Kia Optima vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?

Kia Optima

$14,670 - $22,990

2018 price

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Lexus LS

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2023 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2018 Kia Optima

2023 Lexus LS

By Matt Campbell

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.4L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.3L/100km (combined)

10.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Very roomy
Great ownership plan
Decent price

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Dislikes

Removed some good stuff to lower price
Not as good looking as pre-facelift model
A bit basic inside

Feels a bit old-fashioned to drive
The hybrid would be nicer to be driven in
Dated multimedia software

2018 Kia Optima Summary

There are plenty of reasons why you should still consider a mid-sized sedan like the Kia Optima. I’m sure there are… just let me think about this for a sec…

Okay, so this part of the market is dying. A decade ago, sedans like this were really popular, but now there are heaps of alternative options. Yep, people are going for mid-sized SUVs rather than mid-sized sedans like this.

But that doesn’t mean models like the just-updated 2018 Kia Optima are without their reasons for being. I’m just not sure the facelift has made it more appealing to look at…

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2023 Lexus LS Summary

Surprisingly, for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves, there are quite a few options available in the large luxury sedan market.

While on the whole sedans have fallen from favour, this niche corner of the market continues to let the three-box design thrive.

The options here have changed a bit in the last few years, though, so how does the Lexus flagship, the LS fit into the picture? I drove one around for a week to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Kia Optima 2023 Lexus LS

Verdict

If you travel long distances, want a good amount of space and don’t want to pay big bucks for a new car, then yeah, maybe there is a reason sedans like this will hang around for a while longer.

Sure, the appeal of sedans mightn’t be as strong as it once was, but models like the Kia Optima prove they still have a reason to exist.

Verdict

The LS500 is the least logical version of the most logical option in the ultimate luxury sedan segment in which logic doesn’t often apply at all.

Take from that what you will, but if it was me being driven around I would definitely be opting for the hybrid version of the LS instead for its smooth electrified driving characteristics and lower operating costs.

Kia Optima vs Lexus LS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Optima vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?