1998 Kia Retona (CE) Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1998
Production Years:1997 - 2003 discontinued in 2003
1835 - 1845 mm72.2 - 72.6 in6.0 - 6.1 ft
L: 4000 mm157.5 in13.1 ft | W: 1745 mm68.7 in5.7 ft
Length
4000 mm157.5 in13.1 ft
Width
1745 mm68.7 in5.7 ft
Height
1835 - 1845 mm72.2 - 72.6 in6.0 - 6.1 ft
Trunk Capacity
394 liter13.9 cu ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1998 Kia Retona, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:4000 mm157.5 in13.1 ft
Width:1745 mm68.7 in5.7 ft
Height:1835 - 1845 mm72.2 - 72.6 in6.0 - 6.1 ft
Trunk Capacity:394 liter13.9 cu ft
Trunk Capacity (Max):1235 liter43.6 cu ft
Weight Specifications
Curb Weight:1394 - 1505 kg3073 - 3318 lbs
Maximal permitted Weight:1820 - 1903 kg4012 - 4195 lbs
Tire Specifications
Rims Size:15
Tire Sizes:215/75R15 (W:215 | H:75 | D:15)
215/75 R15 (W:215 | H:75 | D:15)
Useful Information

About 1998 Kia Retona

The Kia Retona (CE), produced between 1997 and 2003 with the model year starting in 1998, is a compact off-road SUV designed to offer capable performance and practical dimensions. Measuring 4000 mm (157.5 inches) in length and 1745 mm (68.7 inches) in width, the Retona balances maneuverability with interior space. Its height ranges between 1835 mm and 1845 mm (72.2 to 72.6 inches), providing a commanding driving position and higher ground clearance ideal for off-road use. The curb weight of the Retona spans from 1394 kg to 1505 kg (3073 to 3318 lbs), while its maximum weight capacity is between 1820 kg and 1903 kg (4012 to 4196 lbs), reflecting its sturdiness and capability to carry passengers and cargo reliably over rugged terrain.

In terms of cargo space, the Kia Retona offers 394 liters (13.9 cubic feet) of luggage capacity with the rear seats upright. Folding down the rear seats expands this volume significantly to 1235 liters (43.6 cubic feet), making it versatile for transporting larger items or camping gear. Its standard rim size is 15 inches, equipped with tire sizes of 215/75R15, which provide a good balance between off-road traction and on-road comfort.

Overall, the Kia Retona is a practical choice for those seeking a compact yet robust off-road vehicle from the late 1990s and early 2000s. Its size and weight dimensions position it as a nimble but solid SUV, suitable for adventurous drivers needing an accessible 4x4 without compromising everyday usability.

Exceptional Features

1998 Kia Retona Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1998 Kia Retona a leader in its class

Compact SUV Design

The Kia Retona features a boxy, compact SUV design that offers a rugged look combined with practicality, making it suitable for both urban and light off-road driving.

Engine and Performance

Equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing around 130 horsepower, the Retona provides modest yet reliable performance, balancing fuel efficiency with adequate power for its class.

All-Wheel Drive Capability

The Retona (CE) model offers optional all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and stability on various road surfaces and improving its off-road capability compared to typical compact SUVs.

Spacious Interior with Practical Layout

Despite its compact exterior, the Retona offers a well-utilized cabin space with foldable rear seats, providing flexible cargo carrying options and comfortable seating for passengers.

Basic Safety and Features

The vehicle includes essential safety features for its time, such as dual front airbags and reinforced body structure, along with practical equipment like air conditioning and a simple audio system.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.

The Kia Retona (CE) from the 1998 model year measures 4000 mm (157.5 inches) in length, making it compact yet practical for an off-road vehicle. Its width is 1745 mm (68.7 inches), allowing for comfortable cabin space without being overly wide for city driving or off-road trails. The height ranges from 1835 mm to 1845 mm (72.2 to 72.6 inches), contributing to its robust, boxy off-road presence and providing ample headroom inside the cabin. These dimensions make the Retona well-suited for maneuvering through tighter off-road conditions while maintaining usable interior space.

