Verdict
The Kia Optima costs RM165,030, RM20,230 more than the Toyota Corolla at RM144,800, but it is a materially larger D-segment sedan: 4,855 mm long with a 2,805 mm wheelbase, against 4,630 mm and 2,700 mm. Its 242 hp and 350 Nm turbo 2.0 litre also dwarf the Corolla’s 137 hp and 172 Nm. The Corolla answers with lower RM279 annual road tax, adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, a 360-degree camera and a 9.0-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Choose space and performance, or the better-priced Toyota’s driver aids.
Pick the Kia Optima if you want 242 hp, 350 Nm, a 510-litre boot and the extra cabin footprint of a 2,805 mm wheelbase.
Pick the Toyota Corolla if adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, a 360-degree camera and RM100 lower annual road tax matter more than outright performance.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Optima RM165,030; Toyota Corolla RM144,800.
- Output: Kia Optima 242 hp and 350 Nm; Toyota Corolla 137 hp and 172 Nm.
- Dimensions: Kia Optima 4,855 mm long with a 2,805 mm wheelbase; Toyota Corolla 4,630 mm and 2,700 mm.
- Boot and fuel tank: Kia Optima 510 litres and 70 litres; Toyota Corolla 470 litres and 50 litres.
- Driver assistance: Kia Optima passive cruise control; Toyota Corolla adaptive cruise control with steering assist and stop-and-go.
- Wheels: Kia Optima 18-inch alloys with 235/45R18 tyres; Toyota Corolla 17-inch alloys with 225/45R17 tyres.
Optima
- 242 hp and 350 Nm from the turbocharged 2.0 litre.
- Larger 510-litre boot and 70-litre fuel tank.
- Heated, ventilated power front seats, panoramic sunroof and rear window shades.
- Costs RM20,230 more and has RM379 annual road tax versus RM279.
- Has passive cruise control, where the Corolla gets adaptive cruise with steering assist and stop-and-go.
- Its 7.0-inch touchscreen lacks the Corolla’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Corolla
- Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and stop-and-go.
- 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and six speakers.
- 360-degree camera and driver’s knee airbag.
- Its 137 hp and 172 Nm are well behind the Optima’s 242 hp and 350 Nm.
- Smaller 470-litre boot, 50-litre tank and 2,700 mm wheelbase.
- Passenger seat is manually adjusted, while the Optima has power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM165,030 | RM144,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | D-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM279✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | 242 hp✓ | 137 hp |
| Torque | 350 Nm✓ | 172 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 86 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | 7 Speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds | — |
| Rated Economy | 8.5 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 240 km/h | — |
| Co2 | 191 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,855 mm | 4,630 mm |
| Width | 1,860 mm | 1,780 mm |
| Height | 1,455 mm | 1,435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,805 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,580 kg | 1,365 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 70 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 510 litres✓ | 470 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/45R18 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/45R18 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size 18" Alloy | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport 3 | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Dynamic LED Projector | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats, Heated and Ventilated, with Memory Function for Driver | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic, Front Tilt and Slide | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Rear | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Manual rear door window shades | — |
| Audio | 7.0" touchscreen with 6 speakers | 9.0" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Contactless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Optima & Corolla for sale
Optima vs Corolla FAQ
Is the Kia Optima or Toyota Corolla better?
The Optima is better for power, luggage capacity and physical size, with 242 hp, 350 Nm and a 510-litre boot. The Corolla is the better pick for adaptive cruise, a 360-degree camera and a lower purchase price.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Optima costs RM20,230 more than the Toyota Corolla. The Optima is RM165,030, while the Corolla is RM144,800.
Which car has the stronger engine?
The Kia Optima is decisively stronger: its turbocharged 1,998 cc petrol engine produces 242 hp and 350 Nm, versus the Corolla’s naturally aspirated 1,798 cc engine with 137 hp and 172 Nm.