Model Year | 2006 | 2011 | |
Model | Kia Optima | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 109.8 in | -3.5 in |
Length | 185.8 in | 188.4 in | -2.6 in |
Width | 71.5 in | 75.2 in | -3.7 in |
Height | 55.5 in | 68.1 in | -12.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3281 lb. | 3946 lb. | -665 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.6 in | -1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.9 in | 59.7 in | -2.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.8 in | 56.7 in | -0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.3 in | 43.2 in | 0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 40.1 in | -2.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.7 in | 59.5 in | -3.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.4 in | 56.5 in | -2.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.2 in | 38.3 in | -2.1 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 36.3 in | -36.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 42.3 in | -42.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 29.2 in | -29.2 in |
Total Legroom | 79.5 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -31.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.6 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | 3.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 13.6 | 42.3 ft3 | -28.7 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 13.6 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -81.8 ft3 |
2006 Kia Optima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Spacious enough to allow my 84 year old mother to get in and out without injuring herself! see full Kia Optima review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
After driving the Optima for five days straight for 10+ hours per day, other than the occasional stop, on a road trip, not one time did I get a sore back or thighs. see full Kia Optima review |
2011 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I am 6 foot tall, and there is plenty of head and leg room in the driving position. Easy access as well. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2010 | 4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of room in the second row, including seats that recline and move back & forth. Having the third row as an option for occasional use was really the deciding factor. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2011 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
3rd row seats are useless to me. Too little room for adults. Should have been an option for families with small children. With 3rd row seating, you lose storage space. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
Third row minimal legroom see full Toyota Highlander review |