Poll 1: Hyundai Sonata Or Kia Optima Midsize Sedan

In the blink of a few generations, the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata have gone from to bottom of the pack to near the top of the heap, holding sway with the likes of the Honda Accord, Nissan, Altima, and Toyota Camry.

This hasn’t happened by accident, and is down to great performance, superior styling, great fuel economy, and available hybrid models.

It’s no real surprise that the Optima and Sonata have a lot in common, since Hyundai has owned Kia since the early 2000’s.

The similarities start with the engines, with both powered by a range of 4-cylinders that run the gamut from 200-hp to a 274-hp turbocharged variant. These engines come with the option of a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission

Both are also available as hybrid models, and they have both vastly improved since they first arrived on the scene a couple of years ago.

The Sonata and the Optima share similar steering and suspension traits, with both featuring an all-independent suspension that delivers a very firm ride quality.

One difference is that the Sonata has undergone a redesign for the 2015 model year, while the Optima is going to have to wait a little while longer before getting refreshed.

The toughest decision you have to make as a buyer is deciding which of these two to go with.

They are so alike in so many ways that making a decision can seem nigh on impossible. What it generally boils down to is your personal preference in styling, as that is all that really sets them apart.

The poll: which midsize sedan do you like more and why?