Spec Sizes

Nissan Maxima vs Kia Optima Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2002 catalog dimensions. Nissan Maxima · Kia Optima

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

Side view
  • Length191.5 in
  • Height56.3 in – 57.1 in
  • Wheelbase108.3 in
  • Curb weight3,220 lb – 3,308 lb
Front / width
  • Width70.3 in
  • Kia Optima width71.5 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: Kia Optima is 5.6 in shorter (191.5 in vs 185.9 in)
  • Width: Nissan Maxima is 1.2 in narrower (70.3 in vs 71.5 in)
  • Height: Nissan Maxima is 1.2 in taller (56.7 in vs 55.5 in)
  • Wheelbase: Nissan Maxima has a 2.0 in longer wheelbase (108.3 in vs 106.3 in)
  • Curb weight: Nissan Maxima is 91 lb heavier (3,264 lb vs 3,174 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Length: Kia Optima is 5.6 in shorter (191.5 in vs 185.9 in)
  2. Curb weight: Nissan Maxima is 91 lb heavier (3,264 lb vs 3,174 lb)
  3. Height: Nissan Maxima is 1.2 in taller (56.7 in vs 55.5 in)
  4. Wheelbase: Nissan Maxima has a 2.0 in longer wheelbase (108.3 in vs 106.3 in)
  5. Width: Nissan Maxima is 1.2 in narrower (70.3 in vs 71.5 in)

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageKia Optima — Kia Optima is shorter by 5.6 in Check garage fit for Nissan Maxima · garage fit for Kia Optima
  • 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

SpecNissan MaximaKia OptimaDifference
Length191.5 in185.9 in5.6 in
Width70.3 in71.5 in1.2 in
Height56.7 in55.5 in1.2 in
Wheelbase108.3 in106.3 in2.0 in
Curb weight3,264 lb3,174 lb91 lb

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

Compare by year

Overlapping model years with dimension data.

Already own one of these cars?

Jump to maintenance sizes on the vehicle page — tires, wipers, battery, and oil when present in the catalog.