What’s the Difference Between Kia & Hyundai?

If you’ve driven a Hyundai or Kia vehicle for your Minneapolis commute, then you’ve probably noticed that both brands have similar-looking vehicles with similar functions. This might lead you to wonder if Kia and Hyundai are the same brand or even the same company. Compare the differences between the Kia vs. Hyundai brands with Morrie's 394 Hyundai to see what makes these two brands and their vehicles different and why Hyundai produces vehicles unlike any other brand in the automotive industry. Then, visit our dealership to explore our new inventory and find a Hyundai that you’ll love to drive, so you can experience the Hyundai difference for yourself.

Are Kia & Hyundai the Same Company?

Kia and Hyundai are actually not the same company. However, they are related in a very specific way. In the late 1990s, Kia went through bankruptcy, so Hyundai purchased some of the company in order to allow Kia to stay in business. Over 25 years later, Kia has recovered from their bankruptcy and is now one of the leading brands in the automotive space. In fact, Kia even has some current financial involvement in some of Hyundai Motor Group subsidiaries.

While Kia and Hyundai are connected through history, they’re very much their own unique brands, producing vehicles with unique styles and distinctive performance capabilities, among other features. Learn more about the differences between Kia vs. Hyundai below.

Differences Between Kia & Hyundai Models

At first glance, many Richfield drivers might be unable to distinguish between Kia and Hyundai models. However, when you take a closer look, you’ll notice that they have many differences in pricing, styles, and features. Take a look at some of the key differences between Kia vs. Hyundai models to see what makes them unique from each other:

• Model Types: Both brands produce many SUVs and sedans, with most of their lineups being made up of SUV models. Hyundai doesn’t have an MPV option like the Kia Carnival, but Hyundai does offer the unique Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup truck option.
• Pricing: Both brands have a variety of models that vary in price. For Hyundai, the lineup starts off with the Hyundai Accent ($16,645 starting MSRP for 2022) and tops off with the Hyundai NEXO fuel cell ($59,435 starting MSRP for 2022). The Kia model lineup starts off with the Kia Rio ($16,450 starting MSRP for 2022) and ends with the Kia Sorento PHEV ($45,190 starting MSRP for 2022).
• Different Features: Both the Kia and Hyundai brands offer many universal features on their vehicles, including Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth®. However, they both also offer their own exclusive features like Kia Drive Wise and Hyundai Bluelink®.

Now that you know the differences between the Kia vs. Hyundai brands, visit Morrie's 394 Hyundai near Minnetonka if you’re curious about what makes the Hyundai brand stand out in the automotive market. For more Hyundai information, reach out to anyone here at Morrie's 394 Hyundai.

Discover the Hyundai Brand in St. Louis Park

Contact us to compare Hyundai models against each other, like the Hyundai Elantra vs. Sonata, to see how they stack up and which one would be the best fit for you. When you decide which model is the right fit for you, we’ll help you set up a test drive.