
Sheer value for the money is one of the leading reasons to opt for the 2010 Kia Optima.
In base form, it costs thousands less than comparably equipped Camry or Accord models.
But the Optima competes more readily with several vehicles that are either on the small side of mid-size or sold on value and affordability.
The all-new Suzuki Kizashi is a near-polar opposite of the Optima in driving feel, tuned to come across as very responsive with an emphasis on handling.
The Kizashi is slightly smaller, but like the Optima, the Kizashi comes very well equipped.
The Dodge Avenger flaunts a distinctly American design inside and out but fails to wow because of a coarse powertrain and chintzy interior (which has been slightly improved for 2010).
Ford’s Fusion is one of the better offerings in this class; it doesn’t provide the level of equipment featured in the Optima, but it’s fun to drive and well built, with an interior that doesn’t at all feel done on a tight budget.
Yet another model to consider is the Hyundai Sonata; from Kia’s sibling brand (the two are both from the same South Korean company) but unrelated mechanically, the Sonata feels more luxurious and comfort-oriented, and it boasts a stronger available V-6 that makes it a better pick if you’re opting for the larger engine.
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Quick Specs | |||
The 2010 Kia Optima doesn’t have the excitement of its newest small cars, the Soul and Forte, but it does have strong appeal based in practical attributes like interior space, comfort, and value for the money. |
The 2010 Dodge Avenger offers cool, chunky styling and innovative options; otherwise, it's several paces behind in the evolution of the mid-size sedan. |
If you seek proof that Detroit in general, and Ford in particular, can build a comfortable, high-quality, fine-driving, and hyper-efficient sedan that is more than competitive, look to the 2010 Ford Fusion. |
The refined and roomy 2010 Hyundai Sonata lands solidly in the middle of a crowded field of mid-size family sedans, with just a little more value for the money than most of the rest. |
MSRP From | |||
$17,995 | $20,230 | $19,695 | $18,700 |
Gas Mileage | |||
20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||
Midsize | Mid-Size | Mid-Size Sedan | Large |
Style Name | |||
4-Door Sedan I4 Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan SXT | 4-Door Sedan S FWD | 4-Door Sedan I4 Manual GLS |
Drivetrain | |||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
4dr Sedan | 4dr Sdn | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
Transmission | |||
Manual w/OD | Automatic | Manual | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2010 Kia Optima vs. 2010 Dodge Avenger | 2010 Kia Optima vs. 2010 Ford Fusion | 2010 Kia Optima vs. 2010 Hyundai Sonata |