Nissan Maxima vs Kia Optima Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2008 catalog dimensions. Nissan Maxima · Kia Optima

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

Side view
  • Length194.4 in
  • Height58.3 in
  • Wheelbase111.2 in
  • Curb weight3,579 lb – 3,591 lb
Front / width
  • Width71.7 in
  • Kia Optima width71.1 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: Kia Optima is 8.0 in shorter (194.4 in vs 186.4 in)
  • Width: Kia Optima is 0.6 in narrower (71.7 in vs 71.1 in)
  • Height: essentially the same
  • Wheelbase: Nissan Maxima has a 4.1 in longer wheelbase (111.2 in vs 107.1 in)
  • Curb weight: Nissan Maxima is 371 lb heavier (3,585 lb vs 3,215 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Curb weight: Nissan Maxima is 371 lb heavier (3,585 lb vs 3,215 lb)
  2. Length: Kia Optima is 8.0 in shorter (194.4 in vs 186.4 in)
  3. Wheelbase: Nissan Maxima has a 4.1 in longer wheelbase (111.2 in vs 107.1 in)
  4. Width: Kia Optima is 0.6 in narrower (71.7 in vs 71.1 in)

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageKia OptimaKia Optima is shorter by 8.0 in Check garage fit for Nissan Maxima · garage fit for Kia Optima
  • Narrower for tight parkingKia OptimaKia Optima is narrower by 0.6 in
  • Smaller exterior footprintKia OptimaBased on length × width (Kia Optima)

Dimension comparison

SpecNissan MaximaKia OptimaDifference
Length194.4 in186.4 in8.0 in
Width71.7 in71.1 in0.6 in
Height58.3 in58.3 in0.0 in
Wheelbase111.2 in107.1 in4.1 in
Curb weight3,585 lb3,215 lb371 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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