WHY Is It That Virtually Every Kia Looks Better Than A Comparable Hyundai, Its Sister Brand?

WHY Is It That Virtually Every Kia Looks Better Than A Comparable Hyundai, Its Sister Brand?
This is a question we've been wondering for quite a bit of time. And it all stems for two of the brand's biggest debuts. Let me provide some context.

Hyundai and Kia are related to each other. And if you've ever ridden in or driven both, you'd quickly notice it. Both companies have made significant strides in their product offerings and packaging in recent years. Not to mention they both carry some seriously long warranties

But one thing we've noticed there is a big differentiation between the vehicles that are churned out is that Kia's tend to almost always look significantly better than its Hyundai counterparts.

Why is that?

Do YOU agree?

We understand the need for product differentiation in the marketplace but there has to be a better way.

Arguably one could say that Kia's are loosely mimicking the design of European autos while Hyundai takes some inspiration from the Far East with its curvaceous lines.

For a simple comparison, we've included a side-by-side shot of the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata. WHICH do YOU think looks better?

...Discuss...




CarAnalystCarAnalyst - 1/5/2013 12:35:03 AM
+1 Boost
From what I know, Kia's chief designer was poached from VW's design team. That's why Kias tend to look more like Audi/VW!!


SteveSteve - 1/5/2013 12:55:16 AM
+1 Boost
Yeah, I am SO not into Hyundai's style, even though they're reall good cars for the buck. I just couldn't see myself buying a car I thought was ugly, even if it's only to get me from A to B.


Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_RacerLamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 1/5/2013 5:32:26 AM
+1 Boost
Really now, is this even supposed to be a question? "Man of the Year 2011" and ex chief Audi designer PETER SCHREYER


lexworldlexworld - 1/5/2013 1:30:53 PM
+1 Boost
...Yep I'm sure of it! Kias do have kind of an Audi look. Not sure if that's good or bad but it is temporary. Like I have always discovered: It's much easier to make cars fast, plenty of horsepower and look pretty but it cost a carmaker much more to refine the product and choose to invest higher quality parts. Say what you may but you get what you can afford or pay for.


Agent001Agent001 - 1/5/2013 2:08:02 PM
0 Boost
The interesting thing to me is that even though Schreyer was at Audi is that the Kia's (especially Optima) look more BMW to me than Audi.

Optima=Poor Mans 5-Series

001


HughJassHughJass - 1/5/2013 4:23:51 PM
0 Boost
Poor with no dignity perhaps.


SteveSteve - 1/6/2013 5:34:11 PM
+1 Boost
001: I don't see any BMW in it.


Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_RacerLamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 1/5/2013 3:15:34 PM
+1 Boost
It's prolly a combination of a BMW with the heavy flame-surfacing, creases and what not with the LEDs, lighting etc being very Audi-like, 001


HughJassHughJass - 1/5/2013 4:20:39 PM
+1 Boost
Didn't Hyundai overpay for one of BMW's designers?

So we have KIAs that look like Audis and Hondas, soon we'll have Hyundais that look like BMWs and Fords, complete with the BMW headlight rings.

Optima is a bastardization of Audi and the Accord.


HughJassHughJass - 1/5/2013 4:23:26 PM
+1 Boost
Think of the 100% Korean designs that preceded the German generation of Korean cars.

Pre 2010 Santa Fe, Rio, Amanti (discount Jaguar if you ask me), XG300, Optima, Accent etc etc. They all looked cheap, ugly or both. That's why the Koreans don't design cars, its easier and prettier just to steal someone else's design and sell if for cheap so dumb Americans will forgive you.


HughJassHughJass - 1/5/2013 4:28:55 PM
+1 Boost
Then again, KIA has already one upped Hyundai be pre-emptively stealing the 5-series design and passing it off as the K9, at a huge discount of course so all is forgiven.


skytopskytop - 1/5/2013 8:04:30 PM
+1 Boost
INTENSE Reverse engineering is the secret to the Korean car industries rapid improvement. Of course, since they are incapable of creativity or innovation on their own, their products will always be a clone or replication of the premium cars they are emulating.


maltbarleymaltbarley - 1/7/2013 11:59:48 AM
+1 Boost
Every manufacturer completely tears down competitive vehicles. I've seen at the three I've worked for and know it's industry practice.

Kia's biggest problem is that what is known as the "cheap" brand back home is quickly becoming the nicer of the two in the US. Hyundai will simply throttle them back and not let that happen. Sorry Kia.


lexworldlexworld - 1/7/2013 12:23:37 PM
+1 Boost
Agent 001 you are the connoisseur, so to speak of this site and great photo shots and respected opinions granted everywhere in the auto world. However, that statement about a Kia Optima, which is a very attractive sedan throughout, is a poor man's BMW gave me chills! A Kia Optima is a poor man's BMW? Come on man, basically said a Kia is better looking and outperforms some pretty solid makes! Not to mention Merc, Lexus, Audi, Volvo, Acura Toy, Hon, Scion and the list goes on! If that be the case 001, then Kia is skipping steps and makes it appear more like such a wana be than first thought! I personally dissagree but you my friend are still the infamous connoiseur of this site!


textoddtextodd - 3/24/2014 12:52:16 PM
+1 Boost
I just traded in my Audi A4 Premium Plus for an Optima SXL Turbo and have NO regrets whatsoever. I got waaaay more car for the money. More room, more power, more features. It's no mistake that Kia's chief designer (recently promoted to President) Peter Schreyer was Audi's chief designer until 2007. PLUS, these vehicles are made in the USA (Georgia), another selling point for me. People can rag all they want on Kia but the bottom line is that they are doing it right and making VERY nice cars.
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