Crossovers might be the growing trend in the automotive market, but they can’t equal the driving dynamics and fuel efficiency offered by sedans. Models of this segment are ideal for those who prioritize driving enjoyment and fancy refined and sporty designs. If you are in the market for this type of vehicle, you are probably wondering which model is more adequate to your needs.
To ease your search, we have taken two of the best sedans available in the market and put them against each other. The 2020 Mazda6 and the 2020 Kia Optima have a lot of things in common, but just one makes it to the top. Keep reading to find out the differences between these two stylish models and see which one offers the best value.
2020 Mazda6 |
VS |
2020 Kia Optima |
$24,100 |
Starting MSRP |
$23,390 |
SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
Base Engine |
2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
187 hp, 186 lb-ft of torque |
Power Ratings |
185 hp, 178 lb-ft of torque |
26 city mpg / 35 highway mpg |
Fuel Economy |
25 city mpg / 35 highway mpg |
38.7 cu. ft. | Rear Legroom | 35.6 inches |
14.7 cu. ft. | Cargo Volume | 15.9 cu. ft. |
Standard | Smart Cruise Control | Available |
At first glance, it might seem the 2020 Kia Optima offers the best deal, with a $700 lower starting price than the 2020 Mazda6. However, this last model comes standard with a stronger powertrain and a larger list of features, most of which can only be found in the Optima when upgrading to higher trim levels.
Standard on the base Mazda6 sits a SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, producing up to 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The base Optima, on the other hand, gets powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder powertrain that puts out 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Despite the difference in power, the Mazda6 is slightly more efficient than the Optima, achieving one more city mpg and the same highway mpg rating.
Both models offer stronger powertrains on higher trims. For the Mazda6, that means a SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine that delivers up to 250 horsepower. The Kia Optima, for its part, gets either a 1.6-liter or a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, but neither of them can equal the power of the Mazda6.
When it comes to equipment, the 2020 Mazda6 also takes the win. Living up to the reputation that defines Mazda, this sedan features an upscale and well-equipped cabin aimed at delivering the most comfortable driving experience possible. Even the base trim boasts top-notch features, most of which can only be found on the Optima if you pay extra. These are some of the features that come standard across the board:
As you can see, both sedans are solid options in the market, but only the 2020 Mazda6 delivers such luxury-level features at a mass-market price. For more information on this model, do not hesitate to contact as at Cardenas Mazda. We would love to hear from you!