Overview:
This is the 2016 Kia Optima EX. It is a midsize family sedan and the overall feeling of reviewers and myself is that there is little to complain about with this car. It was a very pleasant driving week with this Kia Optima EX. By the way, the EX is right below the SX which is priced at about $10,000 more, or $36,000.
General Information: It is assembled in USA; Parts – US/Canadian 57%, Foreign 43%; Engine and transmission – USA; Classification is Midsize. Cars from Kia: Cadenza, Forte, Forte Koup, Forte 5, K900, Optima, Rio, Rio 5-door, Sedona, Sorento, Soul, Soul EV and Sportage.
Handling & Performance:
Excellent and a perfect size for a 4-door 5-seat sedan. Vehicle Stability Management ((VSM) is a technology that enables the vehicle to stabilize itself when accelerating or braking suddenly on uneven roads and shortens the braking distance). This system provides further enhancements to vehicle stability and steering responses when a vehicle is driving on a slippery road or a vehicle detects changes in coefficient of friction between right wheels and left wheels when braking.
When the VSM is in operation, ESC indicator light () blinks.
When the vehicle stability management is operating properly, you can feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle and/or abnormal steering responses (EPS). This is only the effect of brake and EPS control and indicates nothing unusual. . . but it will get your attention.
See standard equipment listing below for other operating safety features.
Styling:
Near luxury brands for a fraction of the price.
Fit and Finish:
Typically Kia cars are well designed and assembled. Well fitted seams and no squeaks or groans.
Cost:
Wow, these brands (noted below) must price them at the same table, one would think. But the technology is so precise that the cost is the same to build them. Designs are CAD (computer aided design) and assembly lines are pretty generic. The lesson to learn here: Competition forces them all to be efficient. Conversely if you had a monopoly or a unique design or simply consumer demand there is a certainty there will be a disparity and higher prices for the more demanded product.
Conveniences and comfort:
Excellent. Consider this is a car with a price tag of about $25,000. Instruments are very clear and easy to read. This contrasted to German brands in my opinion where instruments are more complicated and difficult to read. In addition Kia has some of the best intuitive electronics such as Nav, radio for example.
Available but not included in pricing of this Kia that I highly recommend include Blind spot detection system, rear cross traffic alert and rear parking assist system.
Consumer Recommendations:
Even if you are looking at luxury brand offerings you will be wise to include this Kia even in a field of $35,000 cars.
Recognized Competition:
Kia Optima 5 $25,000, Honda Accord $25,000, Ford Fusion $25,000, Mazda 6 $26,000, Chevrolet Malibu $25,000, Chrysler 200 $25,000, Subaru Legacy $25,000.
Good News:
Great pricing, great array of features both safety and comfort and convenience considerations.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter GDI (gas direct injection) 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission with active Eco system and DMS (Drive Mode Selection), 17” alloy wheels, front, side and full length side curtain airbags with driver knee air bag, LATCH (lower Anchor and Tether for Children) system, traction and stability control systems, stability management, hill start assist control, tire pressure monitor, climate control, power windows and locks and power heated folding outside mirrors with turn signal lights, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with SiriusXM satellite radio, 5” LCD rear camera display, USB / Auxiliary input jack and 12 volt outlet, Bluetooth wireless technology, power adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support, memory driver seat and outside mirror position, leather trimmed seats, heated front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seats, push button start with smart key and smart trunk opening, heated leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel control for Bluetooth, audio and cruise. 100,000 limited powertrain warranty.
Gas Stats:
$2.99 Gal avg. January 9, 2016
for more information.111
24 City and 35 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $24,890.