An excellent midsize sedan value.

Introduction

There is no more competitive automotive segment than that for midsize sedans, and in that group the Kia Optima is a strong contender for the customer's dollar. It's not the segment leader, or the most powerful, or the best-known. But it offers a combination of an attractive price, commendable fuel efficiency, a spacious interior, stylish appearance, more-than-ample performance, and an outstanding array of standard safety features that few others can match. The Optima stands as a very appealing and logical choice for the sensible consumer looking for a lot of value for the money. 

The front-wheel-drive Optima offers a choice of a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine, each of which ranks near top of its class for fuel efficiency. We like the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder; rated at 175 horsepower, it's among the strongest in the class and gets an EPA-rated 22/32 City/Highway miles per gallon with either the manual or automatic transmission. The 2.7-liter V6 is smoother and slightly more powerful with 194 horsepower and earns an EPA-estimated 20/28 mpg; the V6 comes with an automatic. 

The Optima's shape is less rounded than the average sedan so it has plenty of headroom and a light and airy cabin. The high-volume EX model won't leave you wanting for more features, and every Optima includes six airbags and stability control. 

The Optima competes with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant, Chevy Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Mazda6, Subaru Legacy, and Hyundai Sonata. 

All the competitors offer more powerful V6 engines. However, only the heavier Altima and Accord have a more powerful four-cylinder engine, only Hyundai matches Kia's warranty, only Altima can match Optima's EPA ratings, and the Optima is the least expensive. 

Lineup

The Kia Optima is offered in three trim levels, LX, EX, and SX. Each comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The Optima EX and SX offer an optional 2.7-liter V6 engine ($1,000). A five-speed automatic is standard on everything except the LX, which has a standard five-speed manual with the automatic optional. 

The Optima LX ($17,995) comes with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, power heated signal mirrors, CD/MP3/satellite-ready stereo with auxiliary and USB inputs, tilt steering column, split-folding rear seats and variable intermittent wipers. The five-speed automatic transmission option ($1,200) includes cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with redundant controls, and keyless entry. A Convenience Package ($750) adds alloy wheels, trip computer, and eight-way power driver seat; it is available only with the automatic transmission. Other options include floor mats ($95) and a rear spoiler ($325). 

The Optima EX ($20,995) and EX V6 ($21,995) come with leather upholstery, automatic climate control, fog lamps, solar glass, auto-dimming mirror with compass and HomeLink, dual illuminated visor mirrors, chrome door handles and trim, keyless entry, tilt/telescoping steering, cruise control, and floor mats. EX options include pearl white paint ($200) and a Premium Package ($2,200), which includes 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/50R17 tires, four-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, a manual rear sunshade, a moonroof, and an Infinity AM/FM/MP3 sound system with a six-disc CD changer. 

The Optima SX ($21,795) and SX V6 ($22,795) offer a sportier flair and split the LX and EX grades with a few additions or modifications along with some subtractions: Leather and fabric upholstery, sport suspension, blacked-out headlight trim and grille, aluminum trim, metal pedals, and the Supervision gauge cluster are standard. The SX does not include the gas strut hood and trunk of other models, nor a few standard items from the EX. The SX is also available with a Premium Package ($2,000). 

Optional on the EX and SX are voice-activated navigation ($1,200), and optional on all Optima models are wheel locks ($45), rear spoiler ($325), Bluetooth ($250), cargo tray ($60), cargo net ($40), and splash guards ($80). 

Changes for 2010 are minimal. The lower rear bumper is blacked out, and the SX trim-level models have a push-button start. 

Safety features front-impact airbags, front side-impact airbags, full side-curtain airbags, tire-pressure monitors, and electronic stability control, which includes traction control and antilock brakes. 

Walkaround

By nature midsize family sedans have conservative styling and in this respect the Kia Optima fits right in. It won't attract undue attention from law enforcement or thieves, nor will it attract any criticism regarding appearance or finish. 

The Optima's styling leans more to convention than cutting edge, with a near-level shoulder character line from front lights to rear and none of the elliptical window and roof lines that seem to be ever more popular. A rib section below the doors to add style and deflect debris is cleanly integrated. The roof is relatively flat, yielding a decent-size sunroof, headroom all around, and rear side-door openings you don't have to duck under to get in. Broad expanses of glass front and rear add spaciousness and improve outward visibility. And the flat trunk lid means an opening large enough to avoid contortions loading large suitcases or awkward cargo. 

In keeping with that the tail is clean and uncluttered. Tail lights do what they should without looking to jet into the 22nd century; signals are red and to avoid confusion by following drivers they don't share a bulb with the brake lights. The tailpipes on V6 models exit straight rearward in bumper cutouts. 

