2001 Kia Optima

Rating applies to 2001-06 models built before October 2005

Tested vehicle: 1999 Hyundai Sonata 4-door

The Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 1999 model year, and the Kia Optima was introduced in the 2001 model year. The Sonata was again redesigned for 2006, but the Kia Optima remained unchanged for the early part of the 2006 model year (2006 cars manufactured before October 2005). Therefore the ratings listed here also apply to early 2006 Optimas.

Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.

Buckling of the roof rail and rearward movement of the instrument panel indicate the driver's survival space wasn't maintained well.

Footwell intrusion contributed to the possibility of injury to both legs.

At full vertical adjustment, the front head restraints are high enough and close enough to the back of the head for adequate geometry. However, in the Institute's rear end crash test, 2001 and later models received only a Poor rating.

Rating applies to 2001-05 models built before October 2005

Tested vehicle: 2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4-door with standard front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags

The Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 1999 model year, and the Kia Optima was introduced in the 2001 model year. The Sonata was again redesigned for 2006, but the Kia Optima remained unchanged for the early part of the 2006 model year (2006 cars manufactured before October 2005). Therefore the ratings listed here also apply to early 2006 Optimas.

View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test.

View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing the side airbag and damage to the occupant compartment.

Action shot taken during the side impact crash test showing the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side airbag.

Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy's head was hit by the pillar behind the rear passenger door and the window sill of the rear door.

Seat type: Seats that adjust manually