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Kia Cars vs Toyota Cars - Which One You Should Buy?
Toyota and Kia, two globally recognised car makers, have steadily maintained fuel economy while maintaining reliability in their automobile fleet. While Toyota is known for its extended service life and high resale value reputation, Kia is on the verge of being recognised for its excellent design and rich features. Both brands feature safety and innovation elements, making them chief rivals in the diversified automotive marketplace.
Keep reading to learn more about the two brands and their key differences in market share, models, etc.
Disclaimer: The information was updated here on 27th February 2024 and is subject to change.
Compare Insurance Premium for Kia and Toyota
Both Kia and Toyota have similar models across different segments, from small hatchback cars to premium sedan cars and SUVs. When comparing the insurance prices for these two brands, you need to consider the specific model as premiums are not determined based on the brands.
Generally, the car insurance prices for these two brands are similar across different segments, and the premiums are calculated as per the model.
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Kia Company Overview
Established in 1944 in South Korea, Kia Motors produces over 3 million vehicles yearly, which include small-budget cars, luxurious SUVs, and other vehicles. From the first financial troubles, Kia turned its business around under a new proprietorship, focusing on stylish design, value, and extended warranties.
Now, among the top ten best-selling automotive brands globally, the company has made remarkable progress and continued to position itself as an innovative brand to watch out for in the international market.
Toyota Company Overview
Founded in 1937, Toyota, now headquartered in Japan, is the world's largest automotive manufacturer, with an annual production of around 10 million vehicles. Toyota is bound with the trustworthiness of its vast collection of cars and trucks, and the products initially focused its consumers on the economy and speed.
Based on its reputation in Japan in the early 1950s, Toyota furthered its globalisation and product diversification, which included hybrid electric and autonomous vehicle technologies.
Toyota's reputation problem in 2009-2010 did not affect its substantial brand equity today as the leader in operational excellence and innovation. It maintains high-resale values in Toyota as well as Lexus lines.
Market Share of Kia and Toyota
Get a brief overview of the market share of the two brands in the table below:
| Basis | Kia | Toyota |
| Market Share | 6% market share as of Jan 2024 | 5.9% market share in Jan 2024 |
| Units Sold | 23,769 units sold in Jan 2024 | 23,179 units sold in Jan 2024 |
- Toyota Market Share: In January 2024, Toyota gained a decent share of the Indian market. The robust sales growth was evident through the increase of 82.25%, as Toyota sold 23,197 units in January 2024 while 12,728 units were sold in January 2023.
- Kia Market Share: In Jan 2024, Kia's grand total sales figures leaped, and the Sonet model was the most popular. Kia's share of the market for the month was pretty decent, while Sonet alone commanded above 18% of the market share.
Compare the Segments of Kia and Toyota
Know more about the segment-wise range of the models of these two brands in the table below:
Types of Kia and Toyota Models by Segment
| Basis | Kia | Toyota |
| Hatchback | - | Glanza, Rumion, Vitz, Etios |
| Sedan | - | Innova Crysta |
| Compact SUV | Sonet, Seltos | Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Camry |
| SUV | - | Fortuner, Legender, Land Cruiser |
| MUV | Carens | - |
| Electric Vehicles (EV) | EV6 | Urban Cruiser Hyryder, bZ4X |
Compare Toyota and Kia Models by Mileage
Know more about the mileage-wise range of the models of these two brands in the table below:
Types of Kia and Toyota Models by Mileage
| Model Type | Kia Mileage (Averagely) | Toyota Mileage (Averagely) |
| Hatchback | - | 20-23 kmpl |
| Sedan | - | 8-15 kmpl |
| Compact SUV | 18-24 kmpl | 17-18 kmpl |
| SUV | 11 kmpl | |
| MUV | 16-21 kmpl | - |
| Electric Vehicles (EV) | 425-528 km/charge | 350-460 km/charge |
Toyota has hatchback models like the Glanza, which meet the need for affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles. On the SUV line, we have the compact Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Fortuner, Legender, and Camry. The brand also offers higher-end cars, such as the Land Cruiser 300. In the EV segment, the bZ4X is one of the most popular choices in India.
