakes

Drum - Rear (Yes or )

Brake ABS System

4-Wheel

Disc - Rear (Yes or )

Yes

Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)

11.2 x 0.4

11.2 x - TBD -

Brake Type

Pwr-Assisted

Pwr

Rear Drum Diam x Width (in)

Disc - Front (Yes or )

Yes

Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)

11.8 x 1.1

12.6 x - TBD -

Fuel Tank

Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal)

18.5

Steering

Steering Ratio (:1), Overall

14.5

- TBD -

Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft)

35.8

Steering Type

Pwr Rack & Pinion

Lock to Lock Turns (Steering)

2.94

2.9

Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall (ft)

- TBD -

Tires

Rear Tire Order Code

Front Tire Size

P225/45R18

P215/55R17

Spare Tire Size

T125/80D16

Compact

Front Tire Order Code

Spare Tire Order Code

Rear Tire Size

P225/45R18

P215/55R17

Trailering

Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs)

Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs)

Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs)

Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs)

Weight Information

Base Curb Weight (lbs)

3452

3385

Wheels

Front Wheel Size (in)

18 x 7.5

17 x 6.5

Spare Wheel Size (in)

Compact

Rear Wheel Material

Aluminum

Rear Wheel Size (in)

18 x 7.5

17 x 6.5

Front Wheel Material

Aluminum

Spare Wheel Material

Steel

- TBD -

Cooling System

Total Cooling System Capacity (qts)

2.8

3.5

Electrical

Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

- TBD -

600

Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

110

Engine

SAE Net Torque @ RPM

269 @ 1750-4500

269 @ 1750

Engine Order Code

Displacement

2.0L/122

SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM

274 @ 6000

Engine Type

Turbocharged Gas I4

Fuel System

Direct Injection

Mileage

EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG)

EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG)

Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG)

Transmission

Clutch Size (in)

Third Gear Ratio (:1)

1.84

Trans Type

Drivetrain

Front Wheel Drive

Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)

1.00

Trans Description Cont. Again

Reverse Ratio (:1)

3.39

Second Gear Ratio (:1)

2.83

Trans Order Code

Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)

2.89

2.88

Fourth Gear Ratio (:1)

1.39

1.38

Trans Description Cont.

Automatic w/manual shift

Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)

0.77

First Gear Ratio (:1)

4.65

Summary

Vehicle Name

Hyundai Sonata

Kia Optima

Body Style

4 Door Sedan

Sedan

Suspension

Shock Absorber Diameter - Front (mm)

- TBD -

Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front (in)

0.94

- TBD -

Suspension Type - Rear

Multi-Link

Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

w/Coil Springs

Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear (mm)

- TBD -

Suspension Type - Front

MacPherson

MacPherson Strut

Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear (in)

0.59

- TBD -

Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)

w/Coil Springs

Emissions

EPA Greenhouse Gas Score

Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year

7.1

Crash Test Ratings

Overall Rating

Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger

Overall Side Crash Rating

Side Barrier Rating

Side Barrier Rating Driver

Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat

Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat

Combined Side Rating Front Seat

Combined Side Rating Rear Seat

Rollover Rating

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