2006 Kia Optima vs. 2010 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2010 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Optima would be higher. At 3,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 42 kg more than 2006 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Toyota Highlander is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2010 Toyota Highlander (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2010 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Optima | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
