Even though the mid-size sedan class is no longer the most popular category of vehicles that we drive this is still one of the most competitive categories of vehicles for you to have the drive and qualities you want. One of the most admirable choices you’ll find in this class is the Kia Optima which started winning the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award in 2016 and continues to offer you the look and the drive you want on the road. This is a car that has become one of our favorites for the drive wherever you want to go.
The Kia Optima is a sedan that offers you something for everyone. If you want peace of mind, you’ll have a ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that provides this for you. If you’re looking for value and technology across every trim level, this sedan does a fantastic job of offering you a large number of items that can be perfect for you. You can also choose a hybrid and plug-in hybrid model to give you the added benefit of even more efficiency on the road so that you can drive past the fuel stations you see along your route.
Every year we see the Kia team add more and give us features and aspects we want for the drive we’re looking for from the Optima. This new 2018 version comes in with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alerts, and rear parking assist. There is a new S trim that’s been added to offers a higher level of sportiness at an affordable price. This new trim adds a sporty front bumper, a rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels and additional sport features that will make this the trim you want with a little excitement for the drive.
An Efficient Powertrain Lineup
When you’re ready to have the Kia Optima you want, you can choose from five different engines, most of which are attached to a six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that gives you 185 horsepower and then you can move up to the 1.6-liter turbocharged four that gives you 178 horsepower. This 1.6-liter engine is the only one that uses a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Next up is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 245 horsepower which is followed by the two hybrid powertrains. The fuel mileage you’ll find ranges from 31 mpg on the highway on up to as much as 46 mpg on the highway in the hybrid models.
The Features You’re Sure to Enjoy
Starting at the base LX model you’re going to have the advantage of a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Driver Mode Select system for Normal, Sport, and Eco modes, air conditioning, a rearview camera, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary ports, and USB ports. This is an excellent base model for you to start building the Optima you want to drive and enjoy on the road.
Stepping up to the higher trim levels you’ll be able to choose one of the other powertrains for the drive and have the benefits of a large number of features. The Convenience Package adds a ten-way power driver’s seat, laminated front side windows, and the new S model. Other items you’ll be able to enjoy include active cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, Nappa leather upholstery, an around-view monitor, the Harman/Kardon audio system and much more. These features can help you have the Kia Optima that will offer you the driving benefits you’ve been searching for.
Over the history of this car being on the market, it has made the list of most attractive and desirable models for many years. Take a look at what the Kia Optima offers for you when you visit your nearby Kia dealership and take a test drive. You’ll be able to choose the right trim level for you with the quality features you’ve been searching for so that you can head out on the road the way you want. This is a car that stands out in a crowded mid-size sedan segment that is still one of the most competitive areas of the automotive market.
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