Kia and Hyundai share a lot of the same strengths, both brands are based in South Korea and offer similar lineups. In fact, Hyundai Motor Co. owns just over a third of Kia Motors. Many of these vehicles share platforms, powertrains, parts and engineering. But Kia and Hyundai operate independently and both brands maintain their own design studios and engineering staff. Having said that, Kia offers a number of advantages you won't get from Hyundai. To help you make the right choice, here's how these two brands compare and why you'll want to buy a new Kia at Sterling Kia in College Station TX.
A comparison of performance and handling
With a wide variety of vehicles, including hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers, and minivans, you'll find that Kia vehicles offer more dynamic, engaging handling qualities. Kia vehicles give you a high level of excitement behind the wheel as you drive on the roadways around College Station, TX. The Kia performance characteristics means that whether you’re a diriving enthusiast or a fan of leisurely drives, there’s a Kia that will be just right for you. Hyundai cars prioritize comfort over sportiness, and yet Kia vehicles are remarkably comfortable as well. So when it comes to performance and handling, Kia wins the first round.
A comparison of price and value
Overall, Kia vehicles are less expensive than their Hyundai counterparts. For example, the popular Kia Sportage starts at $27,390 vs. the similar Hyundai Santa Fe that's almost $7,000 higher at $34,300. Meanwhile, the Kia Forte has a starting price of $19,990 while the comparable Hyundai Elantra starts at $22,125. The Kia Telluride starts at $36,390 while the Hyundai Palisade starts at $37,200. Even though Kia is often less expensive, the brand still delivers in terms of features and quality. Both Kia and Hyundai offer a 10-year/100,000 mile warranty and that’s the best in the business. Both brands offer a high level quality while giving you a lot for your money. But overall, Kia tends to give you a lower price and a better value.
A comparison of reliability
According to the quality experts at J.D. Power in their 2025 Reliability Study, Kia is far more reliable as a brand than Hyundai. Kia finished just outside the top ten in terms of overall reliability, coming in at #11. Hyundai was far below the 2025 study average, finishing in 20th place, behind brands like Ford, Subaru, Nissan and Lincoln. So when you want to get more out of the investment you make in a new vehicle, the J.D. Power study shows you're better off buying a new Kia.
A comparison of technology
Both Kia and Hyundai offer Brenham, TX buyers advanced technology that's practical and simple to use. Kia’s technology is all about user-friendliness, making sure that you don’t need a degree in engineering to sync up your playlist or find your way to your next destination. According to U.S. News & World Report, one reason the editors rate Kia as the winner in the mid-size sedan category over Hyundai is the set of standard tech features. Kia also won in the battle of the minivans with the Carnival, offering voice recognition and seven USB ports. Both brands have first-rate technology but Kia gets the overall edge.
Test drive the winning brand at Sterling Kia
We have an awesome selection of new Kia SUVs, sedans and minivans including the popular Kia Sportage, the stylish Kia K4 sedan, the versatile Sorento and the mid-size Telluride SUV. We encourage you to review our current new Kia models online and make the drive from Huntsville, TX on State Highway 30 West to take a test drive at Sterling Kia in Bryan, TX.
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