Compare the2021 Lexus ES SeriesVS 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Lexus ES Series have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Kia Optima Hybrid doesn’t offer pretensioners for the rear seat belts.

The ES Series has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Optima Hybrid doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The ES Series offers optional Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Optima Hybrid doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The ES Series AWD has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Optima Hybrid doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the ES Series and the Optima Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the ES Series its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 35 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Optima Hybrid was last a “Top Pick Plus” in 2019 but no longer qualifies.

The ES Series’ corrosion warranty is 1 year and unlimited miles longer than the Optima Hybrid’s (6/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the ES Series’ reliability 25 points higher than the Optima Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2019 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 20 more problems per 100 vehicles, Kia is ranked 10th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ December 2019 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in reliability. Kia is ranked 9th.

The ES Series AWD’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 11 more horsepower (203 vs. 192) than the Optima Hybrid’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The ES 300h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 23 more horsepower (215 vs. 192) than the Optima Hybrid’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The ES 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 110 more horsepower (302 vs. 192) than the Optima Hybrid’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the ES 300h CVT gets better fuel mileage than the Optima Hybrid (43 city/44 hwy vs. 40 city/45 hwy).

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus ES Series, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Optima Hybrid.

The ES 300h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Optima Hybrid doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better traction, the ES Series’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Optima Hybrid (235/45R18 vs. 215/55R17).

The ES Series 350 F Sport’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Optima Hybrid’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the ES Series 350 F Sport has standard 19-inch wheels. The Optima Hybrid’s largest wheels are only 17-inches.

The ES Series has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Optima Hybrid; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The ES Series offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Optima Hybrid’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the ES Series’ wheelbase is 2.6 inches longer than on the Optima Hybrid (113 inches vs. 110.4 inches).

The ES Series has a larger trunk than the Optima Hybrid (13.9 vs. 13.4 cubic feet).

With its sedan body style, valet key and remote trunk release lockout, the ES Series offers cargo security. The Optima Hybrid’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the ES Series. The Optima Hybrid doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the ES Series offers an optional power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button or just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Optima Hybrid doesn’t offer a power trunk, so its trunk has to be closed manually.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 56% lower rating, Kia is ranked 20th.

The ES Series has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Optima Hybrid doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The ES Series offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and other key instrumentation readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Optima Hybrid doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The ES Series’ front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Optima Hybrid’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the ES Series the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the Optima Hybrid can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The ES Series’ optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Optima Hybrid’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the ES Series and manual rear side window sunshades are standard in the ES Series Ultra Luxury to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Optima Hybrid doesn’t offer a rear or rear side window sunshades.

The ES Series’ standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Optima Hybrid has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The ES Series will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the ES Series will retain 45.88% to 46.4% of its original price after five years, while the Optima Hybrid only retains 37.96%.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Lexus ES Series and the Kia Optima Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance.