Kia->ke41 has made huge strides as far as overall quality and design goes since the brand entered the U.S. Market. That is more evident than ever in the 2016 Kia Optima->ke1325. In terms of exterior styling, the new Optima gained restyled headlights and a new, more aggressive front fascia. The grille is now sleeker, and the side body profile is much sleeker than before. On the inside, Kia looked to its larger vehicles for inspiration, which resulted in an upscale, premium interior with quality and finish that is normally reserved for more luxurious nameplates. The center stack is even graced with an 8-inch UVO2 infotainment and connectivity system. Under the hood, Kia played the fuel economy game. Instead of upgrading, Kia opted to carry over the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter from the previous generation with a decrease in power to accommodate an increase in fuel economy. A 1.6-liter, turbocharged unit has also been added to the list of powertrain options for 2016.

As you can see, Kia has a lot to be proud of when it comes to the new Optima. It’s not surprising, considering it was also inspired by the Sportspace Concept. The newly styled sedan raises the bar for styling and interior space and brings plenty of premium features that make it one comfortable chariot of those longer road trips. It’s hard to believe Kia has come this far, but it surely has. So, with that said, let’s look into the specifics of the new Optima and why it’s a major competitor for the midsized->ke1695 sedan->ke142 market.

Updated 10/13/2015: Kia announced prices for the 2016 Optima which will go on sale in in five trim levels – LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SXL. Prices will range from $21,840 for the LX with a 2.4-liter engine up to $35,790 for the SXL version equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Kia Optima.

kia-optima

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: kia-optima
Pros
Cons

2016 Kia Optima

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Kia Optima
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 185 @ 6000
  • Torque: 178 @ 4000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Not surprisingly, the Optima's new design is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, building on the handsome cues of the third-generation sedan. The slightly reshaped "tiger nose" grille is now both wider and narrower, while the headlamps have been redesigned to blend in perfectly. The lower grille is also wider on the new car, while the foglamps received vertical surrounds on top of being moved further toward the fenders. Thanks to these modifications, the front fascia is more aggressive.

The third-gen Optima cues are more visible around back, but there are plenty of details that make this sedan stand out. The taillights are new and equipped with LED technology, while the trunk lid features crisper character lines. Down below, the revised diffuser-like element houses a pair of massive exhaust pipes. Most of these details are obviously inspired by the Kia Sportspace Concept shown at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

The profile of the sedan is largely similar to its predecessor, but with notable differences in the side skirt and rear quarter glass area. The latter is no longer included in the rear door, and that's one detail I don't fancy. It makes the Optima look neither stylish nor sportier, and I simply don't see why Kia opted for a longer glasshouse area. Designers, eh?

Exterior Dimensions

Overall length

4,855 MM (191.1 Inches)

Overall width

1,860 MM (73.2 Inches)

Overall height without roof rails mm/(in.)

1,465 MM (57.6 Inches)

Wheelbase

2,805 MM (110.4 Inches)


Interior

As with most redesigns, the Optima's new interior is both larger and more comfortable. The big news here, however, is that Kia used its larger sedans for inspiration when it designed the cabin, resulting in a more premium interior with a range of details usually found in luxury vehicles. The attention to detail is exemplary and the stitching on the dashboard and the doors, as well as the tasteful metallic accents, make the new Optima's interior a nice place to spend time in. The cleaner design of the center stack, now sporting fewer buttons and knobs, helps improve this feeling.

Comfort was another focus for Kia while designing the fourth-gen car. A stiffer seat frame reduces vibration, while both the driver and passenger seats are now heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable. More convenience comes with the height-adjustable front passenger seat, a feature normally found only in premium sedans. Speaking of seats, they are covered in cloth in lower trim levels and either leather or Nappa leather in the more expensive one. Two new interior colors, Rich Merlot and Dark Aubergine, were introduced for 2016.

Tech upgrades include Kia's UVO2 connectivity system and an 8-inch color touchscreen, which integrates with both Android Lollipop and iOS 8. A six-speaker audio system comes standard, but audiophiles will have access to the optional, fancier Infinity Premium Audio System6, which includes 14 speakers, Clari-Fi technology, and a 630-watt digital amplifier.

The new Optima's interior is also a lot quieter now, thanks to stiffer engine mounts, body panels and wheels, which help reduce vibrations, engine noise and road noise. Larger cross-member bushings further isolate road and engine noise, as well as reduce engine vibration through the floor.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, Kia will continue to offer the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder and the turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-banger of the third-generation sedan, as well as the six-speed automatic transmission. However, both engines have been retuned for better fuel economy with slight drops in power and torque. The 2.4-liter's output dropped from 192 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque to 185 horses and 178 pound-feet, while the 2.0-liter turbo lost 27 horses and nine pound-feet from 2015, now churning 247 horsepower and 260 pound-feet.

