Nissan Maxima vs Kia Optima Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2003 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 5.7 in shorter (191.5 in vs 185.8 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: Kia Optima is 26 lb heavier (3,264 lb vs 3,290 lb)

Biggest size differences

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

Practical verdicts

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

Dimension comparison

SpecNissan MaximaKia OptimaDifference
Length191.5 in185.8 in5.7 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 lb3,290 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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