Model Year | 2009 | 2014 | |
Model | Volkswagen Passat | Kia Optima | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.7 in | 110.0 in | -3.3 in |
Length | 188.2 in | 190.7 in | -2.5 in |
Width | 71.7 in | 72.1 in | -0.4 in |
Height | 58.0 in | 57.9 in | 0.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3344 lb. | 3237 lb. | 107 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.4 in | 40.0 in | -1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.7 in | 57.3 in | -1.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 54.7 in | -54.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 45.5 in | -4.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 37.6 in | 0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.6 in | 55.7 in | -1.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 54.5 in | -54.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.7 in | 34.7 in | 3 in |
Total Legroom | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | 80.2 in (over 2 rows) | -1.1 in |
Cargo Volume | 14.2 ft3 | 15.4 ft3 | -1.2 ft3 |
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Comfortable power seats with power lumbar adjustment. Good side support, and with the tilting/telescoping steering wheel - easy to find a comfortable driving position. Also has easy to use steering wheel controls for the cars stereo/trip computer. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Compared to other sporty wagons (BMW, Subaru) the Passat has about 3" more rear leg room - enough to put my full-size parents and/or friends in the back seat without making them do contortions. Easier to get a child in and out of a rear safety seat, too. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of rear legroom and space for car seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Extremely comfortable front drivers seat w/ 12 way electronic adjustment. Able to find perfect driving position. Very little fatigue even after 12 - 14 hours of driving (taking breaks for food / gas of course). Lumbar adjusts both up/down and in/out. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This version of the Passat can easily fit 3 across seating in the rear see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
More than large enough for American size bodies! see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Passat provided more interior space especially in the rear than the Audi A4 see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
very restrictive space see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2014 Kia Optima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Optima's rear seat is comfortably shaped, and includes plenty of room for passengers to stretch out their legs. Heads are a different matter. Though I'm only 5-9, if I still had much hair it would have been brushing the headliner. The Fusion provides a little more rear headroom, but less knee room. Buyers seeking a rear seat suitable for large adults won't be happy with this aspect of either car. see full Kia Optima review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2014 Kia Optima.