Kia Optima vs Hyundai i30 Sedan
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Kia Optima
Price TBC
Sedan
Petrol
Theta II 2.4 GDI
148kW
7.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
505L
Hyundai i30 Sedan
From $29,250
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
117kW
7 L/100km
3★ ANCAP
474L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
The Kia Optima holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the Hyundai i30 Sedan.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 4 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Hyundai i30 Sedan, against 0 on the Kia Optima.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia Optima and 6 in the Hyundai i30 Sedan.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Optima uses a Theta II 2.4 GDI producing 148kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan responds with a Petrol making 117kW and 191Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the front wheels.
The Kia Optima has the clear power advantage at 148kW vs 117kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Optima measures 4,845mm long on a 2,795mm wheelbase, 135mm longer than the Hyundai i30 Sedan at 4,710mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Optima generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 505L in the Kia Optima and 474L in the Hyundai i30 Sedan, giving the Kia Optima a 31L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai i30 Sedan leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 10.9m
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the Kia Optima and $1,995/year for the Hyundai i30 Sedan. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai i30 Sedan.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Optima) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai i30 Sedan). The Kia Optima has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Optima if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai i30 Sedan if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Optima takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The Hyundai i30 Sedan will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Optima has a clear edge. The Kia Optima adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Optima and Hyundai i30 Sedan?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan is the cheapest at $29,250 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Kia Optima has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Optima has the largest boot at 505L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Optima has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Optima has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Optima makes the most power at 148kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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