2017 Honda Accord vs. 2017 Kia Optima: Which is Best?

2017 Kia Optima vs 2017 Honda Accord sedan exterior front angle ・ Photo by Kia / Honda

The Honda Accord’s rivalry with the Toyota Camry for the midsize sales crown is one of the automotive industry’s longest-running battles. But as the titans duke it out, worthy challengers like the Kia Optima nip at their heels. The Accord has always been one of the safest bets, but Kia has upped its game of late, and the Optima has earned significant praise. How do the 2017 Accord and Optima sedans stack up?  One thing to keep in mind: The Honda Accord’s 10th generation rolls out soon for the 2018 model year, with significant interior and exterior changes. The fourth-generation Kia Optima debuted with the 2016 model year. We won’t see a major revision for a few years.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The Accord is offered in eight models: LX, Sport, Sport Special Edition, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6 and Touring, with list prices ranging from $22,455 through $34,930. While pricing looks close to the Optima at the low end, a six-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX, EX, and Sport models while most buyers will choose the $800 CVT automatic. The Sport Special Edition is the boy racer of the bunch with leather upholstery and red accent stitching, while the fully-equipped Touring model ventures into the entry-level luxury realm. The Optima is available in five trim levels: LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SX Limited. Prices run from an MSRP of $22,200 for the base LX up to $36,090 for the SX Limited. At the high end, the SX and SX Limited show European influence, with turbocharged 2.0-liter engines and sport-tuned suspensions. Both the Accord and Optima also have gas-electric hybrid variants.

Photo by Kia

Choosing the Options

The configuration process is a key differentiator between Honda and Kia. Neither manufacturer is keen on a la carte options with their midsize sedans. If you want more features in an Accord, you’ll need to jump up to the next model. Kia, on the other hand, takes the package approach. For example, if you want an Accord with leather upholstery, you’ll need to choose a trim level that includes it as standard equipment. With Kia, however, you can add merlot leather upholstery to the LX 1.6T with the $1,250 LX 1.6T Value Package (which also includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support). While Honda’s not big on options, it offers an excellent selection of alloy wheels, along with exterior, interior, and electronic accessories. Kia’s selection of dealer-installed accessories is limited when compared to the Accord. 

Photo by Honda

Powertrains and Efficiency

Powertrains are a key differentiator between the Accord and Optima. The Accord relies exclusively on naturally aspirated engines for 2017, while the Optima lineup includes two turbocharged engines. Most Accords use a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 185 to 189 horsepower, while the Accord EX-L V6 and Touring are equipped with a 278-horsepower V6 engine. V6 models are exclusively equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Optima LX and EX are powered by a naturally aspirated 185-horsepower 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder, with shifting handled by a six-speed automatic. This combination delivers an EPA-rated 25 mg city / 36 mpg highway in the LX. Other Optimas rely on smaller turbocharged engines. The Optima LX 1.6T’s tiny turbocharged four delivers 178 horsepower, with EPA ratings of 28 city/27 highway aided by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Optima SX and SX Limited are fitted with a 245-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four. The 2.4-liter/CVT-equipped Accord delivers a respectable 27 city/36 highway but is edged out by the Optima LX 1.6T. The winner in this category depends on personal preference. Hankering for a manual transmission or turbocharged engine? You can get either, but neither car offers both.

Photo by Honda

Stand-Out Features

The Accord and Optima are well-appointed. Heated front seats are standard equipment on most Accords, except the LX and EX. Heated front seats are optional in the Optima LX 1.6T and standard on the EX, SX and SX Limited. Heated rear seats and ventilated front seats are standard in the SX Limited and optional in the EX and SX. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard on the Accord EX and Optima EX trim levels and above, and optional on other Optimas but not other Accords.

Audiophiles will like the high-end Optima. A splendid 630-watt 10-speaker Harman Kardon QuantumLogic audio system is standard on the Optima SX Limited and optional in the EX and SX. Clari-Fi technology enhances compressed MP3 music files for optimal fidelity.

Photo by Kia

Exterior Styling

Exterior styling just might be the most subjective topic in the automotive world. The 2017 Accord is the most attractive Accord to date, with windswept lines and jewel-like LED lighting on the high-end models. But it’s also seen everywhere, as the No. 2 best-selling midsize car in America over the first half of 2017. While Optima sales have been respectable, the Honda is selling at nearly three times its volume.

Peter Schreyer, Kia’s chief of design, is best known for his previous work with Audi, and his influence is evident. The Optima is less common on the street and more elegant in its uncluttered design. In this case, less is more. But hey man, that’s just our opinion.

Photo by Kia

Interior Design

The Accord’s cabin is handsome and well constructed, with high-quality materials and comfortable seating. On the high end, the Touring model’s leather upholstery and woodgrain accents tread into Acura territory. The Optima’s interior takes a conservative European approach. Soft touch materials are used throughout and fit and finish are good. It has a premium feel overall, and the diamond-quilted Nappa leather upholstery in the SX Limited sets it apart from the crowd. If you didn’t see the Kia logo on the steering wheel, you might think you’re in a German sedan. Once again, design is subjective. Both cabins are excellent, with an edge to the range-topping Optima SX Limited’s sumptuous upholstery.

Photo by Kia

Interior Space

The Accord and Optima match up closely with regard to cabin and trunk space. The Accord’s back seat provides about 37 inches of headroom, 38.5 inches of leg room, 56.5 inches of shoulder room and 54.7 inches of hip room. The Optima’s back seat provides 37.8 inches of headroom, 35.6 inches of leg room, 56.4 inches of shoulder room and 56 inches of hip room. The Accord’s trunk provides 15.5 to 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Optima’s trunk offers 15.9 cubic feet. This one’s a toss up.

Photo by Honda

Safety Ratings and Technology

The Accord and Optima both earn the high safety ratings and offer a full gamut of safety technology, including lane keep and adaptive cruise control. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration rates the 2017 Honda Accord sedan five stars overall, with a four-star frontal crash rating. NHTSA rates the 2017 Kia Optima sedan five stars across the board.

Both vehicles have been awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation when equipped “with optional front crash prevention and distinct headlights.” With the Optima, however, the IIHS award only applies to vehicles built after March 2017.  Let's call this one a tie as well.

Photo by Kia

The Driving Experience

The Accord delivers a comfortable and composed ride. Handling is stable and the steering has a moderate feel. Acceleration is good with the 2.4-liter engine (it will go from 0-60 mph in the eight-second range) and excellent with the V6, which covers the 0-60 sprint in slightly over six seconds. The Optima’s driving experience will vary between trims, due to the differences in power steering units, drivelines, and suspensions. The ride is smooth overall, but the SX and SX Limited are more crisp through the corners. The turbocharged 2.0-liter Optima SX is capable of 0-60 times under seven seconds. While the Optima is pleasant to drive, the Accord has the clear edge overall.

Photo by Honda

Which Is Best?

Choosing between the Accord and Optima is tougher than one might expect. These are both strong contenders and personal preference is the largest factor. If you love manual transmissions and/or dislike turbocharged engines, the Accord gets the nod for 2017 -- although that will change with the 2018 model year, when Honda goes turbo. If clean European design and superb audio are your thing, the Optima SX Limited is compelling. Additionally, Kia’s warranty program is among the best in the business. The Optima is covered by a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty. The Accord is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. While neither is a factor if you buy or lease for the short term, if you hold onto the vehicle for a while, Kia provides more peace of mind.

Photo by Kia