| Model Year | 2015 | 2010 | |
| Model | Kia Optima | Toyota Highlander | |
| Engine | 2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 159 hp@5500 154 lb-ft@4500 |
3.5L V6 Hybrid DOHC-4v 245 hp@6000 234 lb-ft@4800 |
|
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | CVT | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
| Difference | |||
| Wheelbase | 110.0 in | 109.8 in | 0.2 in |
| Length | 190.7 in | 188.4 in | 2.3 in |
| Width | 72.1 in | 75.2 in | -3.1 in |
| Height | 57.9 in | 68.1 in | -10.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 3510 lb. | 4508 lb. | -998 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -0.7 gal. |
| Headroom, Row 1 | 40.0 in | 40.6 in | -0.6 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.3 in | 59.7 in | -2.4 in |
| Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.7 in | 56.7 in | -2 in |
| Legroom, Row 1 | 45.5 in | 43.2 in | 2.3 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 | 54.5 in | 56.5 in | -2 in |
| Legroom, Row 2 | 34.7 in | 38.3 in | -3.6 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 | 80.2 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -30.5 in |
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.4 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | 5.1 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.4 | 42.3 ft3 | -26.9 |
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.4 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -80 ft3 |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2015 Kia Optima.
| 2010 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 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 |
| 2010 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
Third row minimal legroom see full Toyota Highlander review |
| 2009 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Only two seats in the 2nd row, very small leg room in the 3rd row. see full Toyota Highlander review |
| 2009 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
seats were hard and flat. Even top of the line luxury model seats were a big disappointment . . . one of the principal reasons we did not choose this vehicle see full Toyota Highlander review |