Flash Drive

2016 Kia Optima

April 11, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo

The all-new Kia Optima SX Turbo is a roomy, responsive road car that looks great and goes great on curvy roads.
The all-new Kia Optima SX Turbo is a roomy, responsive road car that looks great and goes great on curvy roads.
The interior features upscale materials and equipment. Legroom is phenomenal.
The interior features upscale materials and equipment. Legroom is phenomenal.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 247 horsepower, 260 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 22/city, 32 highway, 25 combined

Base Price: $29,690

As Tested: $33,215

Performance:

Strong power and acceleration

Pleasant driving dynamics

Compliant highway ride

Drive mode choices: regular, eco, and sport

We averaged 24.1 mpg

Paddle shifters

Analog and digital speedometer

Blind spot monitor

Cross traffic alert

Parking assist

Perforated pedal covers

Sharp red brake calipers

Handsome 18-inch alloy wheels

Dual exhaust

Comfort:

2016 Optima rear seat is almost as spacious as the front.
2016 Optima rear seat is almost as spacious as the front.

NBA player front legroom

Almost bed length front passenger room

Three temp heated and cooled front seats

Heated rear outboard seats

Driver and front passenger power lumbar support

Heated leather steering wheel

Sporty steering wheel with flat bottom and red stitching

Soft headrests

Very good headroom

Comfy, supportive seats

Nice sound system

Big infotainment/navigation screen

Easy rear seat ingress/egress

Ample rear seat leg and knee room

Soft, wide rear armrest

Quiet interior

Utility:

Large front door bins

The optional panoramic sunroof really brightens the interior.
The optional panoramic sunroof really brightens the interior.

Big console bin

Big non-locking glovebox

Excellent windshield wipers

Two seatback storage pouches

Small rear door bins

Pull-up rear window shades

Large trunk with a flat floor

Split folding rear seats

OK size cargo pass-through

Wow Factors:

Great panoramic sunroof really brightens interior

Power folding mirrors activate on approach/departure

Incredible front legroom

Upscale, quilted leather upholstery

Handsome styling

The 2016 Kia Optima looks as good going away as it does coming at you. The trunk is very spacious.
The 2016 Kia Optima looks as good going away as it does coming at you. The trunk is very spacious.

Solid value

Whines:

No lock on glovebox

Optional AWD would really make it a super sedan

Bottom Line:

The all-new 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo is a stylish, contemporary sedan with an excellent mix of spectacular interior space, luxury amenities, respectable fuel economy, and strong relatively sporty performance at a very attractive price backed by a great warranty. You can’t ask for much more.