Two top-of-the-line options for five passenger midsize sedans are the Ford Fusion and the Kia Optima. Here are some things to consider when trying to determine which is the best option for you.
Price
There are four available models of the Fusion. The base price for the starting model is $23,170 and the price for the premium model is $34,450. The Optima has six models available with base pricing ranging from $23,390 up to $32,190.
There are definitely benefits to both of these cars. With the Optima, you will increase price less drastically per model. Whereas with the Fusion, each model does jump a little more in price but with each bump, there is a more significant number of upgraded features.
One of the most drastic benefits of the Fusion over the Optima is that the Optima doesn’t have much of an ability to customize upgrades without having to change your trim level. With the Fusion, the opposite is true. A good chunk of upgraded features that are standard in certain models, can be added to the more cost-effective models. This allows you to better customize what features you want to upgrade without having to change the model you choose in most cases.
Style
When it comes to the sense of style for these sedans, they both have a high-end feel. If you’re looking for more of a modern chic look and feel, then the Optima fits that bill a bit better. The Fusion on the other hand carries itself in more of a regal and sophisticated way. It also has more of a relaxed, confidence-instilling feeling about it both inside and out.
Infotainment
The infotainment for both vehicles only varies in small details. They both share the approximate same sizes of Instrument Clusters and have most of the same available capabilities such as Bluetooth connectivity, 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Voice Activated Navigation. One of the biggest differences is the Optima only has up to a Ten Speaker Sound System whereas if you go with the Fusion, you will have the ability to upgrade to a Twelve Speaker Sound System.
Convenience
Once again, there are a lot of similar features in both the Fusion and the Optima. Just like before, the Fusion seems to slightly edge out its competition by small and simple improvements. Both vehicles have intermittent/speed sensitive windshield wipers, however, the Fusion also has an available rain-sensing capability added to its wipers.
On half of the Fusion models, there is a standard Intelligent Access with Remote Start System, making your access to the car that much simpler. Neither of the Optima models have a Remote Start System included.
The Fusion also outdoes the Optima with the number of powerpoints it offers, to make sure all your devices stay charged and ready for anything.
Safety
The last area that we will visit today is safety. If you are looking for a sedan with many upgraded safety features and technology, then both vehicles are good options. They both have Blind Spot information/warnings, Lane-Keeping Assistance, Rear View Cameras, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go. One of the most impressive differences between the two cars is the Fusion’s standard MyKey® feature. This incredible feature allows you to program each individual key for the car to apply a selection of safety promoting restrictions. For example, you can set a permissible speed limit for the vehicle when that key is being used so that if that speed is surpassed, an audible tone is sounded until the vehicle returns to the set speed. When the MyKey® is enabled it will also automatically adjust things like muting the audio system until the front seat safety belts are fastened. Whether you have a new driver at home, or one that simply needs more help in promoting some additional safety driving habits, this tool is incredibly useful.
Summary
In all, both of these sedans are very capable vehicles and have some awesome features in store. However, when it comes right down to it, the Ford Fusion’s empowering style, extra customization features, and upgraded convenience and safety features, clearly make it the frontrunner in this competition.