Hyundai and Kia: From Style Imitators to Automotive Innovators

Ever feel like you've seen thаt car somewhere before? If you've glаnced at some Hyundai and Kia models over the yeаrs and thought they looked fаmiliar, you're not alone. Car design cаn sometimes feel like а gаme of "who wore it better?" with аutomakers often dipping into the sаme style pool to keep up with trends that appeal to drivers who want their rides to look current, not quirky.

Both Hyundai and Kia have had their moments where it seemed like they peeked over the shoulder of other automakers while doing their homework. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's get a quick backdrop on these two.

A Little Background Check

Hyundai popped up in 1967 and quickly latched onto the fast track of car manufacturing, grabbing a helping hand from Ford initially. It wasn't long before they were pushing out models like the Cortina and soon after, their very own Pony.

Kia, not wanting to miss out on the fun, started off making bicycles in 1944 and gradually moved up to cars by the '70s. Despite a few bumps in the road (like a production halt due to political issues), they were back on track by the '80s, teaming up with Ford to expand their lineup.

Now, with introductions out of the way, let’s talk about those times Hyundai and Kia might have gotten a little too "inspired" by their competitors.

Famous Look-Alikes

1996 Kia Elan and 1991 Lotus Elan M100

Lotus decided to say goodbye to their M100 Elan, and Kia was right there to catch the baton. They basically took over the production, making only minor tweaks. They swapped in a new engine and updated the taillights but kept the Lotus spirit alive under a new Kia badge.

1991 Hyundai Galloper and 1970 Land Rover Range Rover

The Hyundai Galloper was an off-road beast that bore a striking resemblance to the first-gen Range Rover. It originally mirrored the classic Land Rover but eventually got a makeover to look a bit more like its cousin from Mitsubishi.

2005 Hyundai Terracan and 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero

Speaking of Mitsubishi, the Hyundai Terracan could've passed as a Pajero twin from the back. Both brands were in cahoots at the time, sharing more than just styling tips, which explains the family resemblance.

2005 Kia Amanti and 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Kia Amanti took a good, hard look at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and liked what it saw. Aimed at sneaking into the luxury market, the Amanti mimicked the Mercedes so much that it turned heads—mostly for a second glance to check the badge.

2006 Kia Sportage and 2004 Honda CR-V

The second-gen Kia Sportage had a thing for the Honda CR-V, especially around the headlights. It was as if the Sportage went under the knife to win a Honda look-alike contest.

2008 Hyundai Genesis Sedan аnd 2004 Lexus LS430

The Hyundai Genesis sedаn didn’t just аim to compete with the Lexus LS430; it nearly cloned its front end. Hyundai's bold move into luxury paid off, though, paving the way for the Genesis brand to stand on its own.

2011 Kia Forte Koup and 2010 Honda Civic Coupe

The Kia Forte Koup did its best impression of the Honda Civic Coupe, especially at the front. Kia spiced it up a bit, but the inspiration was clear as day.

1997 Kia Sephia and 1994 Nissan Sentra

Lastly, the Kia Sephia seemed to take "inspiration" from the Nissan Sentra. They shared more than a passing resemblance, which might have caused a few double-takes in the parking lot.

From Copycats to Innovators

These days, Hyundai and Kia have evolved from their copycat phase to become innovators in their own right. Looking back at these "inspired" designs, it's clear they were part of the learning curve—steps on the path that brought them to their current status as trendsetters in the auto world.