2016 Kia Optima Review | Drive Chicago

The Kia Optima is a 4-door midsize sedan that competes with cars like the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat. It shares engines and chassis with the Hyundai Sonata. Like the Sonata, Optima is also offered with a hybrid powertrain. For 2016, Optima is restyled, gets a new engine option and is slightly longer, taller and wider.

Optima comes in LX, EX, SX and SX Limited trim levels. All are front drive. The LX and EX come standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower. Optional in the LX is a 1.6-liter turbo four that makes 178 horsepower. The SX and SX Limited come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four that makes 245 horsepower. The base four and 2.0-liter four come with a 6-speed automatic and the 1.6-liter engine comes with a 7-speed automatic.

Prices start at $22,140 for the LX and rise to $36,040 for the SX Limited. Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, rear-view camera, front-seat side driver-knee and side-curtain airbags. Optional safety features include 360-degree surround-view camera, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring system, lane departure warning and forward collision warning and intervention. Also offered is Kia's UVO telematics system. UVO provides instant access to roadside assistance, collision notification and custom driver restrictions and tracking.

The Optima is assembled in Kia's plant in Georgia and has an $825 destination charge.

Kia's midsize entry has always plied on the sporty spectrum of the midsize car gambit. The 2.4-liter engine on the LX and EX comes across as a bit noisy and unrefined, but provides adequate acceleration. Those wanting a bit more refinement should opt for the new 1.6-liter turbo that promises to also be more fuel efficient. The top-dog 2.0-liter turbo is one of the strongest four-cylinder engines in the class. It provides stout acceleration and great passing punch. So equipped the Optima SX or SX Limited will race from 0 to 60 mph in a tick under seven seconds, ahead of most four-cylinder competitors and just a bit behind the V6-powered Accord or Altima.

Regardless of engine, the automatic transmissions shift smoothly and provide prompt and proper downshifts. The new 7-speed automatic that mates to the 1.6 turbo is exceptionally quick shifting. All transmissions provide for relaxed highway cruising.

The 2.0 Turbo is EPA rated at 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Those numbers trail class leaders a bit but are still quite respectable given the level of performance. Routine suburban commuting will likely net an average of 27 mpg overall. It's easy to match the EPA rating of 32 mpg on the highway.

Dynamically, the Optima is a tale of two suspensions. The LX and EX ride a complaint but comfortable suspension that does an excellent job of soaking up road imperfections and limiting secondary motions. Turn up the wick, though, and you'll notice quite a bit of body lean and brake dive. Those wanting a tad more control should opt for the SX or SX Limited with sport suspension. There's little impact on overall ride quality and the Optima feels much more athletic. Either case, steering is delightfully weighted with good on center feel and the brakes have more than adequate stopping power aided by an easy to modulate pedal.

Kia engineers did a very good job quelling road, wind and engine noise. Though the base 2.4 can get a little gruff in hard acceleration, the other engines never intrude.

From both a material and design standpoint, Optima's interior befits that of a much more expensive car. Expansive use of soft-touch plastics and aluminum highlight a simple and straightforward control layout. Kia's UVO infotainment system is easy to use and the addition of Android Auto or Apple Car Play are just icing on the cake.

Front seats are comfortable and provide nice support on long drives. Leg room is good, but head room grows tight for those taller than 6 foot -- especially when equipped with the optional sunroof. Rear seats are among the roomiest in the class with ample space for three adults. A deep and roomy trunk is complemented with lots of interior storage cubbies and bins.

For years Kia played the value game to make up for shortcomings on the product side. That's no longer the case. Optima is an extremely competitive midsize offering that matches or exceeds the competition in many measures. Prices are extremely competitive and the Optima is available with a dizzying array of safety and convenience features, so be sure to do your homework to find the trim that best suits your needs.

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2016 Kia Optima

Refreshed for 2016, Kia's midsize entry comes out swinging.

Mark Bilek