Kia Optima
2011-13 models
 |
2013 Kia Optima |
SMALL OVERLAP FRONT TEST
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Structure/safety cage | Injury measures | Restraints/dummy kinematics | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head/neck | Chest | Hip/thigh | Lower leg/foot | ||
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Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The Kia Optima was redesigned for the 2011 model year.
Structure — The driver space was not maintained well. Lower interior intrusion measured as much as 22 cm at the hinge pillar, and the instrument panel intruded as much as 18 cm. The parking brake pedal was pushed in toward the driver 21 cm.
Restraints/dummy kinematics — The dummy’s movement was well controlled. The dummy’s head loaded the frontal airbag, which stayed in front of the dummy until rebound. The side curtain airbag deployed but does not have sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with forward side structure and outside objects. The side torso airbag also deployed.
Injury measures — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.
Left to right:
- Action shot taken during the small overlap frontal crash test.
- The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was not maintained well.
- The frontal and side curtain airbags worked reasonably well together to protect the head from injury in the crash test. Still, the curtain airbag should extend farther forward toward the A-pillar to protect the head from contact with forward side structure and outside objects if crash circumstances were to differ slightly.
- Despite considerable intrusion into the driver footwell area, risk of injuries to the dummy's legs and feet was low.
Additional features:
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
- Electronic stability control
- Antilock brakes
- Daytime running lights (optional beginning with 2013 models)
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 2012 Kia Optima LX 4-door
- Class: Midsize moderately priced car
- Weight: 3,229 lbs.
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
- Wheelbase: 110 in.
- Length: 191 in.
- Width: 72 in.
- Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
- EPA ratings: 24 mpg city | 35 mpg highway