The Sonet and Seltos are from Kia’s compact SUV lineup and range from budget-friendly to performance. As a new brand, Kia provides main models with innovative electric cars such as EV6 to explore the nature of sustainable transportation. As per segments, Kia wants top-class warranty coverage, design appeal, and a better value proposition against rivals.
Safety Features in Kia and Toyota
The critical safety features of Kia and Toyota cars are stated in the table below:
| Toyota | Kia |
| The Lane Departure Alert is triggered when the vehicle deviates from its lane. | Lane Following Assist ensures that the car stays in the centre of the lane. |
| The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection operates to detect an imminent collision around. | Comprehensive Airbag System: Front, side, and roof airbags prevent passengers from colliding with other objects. |
| Lane Keeping Assistance is aimed at the possibility of off-track driving by maintaining the car in its lane. | The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System shows the current air pressure in the tyres. |
| Lane Sign Assist shows undigitised road sign information, for example, speed limits. | Driver Attention Warning is for detecting drowsiness and alerting the driver. |
| The Lane Departure Alert is triggered when the vehicle deviates from its lane. | Highway Driving Assist combines adaptive cruise control and steering to ensure driver’s safety. |
| Adaptive Automatic High-Beam Function changes between high and low beams according to the presence of other vehicles' lights. | Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning informs when a sideline vehicle is approaching when reversing. |
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After Sales Service & Support of Kia and Toyota
The various after-sales services offered by these two companies are mentioned in the table below:
| Kia | Toyota |
| The Kia Assist offers emergency roadside service, whereas the home assistance will cover vehicle transportation from the nearest dealership. | LOYAL-T: Get points by purchasing new vehicles or renewing/buying insurance that can be used for e-services vouchers. |
| My Convenience function allows vehicle maintenance tailored to your preferences and service monitoring in real-time. | Prepaid servicing is valid at any of the 94 authorised Toyota service centres. |
| The free Kia Connect feature subscription is valid for vehicles that are less than 3 years old for new car owners. | Warranty: 100,000 km or 3 years, with a 12-month/20,000 km battery warranty. |
Kia and Toyota rank among the industry giants with their dazzling safety features, reliability, and teeming market appeal. Despite Toyota having been known for its reliability and high sales for a long time, Kia has very recently been getting a lot of praise for its design attractiveness and stable market share. So, choose the brand that suits your needs and preferences based on the above features and specifications.
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FAQ's about Kia vs Toyota
Between Kia and Toyota, which one is a more reliable car?
Though Toyota has been a reliable brand for years, due to its legacy in the Indian market, Kia has emerged as an equally reliable brand.
Is service affordable for Kia cars?
Kia ranks high on reliability, and the service is very affordable, making it one of the favourite brands among the Indian masses.
Is service affordable for Toyota cars?
Toyota cars offer great durability and affordable service options, which makes the brand a fan favourite.
What are some of the affordable and economical Toyota cars?
Toyota cars are generally affordable. Toyota Glanza comes at approximately ₹6.9 Lakh while Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor comes at approximately ₹8 Lakh, making them some of the most affordable options.
What are some of the affordable and economical Kia cars?
Kia cars come in a great price range, making them super affordable to the masses. Kia Sonet comes at approximately ₹8 Lakh, while Kia Carens comes at approximately ₹10 Lakh.
What are the advantages of driving Kia cars?
Kia vehicles have great safety features, like airbags for the driver and passenger, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.
What are the disadvantages of Kia cars?
Some Kia cars are not fuel efficient, which can be a problem for a lot of Kia owners who are looking for a more sustainable car.
What are the advantages of Toyota cars?
Toyota cars are known for their durability, increasing their resale value. Apart from that, Toyota cars come with great efficiency features.
Do Toyota cars come with any disadvantages?
Some good Toyota models can be really expensive, and the features that they offer are a crowd-puller. However, the price range makes it difficult for a lot of people to buy them.
What are the mileage for Kia and Toyota cars?
The approximate mileage that Kia cars provide is 17 kmpl, while Toyota cars provide 21 kmpl.