Engine swap
Does anyone know if I can take the motor out of a 2009 Kia Optima 2.4 L and put it in a 2006 Kia Optima 2.4 liter are the mounts compatible will I have to change anything or will it bolt right up
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2006 Kia Optima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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There are actually two Kia Optimas for 2006. It's not a split personality, just a matter of timing and conforming to U.S. regulations when it comes to naming. There is the 2006 Kia Optima, which is the outgoing first generation of the Sonata-based mid-size. Then there is the 2006.5 Kia Optima, which is pretty much the 2007 Optima, but since it came out mid-year, it can't earn the 2007 designation. The 2006.5 has a lot of improvements over the 2006 in the areas of standard features, drivetrain, and more legroom.
Both versions of the Optima feature an LX and upscale EX trim with either a 2.4 I4 or a 2.7 V6 engine. The 2006 Optima hits 138-hp with the I4 and 170-hp with the V6. The 2006.5 ups the power to 161 and 185 respectively. The LX I4 comes standard with a 5-speed manual, and the EX I4 and both V6 trims come with an automatic (auto tran is optional on the LX I4). The 2006 Optima featured a 4-speed automatic, but 2006.5 offers a 5-speed Sport-shift automatic. The 2006.5 also has a retuned suspension for a more responsive ride.
Confused? The 2006.5 Optima also has more legroom than the comparable Accord. Trunk space is up to nearly 15 cubic feet. In terms of features, there isn't much difference between the two designations. The LX is well equipped with power features and cruise control, while the EX adds a power driver's seat, 6-CD/MP3 player, and auto-dimming mirrors. Leather seats, a sunroof, and a power passenger seat are EX-only options. ABS, traction, and stability control are optional for the V6 engines only. A big safety upgrade in the 2006.5 is the addition of side curtain airbags. The previous 4-star crash ratings have been upgraded to 5-star, and the poor side impact ratings on the 2006 Optima have also been addressed by the new airbags in the 2006.5
Drivers agree that the 2006.5 Kia Optima is the way to go, and the improved I4 engine is much sportier than the V6, which is underpowered in the mid-size segment. Other high points include Kia's warranty, the affordability, roomy interior, and long list of standard features. Negatives include low gas mileage and uncomfortable seats.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2006 Kia Optima
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by Marc V
Oct 25, 2009
I was surprised at how nice a car I got for my first car. Was looking at an earlier model Hyundai Accent GT, turns out the bank wouldn't touch it because of the miles, and I got the Optima instead. Great car. All you could ask for, really. Comfortable sedan with plenty of room in the front and back. Lots of trunk space, far more than most cars I've been in. Great gas mileage, which is good because I commute to college every day. Got it in pristine condition, no complaints on sturdiness or performance. Good sound system. If you're looking for a good all-around car that will do its job well and last you a long time, look no further than an 06 Optima.Oct 25, 2009
by Joshua K
Aug 10, 2009
its roomy and has a shift tronic trans. that i like and helps for quicker pick up, good gas mileage, low maintenance and plenty of room and is a fun drive for an economy car for the price of itAug 10, 2009
by Clint S
Jul 01, 2009
Good car, great on gas. Consistantly gets more than 30 MPG and has decent pickup. Fairly reliable, never hesitates and the standard transmission is very simple to use. The gas tank is the largest I've ever seen on a 4 banger, at over 18 gallons.Jul 01, 2009
User rating:
by Marc V
Oct 25, 2009
I was surprised at how nice a car I got for my first car. Was looking at an earlier model Hyundai Accent GT, turns out the bank wouldn't touch it because of the miles, and I got the Optima instead. Great car. All you could ask for, really. Comfortable sedan with plenty of room in the front and back. Lots of trunk space, far more than most cars I've been in. Great gas mileage, which is good because I commute to college every day. Got it in pristine condition, no complaints on sturdiness or performance. Good sound system. If you're looking for a good all-around car that will do its job well and last you a long time, look no further than an 06 Optima.Oct 25, 2009
by Joshua K
Aug 10, 2009
its roomy and has a shift tronic trans. that i like and helps for quicker pick up, good gas mileage, low maintenance and plenty of room and is a fun drive for an economy car for the price of itAug 10, 2009
by Clint S
Jul 01, 2009
Good car, great on gas. Consistantly gets more than 30 MPG and has decent pickup. Fairly reliable, never hesitates and the standard transmission is very simple to use. The gas tank is the largest I've ever seen on a 4 banger, at over 18 gallons.Jul 01, 2009
by Marya L
Dec 04, 2008
runs well. A lot of miles on it already. But lots of cheap plastic parts. Yuck. Overall, a good car though. My loan sucks though and so did the Kia dealer that sold it to me, but they went out of business. fun to drive though! v-4 but picks up nicely. sports car in a sedans body.Dec 04, 2008
by Zendal A
Apr 04, 2008
It haddles very well the stock sound systems is amazing for being a stock sound system.Apr 04, 2008
by Murat M
Feb 14, 2008
At 1st i did not want cause of Kia, but it changed my mind.Really good car with economic engine.Feb 14, 2008
What users have asked
Tail and brake lights
I have a 2006 Kia Optima around 6.30 am my tail and brake lights come on for no reason I am not even in the car I have a brand new battery so I know that not the problem the other day around 6.30 did it again and drained the battery so I bought a new battery yesterday and this morning happened again I started the car pumped the brakes and turned on head lights and off an de tail and brake light still stayed on had to disconnect the battery what could be my problem where do I start looking ?
949 views
2006 Kia Optima engine.
My engine was knocking on the inside, then it went out. How much would a used engine cost? Or is it possible to repair the one I have?
117 views
When I start 2006 Optima it runs for 4 seconds and dies. keep the ignition switch engaged it continues to run, but when i release the switch it dies.
When I start my 2006 KIA Optima it runs for about 4 seconds and dies. It has gas. It I keep the ignition switch engaged it continues to run, but when i release the switch it dies. The gas pedal and all works fine as long as the switch is engaged. It has been refusing to start until I turn it on and off several times. But now it starts but won't stay running.
276 views
Top Comparisons
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2006 Kia Optima Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,955 to $20,990Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.25
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback · Sunshade: rear window
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.31
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.31
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: rear window
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.31
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent