Hyundai vs. Kia: Battle of the Brands
Take a look at how Hyundai and Kia compare, and if one brand comes out on top
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Hyundai and Kia are both South Korean manufacturers and actually have models that share the same platform.
In fact, Hyundai owns around 33% of Kia (as of August 2023), so it’s to be expected that there are similarities.
Kia also has a stake in Hyundai through the company’s shares in Hyundai Steel. All of this creates a bit of healthy sibling rivalry that’s resulted in some seriously impressive vehicles.
You can find plenty of used Kia and used Hyundai models on the market at impressive prices, too. Take a look at the highlights of each manufacturer to see which suits you.
History
Kia was founded way back in 1944, starting out by making motorbikes and bicycles.
It wasn’t until the ‘70s that Kia began to manufacture cars, with the quirky Brisa being released in 1981. By 1991, Kia vehicles were on sale in the UK.
In 1967, the Hyundai Motor Company was launched and celebrated its first successful vehicle launch the following year.
The Ford Cortina was the first-ever model to come from the brand’s Ulsan plant, which now has an annual production capacity of 1.6 million units.
Both Hyundai and Kia have come a long way since the early days, with plenty of fresh models on offer and a dip into electric car tech.
Trim levels
Trim levels allow you to decide on the features and styling you’d prefer from your car, ensuring that each vehicle comes with a level of customisation.
Most manufacturers have the option for trims, starting with entry-level options and moving up to models that prioritise technology and performance.
Kia trims
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Most Kia models start at the ‘2’ trim level – it's an entry-level option that establishes the baseline of current Kia cars.
The 2 trim offers features like a seven-inch infotainment screen, rear parking sensors, and driver’s aids such as cruise control.
The next one up is the ‘3’ trim level, which is usually the middle-spec option and offers a few more upgrades.
These can include tech like an upgraded 10-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone charging and a panoramic sunroof.
The GT-Line is a sporty trim option that comes before the top-spec GT-Line S. In the original GT-Line, you’ll get sportier styling, larger alloy wheels, added front parking sensors, and leather seats.
The fanciest GT-Line S models get all the standard kit, plus an eight-speaker JBL stereo, panoramic glass sunroof, and a surround-view camera.
The exact features with each trim level will depend on the model you choose, as there are slight variations across Kia cars and not all Kia models are available in each trim level.
Hyundai trims
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Just like Kia, Hyundai has an entry-level trim that sets the baseline of what you can expect from its models.
In this case, the SE trim is the starting point for most models, while there are also SE Connect options for some models.
With the SE trim, you’ll get features like Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and an eight-inch touchscreen display.
The SE Connect trim offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen, reversing camera and rear parking sensors.
The next level is the Premium trim, adding an extra 10.25-inch driver’s display alongside an eight-inch touchscreen unit.
You’ll also get features like LED running lights, mood lighting and rear privacy windows.
The top-spec for most models is the Ultimate trim, adding a black contrast roof to Hyundai cars, heated front seats and automatic air conditioning.
There are also N Line trim models, taking inspiration from Hyundai’s N range and offering a sportier look.
These options get larger 19-inch alloys, leather seats and keyless entry, plus a sportier body kit.
Just like Kia models, you’ll have to check the individual Hyundai car to see which features are included as these vary across the range and not all cars are available in all trims.
Reliability
Thanks to their shared platforms and long reputations for being dependable, Hyundai and Kia models can be considered reliable cars.
In fact, consumer reliability reports have placed both brands at the top of reliability rankings.
They’re praised for their high-quality build and inexpensive ownership, with both running and maintenance costs staying low.
Many models from Kia and Hyundai also get a full five-star Euro NCAP rating.
The Kia Sportage and EV6 are awarded five stars, as well as the Hyundai Kona and i30.
There isn’t a huge difference between the reliability reviews of both brands, but it does seem like Hyundai might be very slightly higher rated.
Both manufacturers sit in the top 10 of reliable car brands on many reliability surveys, but Hyundai does just pull in front if you look closely at leaderboards.
Verdict: Kia vs. Hyundai – which should you buy?
When comparing Kia and Hyundai cars, you’re looking at a range of impressively solid models that favour reliability, low running costs, and practicality.
Both brands have also taken a successful dip into the world of electric vehicles (EVs) with options like the Kia Niro and Hyundai Ioniq.
There are also plenty of options in each range, whether you’re after a compact hatchback or a spacious SUV.
When it comes to aesthetics, Kia usually offers the sportier look, while Hyundai options feel sleeker.
They’re both priced similarly, so it’s best to browse each range and see which models jump out.