Kia vs Hyundai

Kia vs Hyundai: Which manufacturer should you choose? These manufacturers are similar in many ways, but they are also very different.

We have compared the 2 makes in greater detail, both of whom have acquired an exceptional reputation with Canadian buyers!

You might also want to take a look at our new 2023 Kia SUV inventory at Kia Chambly, which includes the plug-in hybrid Sorento!

Are Hyundai and Kia part of the same company?

Kia and Hyundai are 2 different companies, both from South Korea. However, they are both under the same industrial conglomerate: the Hyundai Motor Company group.

Although Hyundai is a majority stakeholder with Kia, both manufacturers operate independently as two separate brands. They do, however, collaborate closely on several projects, and also share vehicle platforms and technologies.

What is the link between Kia and Hyundai?

This collaboration has allowed both brands to reduce development and production costs, and has given them access to new markets given that they are able to offer a wider variety of models.

In other words, Kia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company; however, the 2 manufacturers are independently managed from one another, while regularly pooling their efforts when it comes to research and development, on different projects.

The Differences between Kia and Hyundai

Although the brands share some similarities –like the South Korean origins and their dedication to quality and reliability- they are also very different when it comes to design and their position on the market.

So, when it comes to design, Hyundai offers vehicles with attractive lines, but which are more focused on sobriety and elegance. As for the Kia, design is much bolder, and Kia models stand out with a stylistic signature that is more stunning.

Moreover, both brands offer a similar range of vehicle models, although there are differences as to what types of models are available. Kia, for example, offers more SUVs than Hyundai who, in turn, has a bit more electric models to offer.

Kia Forte vs Hyundai Elantra

These 2 vehicles are compact, affordable and energy efficient sedans. But what are the differences between the Kia Forte vs Hyundai Elantra?

2023 Kia Forte

Comparing designs 

Although they share the same platform and several technical features, a Forte vs Elantra comparison shows that the Kia sedan boasts a bolder and sportier design, while the Elantra focuses more on elegance.

Comparing performance and capacities  

Moreover, if we compare the Kia Forte vs Hyundai Elantra in terms of power, they are both equipped with a 2.0 L 4- cylinder engine with 147 horsepower or a 1.6 L 4- cylinder turbo with 201 horsepower. They are both front-wheel drive and offer numerous amenities and technologies when it comes to safety and infotainment, with a slight advantage for Kia.

Comparing prices 

The price range for the Forte and the Elantra is almost identical for the base models (MSRP of $ 22,956 for the Elantra and $ 22,859 for the Forte), but it varies greatly for the higher level models, which can reach over $ 40,000 for Hyundai and a little bit over $ 33,000 for the Kia Forte.

Summary Table

Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade

These 2 Full size SUVs stand out for their rugged appearance which calls for respect; and even though they share several things in common, they are also very different.

2023 Kia Telluride

Comparing performance and capacities  

The Kia Telluride vs le Hyundai Palisade both offer –depending on selected trim level- enough space to welcome 7- or 8- passengers; the Telluride, however, has a slight advantage when it comes to cargo space.

Both the Palisade and the Telluride are equipped with a 3.8 L V6 with 291 horsepower and with a 5,000 pound towing capacity. However, when comparing the Palisade vs Telluride trims, we can see that the X-Pro trim of the Telluride can tow up to 5,500 pounds.

Comparing Designs 

The Telluride boasts a bolder interior design, with wood accents and leather upholstery. As for the Palisade, it has a more sophisticated interior with high-end materials and brushed aluminum accents, among other things.

Comparing prices

The Telluride sells at a base price that is slightly higher than the Palisade. However, the superior towing capacity, the interior with more numerous features and the more generous amount of cargo space behind 3^rd row definitely accounts for this higher price.

Summary Table

Kia Niro vs Hyundai Kona EV

Here are 2 subcompact electric SUVs that are extremely popular among buyers, no matter if it is for to their dynamic silhouette or the fact that they don’t require fuel!

2023 Kia Niro EV

Comparing performance and capacities

Our comparison of the Kia Niro vs Hyundai Kona EV shows that the later has a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with 201 horsepower, which offers exactly the same performance as the Kia Niro.

When it comes to range, numbers are practically the same, with 407 kilometers for the Niro and 415 kilometers for the Kona EV.

Where the Kia Niro EV truly has an advantage over the Kona is in terms of cargo space: it can welcome up to 1,805 liters of cargo, compared to only 1,296 liters for the Hyundai SUV.

Comparing Design

These 2 SUVs both have a beautiful silhouette, but the Niro has a much more elegant approach, while the Kona focuses on more athletic lines.

Comparing Prices 

Here too, prices are similar; if there is a difference in terms of prices for the superior models, it is due to the fact that the Niro offers 3 trims while the Kona only offers 2.

Kia EV6 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5

Two electric vehicles that truly focus on offering a performant driving experience, coupled with a remarkable range! At first glance it might be difficult to tell these 2 models apart, but when taking a closer look at the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai IONIQ5, we can spot a few differences.

2023 Kia EV6 GT

Comparing performance and capacities

On this subject, the Kia EV6 clearly has the advantage, with a trim that can reach up to 576 horsepower, while the most performant IONIQ5 model only offers 320 horsepower.

Moreover, the Kia EV6 has a maximum towing capacity of 2,300 pounds, compared to 2,000 pounds for the 2023 Hyundai model who, on the other hand, has the advantage when it comes to cargo space.

Comparing Design

The Kia EV6 stands out with its bold and athletic lines, different from those of the IONIQ5, which are more rugged and square.

Comparing Prices

The entry-level trims for both of these vehicles sell at similar base prices; the superior model of the EV6 (GT) however, is much more expensive. This surely has something to do with the 576 horsepower it offers!

Summary Table

Hyundai Kona vs Kia Seltos

Finally, we will conclude with a comparison between the Hyundai Kona vs Kia Seltos. Both of these models are very popular, and they seduce buyers thanks to their compact size that offers outstanding versatility, especially in the case of the Seltos.

2022 Kia Seltos

Comparing Performance and Capacities

Both the Seltos and the Kona can be equipped with a 2.0 L 4- cylinder with 146 horsepower (Seltos) or 147 horsepower (Kona), or a 1.6 L turbo engine with 175 horsepower (Seltos) and 195 horsepower (Kona). Take note that both of these models can be equipped with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Comparing Designs

The Seltos boasts squarer and more rugged lines than the Kona, who still remains charming and with remarkable dynamism.

Comparing Prices

When comparing prices for the Kona vs Seltos, it is easy to see that the latter has slightly higher prices than the Kona.

Summary Table

Why purchase a Kia?

There are several reasons! The manufacturer has become one of the most renowned automotive manufacturers worldwide, and has achieved this in very few years.

Advantages associated with a Kia

Kia vehicles offer an excellent price-quality ratio, along with advantageous warranties.

Moreover, they are greatly appreciated for their attractive design, long list of standard offered (and optional) added technologies, along with their remarkable energy efficiency and numerous trims that cater to everyone’s needs and budget.

Kia vs Hyundai: Which is best?

It is hard to tell the 2 manufacturers apart, given how many things they share in common. However, you will enjoy a wider selection of models with Kia, on top of several models with a more generous amount of cargo space.

Would you like to find out more about the advantages between the Kia vs Hyundai, or about all of the different 2023 Kia vehicle models? Come and visit us at Kia Chambly today!