Spec Sizes

Kia Optima vs Nissan Maxima Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2003 catalog dimensions. Kia Optima · Nissan Maxima

Same scale for both vehicles. Generic silhouette — proportional to measured length, height, width, wheelbase, and clearance.

Side view
  • Length185.8 in
  • Height55.5 in
  • Wheelbase106.3 in
  • Curb weight3,279 lb – 3,301 lb
Front / width
  • Width71.5 in
  • Nissan Maxima width70.3 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: Kia Optima is 5.7 in shorter (185.8 in vs 191.5 in)
  • Width: Nissan Maxima is 1.2 in narrower (71.5 in vs 70.3 in)
  • Height: Nissan Maxima is 1.2 in taller (55.5 in vs 56.7 in)
  • Wheelbase: Nissan Maxima has a 2.0 in longer wheelbase (106.3 in vs 108.3 in)
  • Curb weight: Kia Optima is 26 lb heavier (3,290 lb vs 3,264 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Length: Kia Optima is 5.7 in shorter (185.8 in vs 191.5 in)
  2. Height: Nissan Maxima is 1.2 in taller (55.5 in vs 56.7 in)
  3. Wheelbase: Nissan Maxima has a 2.0 in longer wheelbase (106.3 in vs 108.3 in)
  4. Width: Nissan Maxima is 1.2 in narrower (71.5 in vs 70.3 in)
  5. Curb weight: Kia Optima is 26 lb heavier (3,290 lb vs 3,264 lb)

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageKia Optima — Kia Optima is shorter by 5.7 in Check garage fit for Kia Optima · garage fit for Nissan Maxima
  • Narrower for tight parkingNissan Maxima — Nissan Maxima is narrower by 1.2 in
  • Smaller exterior footprintKia Optima — Based on length × width (Kia Optima)

Dimension comparison

SpecKia OptimaNissan MaximaDifference
Length185.8 in191.5 in5.7 in
Width71.5 in70.3 in1.2 in
Height55.5 in56.7 in1.2 in
Wheelbase106.3 in108.3 in2.0 in
Curb weight3,290 lb3,264 lb26 lb

Values use trim midpoints when a model year lists a range.

Compare by year

Overlapping model years with dimension data.

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