Kia didn't release fuel economy estimates for the new power ratings. Expect 0-to-60 sprints to come slower with both engines. The current models reach the benchmark in 8.5 and 7.2 seconds, respectively.

The Optima's familiar engine lineup will be joined by a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder for 2016. The unit is similar to the one offered in the Kia Forte and Hyundai Veloster and cranks out 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of twist through the brand's first seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. No fuel consumption rating from this one either as of April 2015.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

2.4-liter Four-cylinder

1.6-liter Turbo Four-cylinder

2.0-liter Turbo Four-cylinder

Valve System

Intake ECVVT

Intake ECVVT

DOHC with dual CVVT

Estimated horsepower

185 HP @ 6,000 RPM

178 HP @ 5,500 RPM

247 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Estimated torque

178 LB-FT @ 4,000 RPM

195 LB-FT @ 1,500 RPM

260 LB-FT @ 1,350 RPM

Displacement (cc)

144 (2,359 cc)

97 (1,596 cc)

122 (1998 cc)

Compression Ratio

11.3:1

10.0:1

10.0:1


Prices

Model

Description

MSRP

Optima LX

2.4L GDI I-4 - 6 A/T

$21,840.00

Optima LX Turbo

1.6L GDI I-4 - 6 A/T

$23,990.00

Optima EX

2.4L GDI I-4 - 6 A/T

$24,890.00

Optima SX Turbo

2.0L T-GDI I-4 - 6 A/T

$29,690.00

Optima SXL Turbo

2.0L T-GDI I-4 - 6 A/T

$35,790.00


Options

Aurora Black Pearl Paint

$295.00

Convenience Package

$1,850.00

Turbo Launch Edition

$2,700.00

Technology Package

$2,600.00

Premium Package

$3,700.00

Premium Technology Package

$4,800.00

Snow White Pearl Paint

$295.00

Premium Audio Package

$1,200.00

Rear Bumper Appliqué

$75.00

Cargo Mat

$95.00

Carpeted Floor Mats

$130.00

Cargo Hook

$25.00

Cargo Net

$50.00

Cargo Tray

$80.00

Door Sill Appliqué

$110.00

Autodimming Mirror with Compass and Homelink®

$350.00

Mud Guards

$100.00

Paint Protection Film Package

$250.00

Remote Start (Key Start)

$425.00

Remote Start (Push-Button Start)

$425.00

Wheel Locks

$55.00


Competitors

Ford Fusion

The Fusion is a solid choice if you're looking for a family sedan. It has an attractive design with an Aston Martin-like front end and a cleverly designed, well-equipped interior. Three engines are available in the U.S., beginning with the base 2.5-liter, Duratec inline-four, which delivers 175 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque.

Those in need of more power and better fuel economy can go for the 1.5-liter EcoBoost and its 181 horses and 185 pound-feet. The four-banger returns 36 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city. Lastly, the range-topping 2.0-liter EcoBoost generates 240 ponies and 270 pound-feet of torque. Pricing for the 2015 model year starts at $22,400, but the Fusion can fetch more than $36,500 in its most expensive trim.

Read more about it in our full review here.

Mazda6

The Mazda6 got a complete overhaul for the 2014 model year. The exterior embraced the company's new "Kodo - Soul of Motion" design language and Mazda's full range of SkyActiv technology. The driver-oriented cabin gained higher quality materials, a more attractive design, enhanced legroom, and more shoulder room in the back. A 5.8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, rearview camera, and voice command are only a few of the goodies the Mazda6 comes with even in its base trim.

Motivating the sedan is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder unit that cranks out 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque at only 3,250 rpm. Also available on the Grand Touring model is the i-ELOOP system, which uses the kinetic energy created when braking to create electricity that it is later used to power the headlights, audio system and climate control. The stored energy reduces the amount of time the vehicle has to rely on the engine-driven alternator, which increases fuel economy by about 2 mpg. The Mazda6 retails from $21,190, but it can fetch in excess of $30,000 in the range-topping Grand Touring trim.

Find out more in our detailed review here.

Conclusion

The Kia Optima evolved dramatically with the arrival of the third-generation model, which was penned by former Audi chief designer Peter Schreyer. The German’s modern cues and Kia’s attention to details, as well as its powerful and fuel-efficient engines granted the Optima access to an wider audience and enabled it to compete against vehicles it couldn’t have a decade ago. The fourth-gen car is here to prove the trend will continue, with Kia now pushing the Optima even higher on the luxury ladder and adding a touch of aggressiveness to its design with the new styling. Of course, the Optima still doesn’t have what it takes to compete with the likes of the BMW 5 Series, but it’s more than suited to give the Ford Fusion and the Mazda6 a run for their money.

Updated History

Updated 04/01/2015: The new Kia Optima made its world debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show.

Updated 03/26/2015: With just a few days before the car's official debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show, Kia unveiled a first official image for the 2016 Optima.

Teaser Images

Spy Shots

September 2, 2014 - First testing session