A continuous curve marking the front bumper comes across as a smile and mimics the aerial-view curve of the leading edges of the hood and fenders. The smooth wraparound lamp housings with projector low-beams remind us of earlier Acura TSX and TL models and Kia's newest design language seen on the Forte. The black sections above the fog lamps in the lower outboard grilles don't look like bumpers but they do protrude very slightly and will take the brunt of any close-quarter scrapes and save some paint bills. 

Side mirrors are rectangular, the same general shape as most of the vehicles you will see in them. They fold narrower than the car and have signal repeaters on the outer edges; misjudge a garage or toll booth opening and that will be the most vulnerable point. Large door handles are easy to grab for anyone and chrome (EX) doesn't suffer ring and fingernail scratches quite like paint. Simple six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels on our example match the mission ideally, easy to clean (no sand, salt, or snow buildup pockets) and don't stick out beyond the tire sidewall where they're prone to scuffing. 

SX models get the usual visual upgrades for sporty models with a black mesh grille, blacked-out headlight housings, and painted alloy wheels. 

Compared to the sedans in this segment the Optima has the shortest wheelbase and the shortest overall length, typically by just an inch or two, but has among the widest tracks (distance between left and right side wheels) in its class. The Optima is also the lightest car in its class; less weight translates to better acceleration and fuel economy, all other factors being equal. 

Interior

The Kia Optima is compact on the outside but large on the inside, suggesting a space-efficient design. Despite its relatively small outside dimensions, the Optima trails only the Nissan Altima in front legroom among eight popular sedans and is mid-pack or better for other measurements, with all of them close together. When comparing the Optima to the Honda Accord (classified a Large Car by the EPA), the bigger Accord clearly leads the pack in front headroom and rear shoulder room, but the Optima measures more legroom front and rear. 

The Optima LX comes with cloth upholstery, the EX with perforated leather. The Optima SX features woven inserts on black leather and aluminum trim around the shifter and center switch panel, metal pedals, and a revised instrument display (same data) called Supervision. The leather appears rugged and long wearing rather than supple and baby soft, and a similar material covers upper door panels and armrests. Upper interior panels are black to minimize reflections. The EX trim, such as door handles, is a titanium color. Lower doors and trim pieces are hard plastic, easy to clean, not the nicest to touch, and wholly appropriate for the market and price. 

The front seats are thick and supportive, a few might say aggressive on lumbar support, and offer a relatively high seating position even with the cushion as low as it goes. The driver's seat in the EX is eight-way power adjustable. Power-adjustable pedals and four-way power for the passenger seat are optional. There's plenty of headroom, even with a moonroof, and an excellent view in all directions; we prefer it over the armored-car cocoon sensation of a Chrysler 300 or Hummer. 

The rear seat is nicely contoured in the outer positions. Foot room under the front seats allows the Optima to accommodate four six-foot passengers with ease; the rear center seat position has sufficient padding but the raised profile makes it best for kids. The substantial rear center armrest has cupholders and storage, with small bins in the doors for MP3 players or phones. There are assist handles and seatback pockets on both sides, a coat hook on the driver side, optional rear sunshade, and the rear side windows roll all the way down. Seatbelt buckles are mounted to short belts (rather than rigidly anchored) so they move aside and allow those with more girth to avoid sitting with the buckle wedged in their backsides. The rear doors open with sufficient space to put a size-13 boot between seat and door post, so most will enter and exit the back seats easily. 

The tilt and telescoping steering wheel on all Optimas with the automatic transmission has audio controls on the left and cruise control on the right; on most it is covered in leather like the shift handle which makes the plastic handbrake stand out. The console houses a bin under the armrest, cupholders, gated shift lever, and a well ahead with aux/iPod/USB inputs. More stowage is found in the glovebox, door pockets, a CD wallet-size covered space below the climate controls, and a hook for a purse or grocery bag on the right side of the center console. 

Inset shaded luminescent gauges with white numerals and red needles are easily read and give speed, engine rpm, engine temperature, and fuel level. The central display handles odometer, gear indication, and trip computer data that includes outside temperature. Instrument lighting is not adjustable without the lights on, and all switchgear, including those on the steering wheel and audio inputs but not the mirror and power lock switch, is illuminated. 

Two large vents frame the stereo controls; cars with navigation use this space and integrate the audio. Operation of the audio, navigation and automatic climate control is simple. We found the air conditioning system dealt with triple-digit heat quickly and without excessive fan speeds and noise. As with many cars, if you wear polarized sunglasses wear them on a test drive to ensure they work with the various digital and map displays. 

Oft-used controls are on steering-column stalks, lights on the left and washer/wiper on the right. The switch panel on the left dash has functions for stability control, dash lights and the power-adjustable pedals. 

