Overview

What's New for 2019

Five total trims are available for the Kia Optima. They're called LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SX Limited. Standard on the LX is a gloss black front grille, power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signals, automatic projector-style headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, CD plyer, satellite radio, six audio speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, cruise control, a 3.5-inch TFT display, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cloth upholstery and 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks.

The LX 1.6T adds power-folding side mirrors, door handle pocket lights, acoustic front windows, automatic power trunk lid, premium Michelin tires, a light gray finish for the wheels, front one-touch power windows, push-button ignition and a leather wrapped steering wheel/shifter knob.

Going with the EX provides even more with a dark metallic front grille finish, dual projector beam headlights, LED positioning lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, charger USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, front seat heaters, a heated steering wheel and woodgrain interior accents.

Adding to the standard features list on the SX are a sport grille and bumpers, a rear spoiler, bi-xenon HID headlights, dynamic bending lights with auto-leveling, LED taillights, dual exhaust pipes, 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, UVO eServices with navigation, voice commands, a sport steering wheel, paddle shifters, a 4.3-inch TFT display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear side window shades, sport leather upholstery, alloy pedals, metallic interior trim and stainless steel door scuff plates.

Finally, the SX Limited tacks on a panoramic sunroof, high bream assist, premium Michelin tires, a Harman Kardon surround sound system with 10 speakers, rear parking assist, surround view monitor, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, advanced smart cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, an electronic parking brake with auto hold feature, LED interior lighting, quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, leatherette trim for the door panels and dash and black tricot trim for the headliner/pillars.

An Optima comes with a factory invoice of about $22,000 for an LX model and an MSRP of about $23,000. The LX 1.6T trim level adds about $2,000 to the vehicle’s MSRP, while the EX adds about another $1,000. Going with the SX increases the MSRP by about another $4,000 and the SX Limited tacks on about $4,000 on top of that. You benefit as a member whenever you visit a Certified Dealer, because you have the guarantee of not being hassled and yet still saving money on your purchase.

The standard engine for the Kia Optima LX and EX is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that puts out 185 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque.

The LX 1.6T uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which churns out 178 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.

Both the SX and SX Limited trims have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that whips out an impressive 245 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.

All but the LX 1.6T come with a six-speed automatic transmission. The LX 1.6T uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or DCT. Front-wheel drive is standard for all Optimas, no matter the engine.

Kia has been doing a great job shaking things up in the mainstream car market, and the Optima is furthering this cause. Buyers can either go with an all-black color scheme, or choose a different seat upholstery, which is also applied to the door panels for a nice two-tone look.

Plenty of clean lines abound in the cabin, especially across the dash. This is made possible by the absence of a sea of physical buttons and knobs, with many of the car's functions controlled by the infotainment screen perched at the top of the center stack. The system is pretty easy to use, making it great for referencing quickly.

While the Optima certainly isn't a luxury car, it does look nice, plus it has materials that are softer and feel more premium than other vehicles in its class. The upper trim levels introduce leather and other elements that are more similar to what's used in decidedly luxurious models, making it a more affordable way to enjoy the nice things in life.

Space is excellent for both rows of seating, with ample legroom in the rear for anyone over six feet tall. The trunk is also large, easily swallow up three golf bags or luggage for several people.