The Kia Optima's successful social climbing pits it directly against some of the best-selling cars in America.
Kudos on that, and on outdoing the current Honda Accord, which still has some of the driving feel of Hondas of old, even though it's very large and in retrospect, awkwardly clothed.
The latest Mazda6 hasn't been a sales hit, but its slightly offbeat styling is appealing, and so is its crisp steering and roomy back seat.
Both the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima match distinctive styling with good gas mileage and more responsive handling than most large family sedans.
But of all the cars it competes with, the Optima's sibling rival, the Hyundai Sonata, is most like it--though over time we've come to prefer the Optima's sparer styling and its slightly better driving dynamics.
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 2012 Kia OptimaBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Ford FusionBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Hyundai SonataBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mazda MAZDA6Browse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan AltimaBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The basics don't have to be boring: the 2012 Kia Optima evades design and driving boredom with suave looks, good performance and great gas mileage and features. |
The 2012 Ford Fusion stays at the top of its game, especially as a Hybrid, with perky handling and its cut-above looks. |
After more than a decade on the market, the latest Hyundai Sonata's an overnight success--thanks to great gas mileage, grabby styling, and exceptional value for the dollar. |
The 2012 Mazda6 is just as comfortable, practical, and refined as most other mid-size sedans, but it's a little more enjoyable to drive. |
The 2012 Nissan Altima isn't as roomy as the newest mid-offerings, but as a coupe or as a sedan, it's one of the best-looking and most sporty mid-sizers. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $19,500 | $20,705 | $19,795 | $20,480 | $20,550 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Midsize Cars | Mid-Size Sedan | Large Cars | Midsize | Midsize |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan S FWD | 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Manual GLS | 4-Door Sedan Manual i Sport | 4-Door Sedan I4 CVT 2.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual w/OD | Continuously Variable Ratio |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Kia Optima vs. 2012 Ford Fusion | 2012 Kia Optima vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata | 2012 Kia Optima vs. 2012 Mazda MAZDA6 | 2012 Kia Optima vs. 2012 Nissan Altima | |
