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Toyota Camry Altise vs Kia Optima Si


Toyota Camry Altise and Kia Optima Si go head-to-head in this comparative review.

value

Toyota Camry Altise

No problem with the pricing or value although standard equipment can't compete with the value-packed Kia. No reverse camera (a $500 option, but standard on the $20,990 Corolla Ascent sedan) but there's a proven drivetrain, high safety kit, good fuel economy, cheap capped-price service program and renown reliability. Downer is a weak 38 per cent resale value, caused by high fleet purchases.

Kia Optima Si

Kia hits the price bracket with more features than the Toyota. There's extra safety kit but also such items as a cooled glovebox, reverse camera and park sensors, driver's seat electric lumbar support, multi-function steering wheel and alloy spare wheel. Resale is t 44 per cent and the warranty is an excellent five years or unlimited kilometres. Capped price servicing is $1018 for three years (five-year program). Roadside assistance, too.

technology

Toyota Camry Altise

Toyota plays it safe with a de-stressed 133kW/231Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a six-speed automatic. It claims 7.8L/100km of standard petrol from a 70 litre tank. Electric-assist steering and all-wheel disc brakes are industry no-brainers.

Kia Optima Si

Simplicity reigns with 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine (148kW/ 250Nm) turning a six-speed auto. It claims 7.9L/100km from a 70-litre tank. Steering column-mounted paddle- shifters turn the auto into a manual. Electric-assist steering, disc brakes all-round and 17-inch alloys are standard. The Kia will tow 1200kg, same as the Camry.

design

Toyota Camry Altise

Not as bland as before. Pretty shape geared around efficient cabin access, decent 515-litre boot and cleanly-styled dash. Typical Toyota simplicity and functionality but foot-operated park brake (also on Kia) is the rough edge. Excellent cabin space with three-adult rear seat. Camry is very similar in dimensions to Kia - though arguably less attractive - but weighs a whopping 126kg less, aiding fuel economy and handling.

Kia Optima Si

Looks like it costs a lot more. Against the Camry, it's in a different bracket. Boot space is a fraction down on the Camry at 505 L. Sleek shape's lower rooflie limits headroom but legroom is on par with Camry. Remote levers in boot make it easy to drop rear seats. Dash design with big centre screen is pretty and actually works. There's that foot-operated park brake again.

safety

Toyota Camry Altise

The expected basics are here, with five-star crash rating, seven airbags, electronic stability and traction and full-size steel spare. Automatic headlights is a nice addition to this entry-level model.

Kia Optima Si

Same basics here but Kia adds reverse camera and front and rear park sensors as standard. There are six airbags and heated mirrors that also fold when not in use plus a full-size alloy spare.

driving

Toyota Camry Altise

Camry intimidates no-one and hence is a solid bread-and-butter commuter. Everything makes sense and yet it isn't a dull ride. The engine has a nice sprinkle of pep and the six-speed auto is seamless. It sits firm and confident, the steering isn't too vague and it shows a clean tail through the corners ride comfort is very good with quietness helped by high-profile tyres..

Kia Optima Si

On the road the impression that this is more up-market than the Camry fades a bit. It drives well but even though there's been Australian input into the steering and suspension, it feels overly light and less firm-footed. The seating position is lower, almost sporty, as confirmed by the small-diameter steering wheel. The ride is also a bit firmer - but never to the point of being uncomfortable - which aids its handling characteristics.

Verdict

Toyota Camry Altise

Kia Optima Si

Both are very good value. The Camry ultimately will prove more durable. You'd buy the Kia on looks alone. It also makes sense with its longer warranty and feature list.