The mid-size, four door Kia Optima forever buried the misnomer that mid-size Asian-breed vehicles are forever haunted by bland, ho-hum exterior styling. While more conservative-looking Camrys and Accords may out distance Optima sales here in the States, Optima's eye-candy appearance continues turning heads. Value-added pricing helps, too. After 10 years in the market, Optima suddenly transformed itself into a serious player in a crowed mid-size sedan segment.
Kia and its South Korean parent company Hyundai also feature one of the industry's longest powertrain warranties: 10 years or 100,000 miles adding another peace of mind layer to the decision-making process.
Optima's first-generation effort debuted in 2001, but never quite grabbed mass appeal and attention until the 2011 third-generation metamorphous. Sales continue steady as Optima represents Kia's best-selling model in America. The South Korean-based automaker began selling vehicles in the U.S. back in 1994.
Kia added several mid-cycle updates in 2014 and 2015 pays all these forward with a few minor tweaks thrown in for good measure. Expect significant upgrades to Kia's UVO (an acronym of 'Your Voice') infotainment, non-subscription eService. This comes standard in all trims sans the base model interfacing with mobile devices and center multi-function touch screen utilizing voice commands. Also upgraded this year is the wider availability of acoustic laminated windshield, helping keep things quiet inside, now standard across the board except in the base edition, where optional.
Five trim levels team with two gasoline direct-injection engines and one six-speed automatic transmission return from 2014. A once-offered V-6 engine retired in 2011. Manual stick shift or coupe body styles are not offered. Both engines utilize regular, 87-octane fuel when topping off the 18.5 gallon tank. Front-wheel drive comes standard with no all-wheel-drive availability.
Also for 2015, a gas-electric hybrid version returns virtually unchanged from 2014 with a 199 combined horsepower (electric motor teamed with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine). Highway fuel estimates touch 40 miles per gallon. It's the only hybrid Kia offers throughout its lineup of fuel-efficient cars and crossovers. Pickup trucks and heavy-duty sport utilities are not part of the marking mix. However, Kia does offer an all-electric plug-in version of the compact, youth-obsessed Soul, available in a half-dozen states not including the Land of Lincoln.
Five Optima trims include base LX, EX, SX, SX turbo and SXL turbo. A naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four cylinder generating 192 horses comes standard in LX, EX and SX. For those seeking more technological oomph, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder motivating 274 horses is optional in SX while standard in SXL. Both SX and the SXL come with a sports-tuned suspension.
The 2.0-liter engine's turbocharger runs off of recycled exhaust gases, spinning a pinwheel-inspired turbine to pump greater volumes of forced air into the engine. Turbocharging maximizes engine horsepower without adding additional cylinders or weight while boosting fuel economy.
Our fully-loaded SX Limited tester included a $35,500; all the bells and whistles with no factory options to wade through. The bottom line ended at $36,325 after factoring in the $825 destination charge. Starting price for a 2015 base LX starts at an exceedingly competitive $21,840.
Options available in other trims include a technology package (blind-spot detection with rear-traffic alert), premium package (Heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel) and convenience package. All option package features are part of SXL which is the sole trim with two-row panoramic sunroof standard; the roof's optional in SX Turbo and EX.
The dropping of the larger-sized V-6 engine during the Gen Three redo provided designers the opportunity to scale down the engine compartment, while increasing cabin dimensions.
Rear seat room swells to accommodate three 95-percentile-sized adults. The absence of a rear-or all-wheel-drive vertical floor hump opens leg room while roof height accommodates comfortably those six-fee two inches and shorter. In front, headroom remains tighter than many mid-size rivals. The rear seat backrest folds down in a 60/40 split once trunk-located tabs get pulled, setting the latch free.
The manual tilt-and telescoping steering wheel has repositioned cruise control buttons and tabs on the right, 3 o'clock side. Also in the neighborhood is a tab for selection normal, eco and sport driving modes (available only in SXL and SX turbo trims). Adding to a sporty experience and feel; the steering wheel's flat bottom, a design utilized in the racing car circuit. Both trunk and fuel release buttons are found on the driver's door lower half. The upper section includes power window, mirror and door lock controls positioned at 45 degrees, a convenient angle when relaxing a weary south-paw appendage on the arm rest.
An electronic parking brake (an SLX exclusive) resides ahead of diagonally positioned dual cup holders between front buckets. To the right of the push-button brake button, a small inlet designed with portable electronics in mind complete with dual 12-volt outlets and auxiliary/iPod plug-in ports. Push-button start is found everywhere except base LX.
The easy-to-interpret, deep-set instrument panel includes two circular analog gauges: a right-side speedometer with fuel-gauge insert cradled along the bottom and a left-side tachometer. At night, white backlighting illuminates. In the center a digital message window, with push-button selection controls found on the steering wheel's right side. Our soft-touch dashboard featured black gloss interior enhancements solely for SXL. Elite Nappa leather trimmed seats included white stitching.
A good-sized, eight-inch touch screen and two rows of buttons below gets skewed ever-so-slightly in the direction of the driver, but within grasp of shotgun positioners. Directly under the screen, welcome volume and station-select tactile knobs flank a half-a-dozen or so push buttons working in tandem with the window above. Below that, a similar design includes dual temperature zone knobs flanking fan speed and mode buttons. A 'climate' button allows visual displays of the climate system through the eight-inch window.
Dual exhausts adorn all trims. Helping enhance the sleek profile: chrome striping starting along the bottom portion of the A pillar, traveling up over side windows and ending as side framing to the large rear glass window connecting to a stout, high deck lid. Only SXL includes a small deck lid spoiler. High belt lines on each side and narrow side windows contribute to the sleekness. Strap-like door handles include chrome accents in all trims. Circular wheel wheels bulge out elegantly. Narrow tail light housing extends quite extensively onto side fenders. The contoured hood, elevated in the center, eases down towards side fenders near the outside edges.
Expect average-at-best fuel economy from Optima when compared to other's in this highly competitive segment. The turbo 2.0-liter turbo engine generates 20 miles per gallon city and 31 mpg highway. Add three miles in each category when opting for the naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter.
Engine performance is more than adequate for motoring throughout the Chicago suburbs, although the 2.0-turbo can't match the excitement generated by Optima's bold exterior. Electric power steering works like a charm, turning the 3,400 pound vehicle with ease.
2015 Kia OptimaPrice as tested: $36,325
Wheelbase: 110.0 inches
Length: 190.7 inches
Width: 72.1 inches
Height: 57.1 inches
Engine: 2.0-liter gas direct injected turbo
Horsepower: 274
Curb weight: 3,468 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
City/Highway economy: 20 mpg city/31 mpg highway
Assembly: West Point, Georgia