Overhead are lit visor vanity mirrors, map lights, sunglasses holder and sunroof controls with separate buttons for tilt and slide functions. The moonroof shade stayed in position even during hard acceleration and braking, which can't be said for many more expensive cars. 

Trunk space and access are typical for the class. The split rear seat folds narrow-side behind the driver but does not make a full-length flat load floor. The only things a load might get caught on are the seatback releases at the top corners. A temporary spare tire is under the floor. Cargo nets and organizers are available. The trunk can be opened by a key in case your remote battery dies and you don't want to open the door first. The Optima's 15-cubic-foot trunk betters that of the big Accord and the Galant, virtually matches the Camry and Malibu, and trails the Fusion by 0.8 cubic feet and the Mazda6 by twice that. 

Driving Impression

The Kia Optima comes with a choice of engines, a four-cylinder or a V6.The four-cylinder Optima has more than enough power for virtually any occasion and is quicker than most in its class. It has essentially the same power as the Honda Accord and nearly the same as the Nissan Altima, both larger, heavier cars. The Optima posts better EPA ratings than anything else in the class, the Altima being one mile-per-gallon better in the city and one less on the highway. Our mileage averaged 26-28 mpg. 

The least expensive Optima comes with a five-speed manual gearbox that's easy to use and gets the best out of the four-cylinder engine. The five-speed automatic does that too, though it is programmed to upshift as soon as possible to save fuel. Driving habits will vary fuel economy far more than the choice of transmission. 

An aggressive throttle tip-in is the only negative in the drive. We found the accelerator very sensitive. It applies significant power with just a light touch of the pedal, producing three characteristics: First, smooth takeoffs require some concentration that will become second nature over time; second, it is harder to modulate steady cruising speed and we used cruise control more than usual; and third, the sensitivity makes it downshift and upshift frequently on mild grades, where it is best to downshift one gear manually for the most smoothness. This is a complaint we have with a fair number of cars and reduces their attractiveness for grueling commutes in stop-and-go traffic. 

The Optima's V6 is just 0.3 liters larger than the four-cylinder engine; it adds 19 horsepower for a total of 194. Its competitors' V6 engines range from 221 to 271 horsepower. 

However, the Optima's V6 fuel mileage ranks above the others. Although the extra power may be useful, the bigger advantage is in smoothness and refinement. If you drive hard or spend time on mountain roads fully loaded, we'd consider the V6, otherwise the four-cylinder engine is more than satisfactory. 

The four-wheel disc brakes work well, with excellent pedal feel to creep smoothly in gridlock or stop quickly from speed without tossing heads about. Antilock and electronic stability control are both standard to give better control when you should have slowed down. 

The suspension is independent all around and accommodates interstate expansion joints and speed humps with equal ease. Handling is predictable, the car generally going where you point it in a stable, controlled manner. Like most sedans, it has stable and predictable understeer at the limit of adhesion: If you hit a corner too fast the car will tend to go straight rather than spin out. If this happens, however, the electronic stability control steps in to help deal with the situation. The 17-inch wheel-and-tire package takes away little in ride quality, though the SX's sportier suspension setup likely feels firmer on marginal roads. 

The steering is heavy at slow speeds and lightens comfortably at speed without becoming vague. Body roll is well controlled. After driving on some winding roads and transition ramps and squealing the tires we can tell you the Optima behaves as a family sedan should. 

Outward visibility is excellent all around, thanks to the high seating position, low window line, and flat trunk lid. Wind noise will start to creep in as you reach the higher highway speed limits (75-80 mph) but not enough to require raising your voice in conversation. 

Direct comparisons between the Optima against comparably priced and equipped competition are difficult because the Optima is typically less expensive or better equipped for the same amount of money. An Altima may be more sporting, an up-level Camry or Accord more refined, an all-wheel-drive Fusion, Avenger or Legacy better in the snow. But they're all more expensive, a lot more so than a set of winter tires. 

Summary

The Kia Optima is a solid family sedan with comfortable space for four. Its available four-cylinder engine is among the class leaders in output and efficiency, the ride and handling more than capable, and the packaging shows that smaller outside doesn't mean smaller inside. It has the best warranty in the segment and, feature for feature, it costs significantly less than any of the competitors. It is a terrific deal for the money. 

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent drove the Optima in Los Angeles; Tom Lankard contributed to this report. 

Model Lineup

Kia Optima LX ($17,995); EX ($20,995); SX ($21,795); EX V6 ($21,995); SX V6 ($22,795). 

Assembled In

Hwasung, South Korea. 

Options As Tested

Premium package ($2,200) includes moonroof, Infinity audio system, 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/50R17 tires, four-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, manual rear sunshade; cargo tray ($60); cargo net ($40).