Kia Optima vs Honda Accord

While shopping for a new car is fun, it's not always easy. With more choices than ever in the midsize sedan market, research can feel endless. Two names that consistently stand out are the Kia Optima and Honda Accord, and while you can check these two models out for yourself, residents of Fair Lawn, NJ have another resource-Jack Daniels Kia.  We've put the 2014 Kia Optima side-by-side with the 2014 Honda Accord for a comparison.

 

Kia Optima vs Honda Accord Comparison

Although the Accord has been a longtime household name, the Optima has quickly made its presence known.  Right off the bat consumers will notice that the 2014 Optima dominates when it comes to style.  The bold, sleek look offers an alternative to the more sedate 2014 Accord.  The recently redesigned interior from Kia also entices drivers, and that's not to say the Accord isn't comfortable--it's just that the Optima adds some appealing extras.

As far as price, both the Optima and Accord are comparable-the Kia Optima has five models ranging from $21,000 to $35,000.  The Honda Accord has six models ranging from $22,000 to $33,000.  Both get efficient mileage with the 2014 Optima coming in at 23 City/34 Highway on the LX, EX, and SX and 20 City/31 Highway on the SX Turbo and Limited.  The 2014 Accord gets 24 City/34 Highway on the LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L while the EX-L V6 and Touring get 21 City/34 Highway.

Features

Every year there seems to be more innovations in technology, comfort, and convenience.  Both of these midsize sedans offer some excellent features.  When pitting the high-end models against each other, with all the bells and whistles, here is how it breaks down.

Both the Optima and the Accord possess the following features:

Exterior

• Heated, power mirrors
• Dual chrome exhaust
• Remote entry with trunk release
• 17" Alloy wheels on the Accord, 18" Alloy Wheels on the Optima
  
  

The Kia Optima also has exterior features like heated rear glass with timer, solar control glass, black gloss and chrome front grille, and a panoramic sunroof (the Accord still includes the standard moonroof).

Interior

• Premium sound systems (the Kia Optima features the Infinity brand)
• Navigation System (Kia's has voice-command, and Honda has voice recognition)
• Leather seating with 10-way adjustable driver's seat
• Rearview camera
• Pushbutton start
• Steering wheel mounted controls
• Heated front seats (the Kia Optima includes heated rear seats as well)
  
  

In addition to many extra features on both models, the 2014 Kia Optima also adds small conveniences like a cooling glove box, ventilated seats, driver's seat memory, heated steering wheel, alloy pedals, first aid kit, backup warning system, and UVO eServices Infotainment system.

 

Performance, Handling, and Safety

Both the 2014 Optima and Accord have put a lot of effort into safety, utilizing excellent airbag technology and things like blind spot warning systems, vehicle stability management, hill start assist, and more. 

The performance comes down to preference-both have comparable horsepower.  The Kia, however, has a tighter turning radius, and the SX Turbo and Limited boast Kia's Turbocharged Inline 4 engine.

Conclusion

In the end, the 2014 Kia Optima also adds extra head room, and front leg room.  The interior was also designed to "wow".  We obviously think there's a clear winner, but the best way for residents of Fair Lawn, NJ and beyond decide for themselves is to come in to look and take the Optima out for a spin.  Jack Daniels Kia, located at 28-09 Broadway in Fair Lawn, NJ has a stellar customer service team waiting to give you the best car-buying experience possible.