Kia's family-friendly Optima mid-size sedan debuted in 2001 with a stylized fourth-generation effort onboard since the 2016 model year. Our 2019 tester is based upon this fourth-generation platform. Consider 2019 a mid-cycle Gen 4 refresh with an easier-to-digest trim level tutorial and an impressive high level of advanced safety nuances.
While a few select automakers (Ford, Chrysler) have discontinued or soon will scrap mid-sized sedan sales in the U.S. market (Fusion and 200 respectively), Kia surges forward with the composed and competent mainstream Optima. Its production home continues at the company's sole U.S. assembly facility in West Point, Georgia.
For 2019, Optima is offered in a high-volume gasoline version and two alternative-power choices, a self-charging, non-plug-in gas-electric hybrid and a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV) requiring a night-time charge delivering approximately 30 miles of pure-electric travel before the gas-hybrid powertrain takes over. However, the limited-production Optima PHEV sells in 10 select states, none of which boarder Illinois. This review spotlights the old-school and still viable gas-engined Optima.
Competitive pricing helps Kia survive and thrive in the automotive marketplace. Starting at $22,900 (up $300 from 2018) with a cadre of standard equipment, Optima offers inquisitive shoppers (and current Fusion and 200 owners seeking their next set of wheels) an enticing value proposition. While not a luxury-titled sedan, Optima enjoys a relatively quiet interior.
All trims come with proactive advanced radar-enhanced safety nuances including rear cross traffic alert, providing an audible 'beep' when carefully backing out between two parked vehicles and an un-seen four-wheeler passes by. Blind-spot detection keeps tabs of vehicles that may hide from view. New for 2019, driver attention alert. In all Optima includes nine radar-inspired elements making up the Advanced Driver Assistance System. Not long ago, these innovations were the purview of higher-priced, higher-end luxury offerings.
Kia and its parent company Hyundai continue with another popular no-cost perk: the peace-of-mind 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, one of the longest-duration engine warranties.
In 2018, Optima introduced a new S trim adding a unique front bumper, rear spoiler, larger 17-inch wheels, 10-way power driver seat and LED fog and tail lights. The S returns in 2019 along with LX, EX and SX trims. Each of the four designations offers its own factory-specific option package, streamlining the buying process. One of the few factory-installed stand-alone options: a panoramic sunroof available in S. The extended sunroof is included within EX and SX 'limited' option package group and standard in SX.
Through September, Optima calendar-year sales tallied 79,845 units, qualifying it as Kia's second-best-selling vehicle thus far in 2018 behind only the compact five-door Sorrento crossover.
Optima's high, straight side beltline and relatively narrow side windows enhance a bold stance. Thin A and C pillars contribute to a sleek visual aided by a large rear window and stout deck lid (with SX adoring a low-slung spoiler). Dual exhausts also adorn SX. Compared with its South Korean cousin, the mid-sized Hyundai Sonata sedan, Optima enjoys a higher degree of visual pizazz.
A 2.4-liter naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engine, cranking out 185 horsepower, comes standard in LX, S and EX. In addition, Optima offers two turbocharged choices. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo delivering 178 horsepower is now standard in EX while a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo promoting 245 horsepower returns to the top-trim SX. Last year, the 1.6-liter turbo was available only as an option.
Turbochargers run off of recycled exhaust gases spinning a pinwheel-inspired turbine to pump concentrated air into the engine, creating more bang per cylinder.
Two distinct transmissions are offered. Most trims work alongside a conventional six-speed automatic. The EX and its 1.6-liter turbo upgrade to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission improving both performance and fuel economy. All three engines run off regular, 87-octane fuel.
The 1.6-liter turbo remains the fuel-economy champ at 27 miles per gallon city and 37 mpg highway. The naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter averages 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The 2.0-liter turbo favors superior horsepower (245) rather than fuel numbers (21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway). Taken as a whole, fuel estimates rate favorably among mid-size rivals.
From a driver's perspective, a dual clutch transmission operates like a conventional transmission (no foot clutch). From a technology standpoint, a DCT offers lightning-quick and efficient (and automatic) gear shifting via electronic wizardry, maximizing low-end torque distribution for a sharper shift experience.
Our SX tester came in with a $31,900 starting point and added a $3,800 premium package. After factoring in a $925 destination charge, the bottom lined reached $36,625.
Kudo's for an informative instrument panel minimizing visual overload. Two large circular gauges flank a 4.3-inch multi-panel window accessible via a 9 o'clock steering wheel push button. An electronic push-button parking brake resides aft of the transmission shifter. All trims include three drive modes: comfort, eco and sport selectable via a button near the parking brake.
Our top SX trim featured European-style front buckets with large side bolsters. Red leathered inserts with heated and ventilated perforations contrast with black leather styling. Red stitching adorns the flat-bottom steering wheel and front seats. The huge single-bin glove box is illuminated in EX and SX.
The long, panoramic sunroof with accompanying sunshade, standard in SX, extends glass over both rows of seats with the 'open roof' experience limited to the front, a nifty gadget when enjoying the fall festival of colors during an unseasonably warm early October in Southern Wisconsin.
All trims feature 60/40 split second-row backrest fold down, allowing access to the trunk and its 15.9 cubic feet (sizeable for the mid-size segment). With the backrest prone, three adults can co-exist during most excursions thanks to ample leg room.
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, allowing easy iPhone and Android Smartphone text-message and app-download interaction with the in-dash center screen through a USB plug-in cable. Interacting with the eight-inch in-dash, multi-function touch screen rates as more refreshing than frustrating with logical tutorials and interaction with a row of well-marked buttons below positioned between two twist knobs (left-side volume, right-side station selection). At night, these buttons illuminate with fire-red backlighting.
The HVAC controls in SX and EX trims opt for two rows of push-button commands (including fan direction and speed) huddled between dual temperature zone dials.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are part of Kia's UVO branded voice-activated infotainment connectivity system introduced in 2013 (UVO is a truncated, textish version of "Your Voice.") The 2019 Optima checks in as the first Kia to feature a newly restructured, re-tiered UVO telematics package.
2019 Kia Optima SX
Price as tested: $36,625
Wheelbase: 110.4 inches
Length: 191.1 inches
Width: 73.2 inches
Height: 57.7 inches
Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo
Horsepower: 245
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
City/Highway economy: 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway
Assembly: West Point, Georgia