Kia is turning out some great product these days with the sporty Stinger and a
smaller, zippy Forte. Sitting right between those two wunderkinds is this,
the Kia Optima. Now, it's not a new model this is a mid-cycle refresh but you know
what that means. Okay maybe it's time that our mid-cycle refresh graphic got a
refresh! Exterior changes require a keen eye, which means they are subtle. So the
Optima now has these Stinger-inspired LED day running headlights and on the SX
it gets this black gloss sport grille, but the real changes aren't on the
outside.
It's the addition of Kia's advanced driver's assistance system. That's their
suite of safety features which now comes standard across all trims. That package
includes a forward collision warning system and driver attention warning
which provides visual and sound alerts if it senses the driver's attention
level is lacking. Other good stuff to stop bad things from happening include
lane keep assist and lane departure warning ,forward collision avoidance
comes standard on the EX trim and above as does smart cruise control with a stop
and go feature. The top-end SX has the option of including a 360-
degree surround view system for a starting price of just under $24,000 for
the base model LX. That's a lot of safety. The interior is actually pretty
luxurious for a car at this price point. The seats are nice and comfortable, and
yes, this is the highest SX trim, but they're really handsome, and oh, the
headrests are nice and cushy. There are some nice soft touch points here in
addition to the sort of expected hard plastics and a nice balance between
physical buttons and touchscreen. Overall I think it's a really well put together
package. So this latest Optima actually gets Kia's updated UVO infotainment
system. Now it's great. I think it's simple. It's very easy to use. best part
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come standard. Now we have had a couple of
issues in the past with a Stinger and a G70, which has the same system, in that
there was some crackling when we got on the phone. However on this latest update
we don't seem to be having that problem, so, if there was an issue it seems like
Kia may have addressed it. Passenger space back here is good. Middle seat, it's
tolerable, but even behind daddy-longlegs Tim's comfortable position I have plenty
of room. As for cargo space, well it doesn't do too badly either.
It comes about mid pack in the competitive set, and oh what a
competitive set that is. The midsize passenger car segment is as brutal as a
Walmart on Black Friday. The Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, which the
Kia shares a platform with, and the Nissan Altima are all vying for
dwindling consumer dollars in a struggling segment. the playing field has
to be leveled somehow, so the sedan with the most extras might get a leg up. Base
LX and higher S models are now powered by Kia's naturally aspirated 2.4-liter
inline four, which are both mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The LX is
previously optional turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four now is only available
as standard on the EX trim and that's equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch
automatic transmission. For those looking for more power in their Optima, the SX
that comes equipped with the turbocharged 2-liter inline four is the
only way to get it, and get it you will. This 2.0-liter turbo is quick accelerating
onto a freeway or getting out of trouble shouldn't be any problem, although there
is a little bit of turbo lag, the 6-speed automatic transmission is a little bit
sluggish, but if you put it into sport mode or manual and use the paddle
shifters then that eliminates that problem significantly.
The Optima turns proficiently though without tremendous feel or
feedback and the brakes do their job. So overall Kia turns out yet another
pleasing driving experience with spirit. But what are its other cool features I
hear you say? Well this Optima SX actually comes with a panoramic sunroof
and this gorgeous two-tone leather, oh that's opening all the way. The only
other up charge that we had was our exterior paint color and all that for
$33,315, which is only about $500
more than the base price SX.
For a more middle-of-the-road trim like the Optima S, which now comes standard
with a proximity key and push-button start, you're looking at closer to
$26,000. The S trim also comes with exterior extras such as LED tail lights,
black trim side sill extensions, a black grille, and 18-inch wheels. All Optimas
come with a 10-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. While this isn't
exactly the mini me of Stingers Kia is injecting a lot of great design thought
and tons of tech into their entire passenger car lineup. If there's a black
sheep in the Kia family the Optima ain't it.