«

»

2013 Honda Accord vs 2013 Kia Optima

ADVERTISEMENT

For the 2013 model year, we are looking forward to the competition among Ford Fusion, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Volkswagen Passat and Honda Accord, but the most eagerly awaited one is the 2013 Honda Accord vs 2013 Kia Optima.

ADVERTISEMENT

Images of the 2013 Accord have been released by Honda. Although the overall length of the car was reduced, we were told that the interior space was increased. It took some styling tips from the Hyundai Genesis and Sonata. General interior designs and engine details have not been disclosed, but we have a good idea of what to expect.

Honda is known for its conservatism when it comes to breaking design barriers. But with increasing competition in this segment, things have changed. Honda Accord 2013 is the most dynamic and the most sculpted Accord ever. Its conservatism combines perfectly with the handsome styling used to give an expressive, premium and sophisticated look. There are the attractive10-spoke wheels, modern tail and head lamps and LED running lamps that command attention. Honda said we should expect the 2013 Accord to be bigger on the inside and smaller on the outside, and that a coupe and a sedan will be offered.

Family sedans do not always look handsome, but Optima cars are known for being sophisticated, attractive and highly equipped. With 2013 Kia Optima, the bar has even been raised. Its crisp, distinct styling and interior design are sleek and timelessly handsome! With its European design, flashy wheel, stretched headlamps, low roofline and sporty look, the 2013 Optima will always draw attentions wherever it goes. With the 3 trim levels on offer, everyone will have a choice.

Powertrain

While competitors are dropping the six-cylinder option, the 2013 Honda Accord goes in the opposite direction by offering a 3.5-litre V-6 engine with cylinder deactivation and a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine that will deliver 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque with direct injection. A six-speed manual and an automatic CVT will be offered. A hybrid version will combine a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 161-hp electric motor.

The Kia Optima 2013 comes with a 2.4-litre I-4 engine that delivers 200-hp and 186 pound-feet of torque, 2.4-litre I-4 rated at 192-hp and a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine that delivers 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque.  A six-speed manual and automatic transmission are standard or optional depending on the trim. In Edmunds testing, the EX went from 0 to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds and SX reached 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. These are average time for the class. The MPG ranges from 22 to 24 in the city and 34 to 35 on the highway.

Estimated Arrival and Price

The Honda Accord 2013 will arrive this fall. Pricing is expected to stay between $20,000-to-$30,000 for most of the line-up. Kia Optima 2013 represents a good value for money with a base price ranging from $21,200 to $26,800 across the trims

Although the 2013 Optima hybrid is not so impressive, the regenerative braking system is unrefined, backseat headroom is tight, cushion on seat is poor and the cabin is not so spacious, with its high performing engines, handsomely styled cabin with top of the class features, brake-pedal feel, roomy trunk and overall driving experience, the 2013 Kia Optima takes my vote over the 2013 Honda Accord.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>