Segment: Medium
Production years: 2001, 2002, 2003
Kia started to improve its lineup and introduced the Optima/Magentis in 2001 as a 2002 model for specific markets.
After years of offering simple, modest vehicles, Kia launched an assault on the mid-size segment with the Optima, which was also known as Magentis outside the U.S. The Korean carmaker was part of the Hyundai group and used the same platform as the fourth generation of the Sonata. It was a surprising move that gets them into more families' garages. Even though it cost twice as much as the Kia Rio sedan, it was still cheaper than the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.
From the outside, the Optima/Magentis surprised with its angular-looking headlights, while the biodesign era was not completely over. They tried a new-edge design, and it worked well. Some might say that the car looked even better than its sister, the fourth Sonata, with or without a facelift. Its chromed grille looked upmarket, even though it was not even close to the premium segment. Its only downside was the wheels' size, which was only 14" with an option for 15" light-alloy.
Inside, there was enough room for four adult passengers, thanks to its 2.7 meter (106.3") wheelbase. Depending on the engine version and trim level, Kia offered an automatic transmission, leather seats, and sunroof. The standard features list was long and included AC, split-folding rear seats (even though it was a sedan), side airbags, and power windows.
Under the hood, Kia dropped a 2.4-liter inline-four and a 2.7-liter V6. Both were paired as standard to a 5-speed manual transmission and an option for a four-speed automatic. The independent suspension in all corners was another good feature to ad more comfort.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 4AT FWD (134 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1836 cm3 |
Power: | 98.6 KW @ 6000 RPM 134 HP @ 6000 RPM 132 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 125 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 169 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/70/R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 55.51 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.62/59.84 in (1,540/1,520 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.29 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2954 lbs (1340 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (134 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1836 cm3 |
Power: | 98.6 KW @ 6000 RPM 134 HP @ 6000 RPM 132 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 125 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 169 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/70/R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 55.51 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.62/59.84 in (1,540/1,520 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.29 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2910 lbs (1320 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 16V 4AT FWD (136 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1997 cm3 |
Power: | 100 KW @ 6000 RPM 136 HP @ 6000 RPM 134 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 136 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 184 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 121 mph (195 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/70/R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 55.51 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.62/59.84 in (1,540/1,520 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.29 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3258 lbs (1478 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4376.2 lbs (1985 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18 mpg US (13.1 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.2 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 16V 5MT FWD (136 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1997 cm3 |
Power: | 100 KW @ 6000 RPM 136 HP @ 6000 RPM 134 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 136 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 184 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 128.6 mph (207 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/70R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 55.51 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.62/59.84 in (1,540/1,520 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.29 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3038 lbs (1378 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4376.2 lbs (1985 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18.7 mpg US (12.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 33.1 mpg US (7.1 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 25.8 mpg US (9.1 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 207 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 4AT FWD (149 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1997 cm3 |
Power: | 109.6 KW @ 6000 RPM 149 HP @ 6000 RPM 147 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 142 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 193 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 195/70/R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 55.51 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.62/59.84 in (1,540/1,520 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.29 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2943 lbs (1335 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4376 lbs (1985 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT FWD (149 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1997 cm3 |
Power: | 109.6 KW @ 6000 RPM 149 HP @ 6000 RPM 147 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 142 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 193 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 195/70/R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 55.51 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.62/59.84 in (1,540/1,520 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.29 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2943 lbs (1335 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4376 lbs (1985 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.5L V6 4AT FWD (169 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2493 cm3 |
Power: | 124 KW @ 6000 RPM 169 HP @ 6000 RPM 166 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 173 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 234 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 195/70R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 55.51 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.62/59.84 in (1,540/1,520 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.29 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3296 lbs (1495 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4090 lbs (1855 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 15.5 mpg US (15.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 22.6 mpg US (10.4 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.5L V6 5MT FWD (169 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2493 cm3 |
Power: | 124 KW @ 6000 RPM 169 HP @ 6000 RPM 166 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 173 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 234 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 132.97 mph (214 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 195/70R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 55.51 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.62/59.84 in (1,540/1,520 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.29 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3057.8 lbs (1387 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4376.2 lbs (1985 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 17.9 mpg US (13.1 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.2 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 214 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - LX 2.4L 4AT FWD (151 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2351 cm3 |
Power: | 111.1 KW @ 6000 RPM 151 HP @ 6000 RPM 149 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 159 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 216 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection Naturally aspirated |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 195/70/R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 55.51 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.62/59.84 in (1,540/1,520 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.29 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3285 lbs (1490 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4156 lbs (1885 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - LX 2.4L 5MT FWD (151 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2351 cm3 |
Power: | 111.1 KW @ 6000 RPM 151 HP @ 6000 RPM 149 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 159 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 216 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection Naturally aspirated |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 195/70/R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 55.51 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.62/59.84 in (1,540/1,520 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.29 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3252 lbs (1475 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4123 lbs (1870 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - LX 2.5L V6 4AT FWD (172 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2494 cm3 |
Power: | 126.5 KW @ 6000 RPM 172 HP @ 6000 RPM 170 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 169 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 229 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection Naturally aspirated |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 195/70/R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 55.51 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.62/59.84 in (1,540/1,520 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.29 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3296 lbs (1495 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4090 lbs (1855 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - LX 2.7L V6 4AT FWD (181 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2656 cm3 |
Power: | 133.1 KW @ 6000 RPM 181 HP @ 6000 RPM 178 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 245 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection Naturally aspirated |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 195/70/R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 55.51 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.62/59.84 in (1,540/1,520 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.29 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.6 cuFT (385 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3190 lbs (1447 kg) |