Dodge Avenger vs. Kia Optima Review

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Dodge Avenger packs quite a wallop and will knock the Kia Optima down a few rungs. However, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With their similar turning circles, the Kia Optima and the Dodge Avenger most certainly handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Optima isn't much more powerful than the Dodge Avenger.

Utility
Neither the Kia Optima nor the Dodge Avenger has a marked advantage with respect to seating capacity.

Convenience
You most certainly won't have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Kia Optima than with the Avenger, as both offer comparable ranges.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Dodge Avenger offers a bit more head room than the Kia Optima, there really isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the Kia provides a bit more head- and leg-room than the Dodge Avenger, there frankly isn't much of a difference.

Dimensions
The Kia Optima's tank is approximately the same size as the Dodge Avenger's, though the Avenger's is slightly bigger. The Kia Optima and the Dodge Avenger compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs almost the same to get the Kia to the dealership as the Dodge. When it comes to gas mileage, the Optima and the Dodge Avenger don't differ much. There really isn't much of a difference in gas mileage here, but if you must know, the Kia Optima is a tad more economical than the Dodge Avenger. As far as MSRP, the Dodge Avenger doesn't cost much less than the Kia Optima.

Warranty
The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Dodge Avenger isn't quite as generous as the Kia Optima's.