Kia Optima vs Dodge Avenger 03/30/2011
The Kia Optima has quickly garnered a reputation for being one of the better buys that drivers can make if they're on a budget. Coming in with a price tag of $19,000, the Optima will surely be attractive to drivers looking to save some green - but how does it stack up against a similarly-priced vehicle, the Dodge Avenger?
Dodge prices the Avenger just $245 more expensive than the Optima, so the difference in price is pretty marginal. Unfortunately for Dodge, the difference in warranty isn't. Kia backs its car with a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, which easily beats Dodge's 5 year/100,000 pledge.
Performance numbers are comparable, but the Optima again wins with 200 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the Avenger only offers 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft. One thing we do like about Dodge's model is the appearance of an automatic transmission on the base model, something that costs extra for Optima buyers.
Unfortunately, both cars's interiors are a letdown. The Optima does come with Bluetooth support and satellite radio, but that's about it. Dodge only offers a few options for the Avenger, and most require more expensive trim level upgrades.
In the end, we give the victory to the Optima, as it has more power and a better warranty at a slightly cheaper price.