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2012 Kia Optima Specs - Exterior and Interior Dimensions
| Body | 4dr Sedan |
| Wheelbase | 110.0 in |
| Length | 190.7 in |
| Width | 72.1 in |
| Height | 57.3 in |
| Curb Weight | 3323 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. |
| Headroom, Row 1 | 40.0 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.2 in |
| Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.7 in |
| Legroom, Row 1 | 45.5 in |
| Headroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.7 in |
| Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.5 in |
| Legroom, Row 2 | 34.7 in |
| Total Legroom | 80.2 in (over 2 rows) |
| Cargo Volume | 15.4 ft3 |
TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Kia Optima
| 2012 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 | ||
What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Kia Optima
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2012 Kia Optima.
2012 Kia Optima 4-door Sedan Specs - Powertrains and Tire Sizes
| Trim | LX | EX | EX Turbo | SX | Hybrid |
| Standard Engine | 2.4L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@6300 186 lb-ft@4250 | 2.4L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@6300 186 lb-ft@4250 | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 274 hp@6000 269 lb-ft@1750 | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 274 hp@6000 269 lb-ft@1750 | 2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 166 hp@6000 154 lb-ft@4250 |
| Standard Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manually-shiftable automatic | 6-speed manually-shiftable automatic | 6-speed manually-shiftable automatic | 6-speed manually-shiftable automatic |
| Optional Transmission(s) | 6-speed manually-shiftable automatic | ||||
| Standard Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Standard Tires | 205/65HR16 tires | 215/55HR17 tires | 215/55HR17 tires | 225/45VR18 tires | 205/65HR16 tires |
| Optional Tires | 215/55HR17 tires |
TrueDelta Reviews the Powertrain of the 2012 Kia Optima
| 2012 Kia Optima Powertrain: Pros | ||
| Year | Comment | |
| 2013 | The Kia Optima SXL's 274-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is among the strongest in the segment. Despite the use of boost, the power flows smoothly and linearly, without the surges and lags that often plague turbocharged engines at part throttle. Go full throttle to the redline, and the engine also sounds about as refined as fours get. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and (unlike that in the Ford) usually finds the gear you want when you want it. If you want to call the shifts yourself, paddles are provided next to the steering wheel, but they feel cheap. With so much power on hand, front-wheel-drive is the limiting factor. When acceleration, a car's weight transfers rearward, limiting the traction of the front tires. Switch the Optima's traction control system off, and wheelspin happens all too easily. Even with traction control on, you've got to be careful with the pedal while exiting corners. All-wheel-drive, optional in the Ford Fusion, would help. Even without all-wheel-drive, and so without the ability to exploit the full potential of the engine at low speeds, the Optima SXL is very quick. You might miss the lustier sound of a V6, but you won't miss the performance. The Ford Fusion's engine is as strong through the midrange, but peaks at 240 horsepower, and must motivate a heavier car. It's probably just a few tenths slower to 60 mph, but because the Fusion is smoother and quieter the difference feels larger. see full Kia Optima review | |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Powertrain of the 2012 Kia Optima
| 2012 Kia Optima Powertrain: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The SX Limited has the 274 HP turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is more than sufficiently powerful. In comparing to the 2010 Acura TL I had, (3.5L V6 at 280HP), there's a hint of turbo lag with the Kia, but it's still quicker to 60MPH. When it hits its peak, the pull is almost alarmingly strong. I generally leave the car in ECO mode (which improves city fuel economy), but when I stomp on the gas, the car definitely puts a grin on my face. I've heard the non-turbocharged engine is a bit weak, however. see full Kia Optima review |
| 2012 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Having owned a non turbo ex which was a dog, I traded in less than one year for the E Turbo... see full Kia Optima review |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Amazing combo of turbo torque and mpg potential if you stay out of the turbo. 6 spd paddle shifters, or "Eco" mode for high mpg. On trips as much as 33 mpg ! But 274 bhp available if needed. see full Kia Optima review |
| 2012 Kia Optima Powertrain: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2012 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The TURBO is very disapointing in traffic and at slower speeds and off the line... It performs well after 40 mph..... the normal operation of the engine, computer, turbo and tranny seemed confused at slower speeds and in turns and corners at slower speeds. It really needs a V6 with the same HP but much better performance along the power band... see full Kia Optima review |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Tires of the 2012 Kia Optima
| 2012 Kia Optima Tires: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The stock tires on the 2011 SX, in a word, suck. Traction is poor and noise is high. maybe they wear well; wouldn't know, changed them out before purchase. see full Kia Optima review |
2012 Kia Optima MSRP and Invoice Prices
| Body | Trim | Base Price | Invoice | Destination |
| 4dr Sedan | LX | 19,500 | 19,095 | 750 |
| 4dr Sedan | EX | 23,200 | 21,675 | 750 |
| 4dr Sedan | EX Turbo | 25,100 | 23,455 | 750 |
| 4dr Sedan | SX | 26,500 | 24,760 | 750 |
| 4dr Sedan | Hybrid | 25,700 | 24,020 | 750 |
See TrueDelta's information for all Kia models.