The curb weight of the Kia Retona (CE) ranges between 1394 kg and 1505 kg (3073 to 3318 lbs), depending on trims and optional equipment. This relatively lightweight construction helps it remain nimble on rough terrains and maintain fuel efficiency. Its maximum weight capacity is between 1820 kg and 1903 kg (4012 to 4195 lbs), indicating a solid payload and towing capability for its size. This weight range supports carrying passengers and cargo effectively for typical off-road excursions or daily use.

The Kia Retona (CE) offers a practical luggage capacity of 394 liters (13.9 cubic feet) when the rear seats are in their upright positions, suitable for daily errands or light travel. For enhanced cargo needs, folding the rear seats increases the luggage volume dramatically to 1235 liters (43.6 cubic feet). This expanded cargo area allows the Retona to accommodate bulky items, camping gear, or larger loads, making it versatile for both everyday use and outdoor adventures.

Yes, the Kia Retona (CE) from 1998 fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of 4000 mm (157.5 inches) and a width of 1745 mm (68.7 inches), it is compact enough to be parked inside typical garages, which generally accommodate lengths of over 5 meters and widths exceeding 2.5 meters. The height of up to 1845 mm (72.6 inches) also ensures clearance under standard garage door heights, which usually range from 2000 mm to 2100 mm (79 to 82.7 inches). This makes the Retona practical for both urban settings and rural areas.

The Kia Retona (CE) is equipped with 15-inch rims paired with tires sized 215/75R15. This tire size provides a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort. The 215 mm width offers adequate traction, while the 75 aspect ratio and 15-inch diameter support good ground clearance and a smooth ride over varied terrain. This combination is typical for compact off-road vehicles aiming to maintain versatility without compromising durability.

With a height ranging from 1835 mm to 1845 mm (72.2 to 72.6 inches), the Kia Retona (CE) stands competitively among similar compact off-road vehicles from the late 1990s. This slightly elevated stance aids in ground clearance, important for off-road performance, and offers better visibility on rough terrain. Compared to its contemporaries like the Suzuki Jimny and early Toyota RAV4, its height is similar or slightly taller, favoring those who seek a robust and commanding presence without excessive bulk.

The Kia Retona (CE) did not have a direct predecessor under the same name, as it marked one of Kia's entries into the compact off-road segment between 1997 and 2003. However, the Retona's dimensions of 4000 mm in length and a curb weight of approximately 1394 to 1505 kg represent Kia's approach to a more compact and lightweight off-road vehicle compared to earlier, larger SUVs in the market. This generation focused on balancing manageable size with off-road capability, differing from heavier, bulkier predecessors in the segment that Kia did not directly produce.

Compared to the Suzuki Jimny of the late 1990s, the Kia Retona is slightly larger and heavier. The Retona's length of 4000 mm (157.5 inches) surpasses the Jimny's roughly 3725 mm (146.7 inches), giving the Retona a bit more cabin and cargo space. The width at 1745 mm (68.7 inches) is also wider than the Jimny's approximate 1645 mm (64.8 inches), providing broader interior space. Weight-wise, the Retona's curb weight ranges from 1394 to 1505 kg (3073 to 3318 lbs), which is heavier than the lighter Jimny that generally weighs around 1100 to 1200 kg (2425 to 2645 lbs). This weight difference results in a more solid feel for the Retona, though it may slightly impact fuel consumption compared to the Jimny's more nimble and lightweight design.

While specific ground clearance for the Kia Retona (CE) is not provided here, its overall height of approximately 1835-1845 mm (72.2-72.6 inches) and robust off-road design suggest it has a competitive ground clearance typical of compact SUVs designed for rough terrain. Its curb weight between 1394 and 1505 kg (3073 to 3318 lbs) helps to keep it stable off-road without being cumbersome. Combined with 215/75R15 tires, the Retona is well-suited for a variety of terrains including rocky paths, mud, and uneven surfaces, making it a capable choice for casual to moderate off-road adventures.

Specific interior passenger dimensions for the Kia Retona (CE) are not widely documented, but given its exterior length of 4000 mm (157.5 inches) and width of 1745 mm (68.7 inches), it offers a comfortable cabin typical of compact off-road vehicles of its time. The relatively tall height of approximately 1835-1845 mm (72.2-72.6 inches) supports good headroom, while wider body dimensions aid shoulder space for occupants. Seating typically accommodates four passengers reasonably comfortably, with enough space to balance between passenger comfort and cargo capacity, especially when rear seats are folded for increased luggage room.

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