Kia K7 (2nd gen) vs. Hyundai Grandeur (6th gen) - 2020 minor change

Kia's K7 and Hyundai's Grandeur, in their current generation, are now on their 2020 model years with their minor changes sporting bold new looks while retaining their same experiences for the drivers ever since they went on sale three years ago.

2020 Kia K7 Premier

First off, let's take a look at the facelifted second-generation Kia K7. Starting at 30,940,000 Korean Won (around $31,000), the K7 Premier, as they called it, features a distinctively new look inside and out, and new engine choices, not to mention the added tech involved.

Starting at the design, Kia must have done a good job revising the second-generation K7 for the 2020 model year. Tthe trademark Tiger Nose grille now sized like the grilles from the BMW 8-Series while the DRLs now aligning with the grille for a more dramatic look. On the back, Kia copied the rear view of the Genesis G90 while slapping some Kia credentials on it, making it harder for people to distinguish between the two cars in terms of rear views insights.

2020 Kia K7 Premier interior

The interior has been heavily redesigned on this minor change except for the steering wheel, which is a carry-over from the pre-facelifted model. The new interior throws away the analog clock from the pre-facelifted model, which is rather obvious for this model, while implementing a much longer touch screen which is updated on the go and works with the camera feature in case of sweet potatoes on the road, the K9-inspired digital instrumental panel which works with the Behind View Monitor, and a more comfortable seats for a more luxurious feel. Of course, it may be a Kia but it's about as luxurious as a BMW 3-Series of course.

In addition to the 2.2L diesel engine and 3.0L GDi engine with 266PS of power and R-MDPS, the K7 Premier comes with a brand new Smartstream G2.5 GDi engine, which combines the qualities of a gasoline direct injection and multi-port injection engines into one efficient packaging. This new engine produces a high-performance class-ish 198PS of power and 25.3kgfm of torque with combined fuel economy is expected from 11.1 to 11.9km/L. 

2020 Kia K7 Premier Hybrid

Those who are looking for a fuel-efficient ride to work may consider a hybrid variant which bolts the 159PS 2.4L petrol engine to a 38kW electric motor and a 1.76kWh li-ion battery, not to mention a six-speed AT on it to make it slightly more engaging to drive than any Japanese midsize hybrids, although the 16.2km/L combined fuel economy wasn't enough to upset its Japanese rivals.

Apart from the engine choices, the K7 Premier still comes with the front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension, making it as handy as expensive European imports on the go. Not bad for a poor-man's K9.

Of course, it wouldn't be a luxury car of today without tech and the K7 Premier offers Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as well as UVO connectivity, giving it plenty of reasons to explore the gadgetry lurking through this semi-luxury car for the businessmen working in the Gangnam offices.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur

If you think that the facelifted Kia K7 is very 3-Series-ish, the facelifted, sixth-generation Hyundai Grandeur might change your mind over budget luxury cars.

Priced at 32,940,000 Korean Won (around $33,000), the facelifted Grandeur is more expensive than the K7 relative but what makes it more unique is the styling this minor change delivers. Drawing inspiration from the Le Fil Concept, the facelifted Grandeur features a unique front face where the edges of the massive grille lit up, giving it a more concept car feel for a production car. Apart from the unique front view, the rear view's massively revised with a Kia Stinger-inspired rear view, which is rather unorthodox for a Hyundai.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur interior

Just like the Kia K7 Premier, the Grandeur's minor change featured a brand new interior which looks like a mashup between the Lexus LS's and the Hyundai Palisade's, that's for sure, not to mention the steering wheel which looks like the Kia K9's, but long story short because questionable interior design aside, it works like every luxury midsize saloon should be thanks to its numerous gadgets offered, the smartphone connectivity, the plush leather seats, the gear buttons, the JBL sound systems, and more. Everything that will please the luxury car buyers for more.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid

The facelifted Hyundai Grandeur is offered in a choice of various powertrain choices ranging from the brand new Smartstream G2.5 GDi engine, which offers similar fuel efficiency as the Kia K7 Premier, the 159PS 2.4L petrol engine to a 38kW electric motor and a 1.76kWh li-ion battery for the hybrid variant, the more powerful 3.3L V6 engine with a sporty 290PS of power output, and a 3.0 LPi engine for fleet purposes.

Apart from the engine choices that made the Grandeur different to its K7 relative, they share some similar technology with safety comes first and convenience later. You get the point, of course.

So, which would you pick? For pricing, the K7 is the pick but if you consider a more powerful luxury car on a budget, consider the Grandeur with the 3.3L engine on it. Either way, they behave like expensive European imports and these two recently facelifted models are something Korean businessmen would want to have for all the right or the wrong barrels.

Photo: Kia Motors/Hyundai Motor Company