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 Optima gains a Plug-In Hybrid model for 2017. (An Optima Hybrid was introduced late last year.) SX and SXL models gain LED headlights. Autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning and other features are newly available on EX models. Kia’s popular midsize sedan was redesigned for 2016, on a platform that was slightly longer, taller, and wider than its predecessor. Three conventional and two hybrid powerplants are offered. The base engine is a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four cylinder. Also available are a 178-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a 245-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four. The Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid pair a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor. The combined horsepower for the Hybrid is 192, while the Plug-In Hybrid develops 202. The Plug-In Hybrid can travel 29 miles on electric power alone. All engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission—except the 1.6-liter turbo which is mated to a seven-speed automated-manual transmission. All Optimas are front-wheel drive. 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 Kia Optima has handsome styling, while offering several performance, technology, and safety features that make it competitive with midsize-sedan class leaders.
| 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: $22,200 LX Turbo: $24,140 EX: $25,440 SX Turbo: $29,940 SXL Turbo: $36,090 Hybrid Premium: $25,995 Hybrid EX: $30,990 Plug-In Hybrid EX: $35,210 |
| Base Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (LX, EX) |
| Horsepower 185 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 24-25 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 34-36 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (LX Turbo) |
| Horsepower 178 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automated manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 28 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 37 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (SX, SXL) |
| Horsepower 245 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 31 |
| Optional Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/electric (Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid) |
| Horsepower 192 (202 Plug-In Hybrid) |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 39 (103 MPGe Plug-In Hybrid) |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 46 (40 combined city/highway Plug-In Hybrid) |
