Pros: Quiet cabin; well-designed infotainment features; good mix of fuel economy and power from new 1.6-liter turbo engine; stiffer body structure makes for improved ride and handling over previous Optima; competitive pricing
Cons: Numb steering feel, even in “Sport” setting; 1.6-liter engine exhibits some low-speed turbo lag; some lackluster interior materials in lower-end models; sloping roofline compromises rear-seat headroom
CG Says: Kia’s popular midsize sedan is redesigned for 2016, on a platform that is slightly longer, taller, and wider than its predecessor. Despite numerous under-the-skin structural improvements, exterior styling changes only slightly… it’s hard to tell a 2016 Optima from a previous-gen model at a glance. A new turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine joins the carryover 2.4-liter four and turbocharged 2.0-liter four. Available safety features include a 360-degree around view monitor, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and an autonomous emergency braking system. The Kia UVO infotainment system includes enhanced smartphone connectivity and new eServices features aimed at teen drivers: GeoFencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert, and Driving Score. The new Kia Optima maintains the handsome styling of the previous model, while offering several performance, technology, and safety upgrades that keep it competitive with midsize-sedan class leaders. Note that a 192-hp hybrid version of the new Optima is expected later in the 2016 model year.
| Class | Midsize Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Kia |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | LX: $21,990 LX Turbo: $23,990 EX: $24,990 SX Turbo: $29,790 SXL Turbo: $35,890 Hybrid: $25,995 Hybrid EX: $32,195 |
| Base Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 185 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 24 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 35 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 178 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automated manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 28 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 39 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 245 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 32 |
