WASHINGTON — Kia has redesigned its popular, midsize sedan to try to compete with Honda, Toyota and the other players in this class. So for this go-round, Kia has added refinement to the handsome package.
A quick trip around the block reveals a better ride than before. This new Optima feels more planted and solid, even on city streets. The ride is quiet, and most noise is banished so you can hear what anyone in the car is saying, even at highway speeds — a nice step up in this class.
The Optima also has a new engine in the LX turbo trim level, and it’s smaller than the base engine, but it does pack a punch enough for you to forgo the larger four-cylinder engine. With options, you’re still looking at paying around $27,000.
Going with the smaller turbo engine doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. The small engine makes this larger sedan feel light on its feet, and it scoots right along — something I couldn’t say about the base 2.4 liter four-cylinder in this car in the past.
Along with the little turbo engine is a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that provides quick shifts and works well in this sedan. It has that manual transmission feel when starting from a stop and it feels different from normal automatics. You also get good mileage: I averaged 30.3 mpg over my 262 miles, which included a lot of slow driving due to the Metro shutdown.
Space is a selling point in the midsize sedan class, and the Optima delivers with a roomy cabin. The front seats are good for trips, but there are no heated seats in this LX trim. The cloth felt like a nice quality and seemed durable as well.
There are a lot of soft touch materials inside for this price, including the dash and arm rests, but some hard plastics surround the door areas. It’s still an improvement.
Rear-seat leg room is very good for this class but taller riders might need to be careful when entering and exiting the car, as the rear roof really slopes down.
My test car was equipped with the LX Technology Package, which adds NAV with a large 8-inch screen and dual zone climate control with rear vents — a must for those hot days. The package also adds some safety features such as blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and rear park assist.
Outside, the new Optima doesn’t stray terribly far from the last model. It’s more of a refresh with a bit more polish. The front end has changed the most: more rounded, with a larger grill and headlights that seem to wrap around a bit. It’s a softer look overall, but still handsome.
The LX trim level has small 16-inch wheels. I can’t remember the last time I saw wheels this small. They look a bit odd on this car. Other trim levels have 17- or 18-inch wheels, which suit the car better.
The roof line is different from most midsize sedans. It flows nicely and slopes toward the rear and trunk, a good look that sacrifices a bit of rear-seat headroom.
The 2016 Kia Optima is improved with the latest redesign, with a nice, quiet cabin and surprisingly peppy performance from a smaller turbo engine that’s easy on gas. The new Optima is better equipped than ever before to take on the competition in the crowded midsize sedan class.
