Overview:
This is the 2016 Kia Optima SX LTD Turbo Gas Direct Injected 4-cylinder engine. I’ve been testing all of the Hyundai and Kia Korean made cars and have yet to find any negative issues.
Back in March I tested the Kia Optima Hybrid and although they are the same car in many respects power or fuel economy seem to be the only difference. I liked the highway 39 mpg on the hybrid – 7 mpg better than the Turbo I tested this week. So if you want power and rapid acceleration on the road the Turbo will suit you more. Me, I like the added fuel economy more. I tend to have a heavy foot on the accelerator and didn’t get the best mileage as I found myself going faster than I needed.
The Swedes have a saying “Vee get too soon old’t und’t too late schmart” and I’ve found that to be way true. One regret in life has been I was always in too much of a hurry. Later I found I was more relaxed while driving and didn’t get to my destination all that much sooner than when rushing around. I couldn’t help but recall the story of the Tortoise and the Hare and wonder why I didn’t get the point of the story much earlier in life.
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:
Very nice handling and fast. And if you can control the speed you’ll also get an average fuel economy of 25 mpg.
Styling:
Lovely car. Nice job Kia.
Fit and Finish:
Kia has not yet disappointed me with the quality of the cars they produce.
Cost:
Very well priced for such a well-equipped passenger car.
Conveniences and comfort:
Special safety conveniences I have put at the top of my list of those things you should have in any new car you invest in. The features are getting more commonplace and with a Kia you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Consumer Recommendations:
As you may recall I bought my daughter a Kia about 6 years ago and she liked it so much she traded the older one for a near new Kia. You can tell your kids, but you can’t tell them much is a saying I like to quote. But then my daughter goes and surprises me by helping her own daughter to buy one as well. Maybe that is what they mean by “Paying it Forward”.
Finally Kia and Hyundai have warranties that are among, if not, the best in the industry.
Recognized Competition:
Kia Optima SX Turbo $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 for a great array of features both for safety and for comfort and convenience considerations, Turbo power for ease of passing and for many it will be more fun to drive.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter Turbo GDI (gas direct injection) 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission with active Eco system, 18” alloy wheels, ABS anti-locking brake system, 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, Harman Kardon surround sound, Navigation system with 8” rear camera display, SiriusXM satellite radio, power adjustable driver and front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front leather seats, push button start with smart key and smart trunk, front collision warning system, blind spot detection system, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking assist system, lane departure warning system, autonomous emergency breaking system, smart cruise control, surround view monitor and panoramic sunroof.
Gas Stats:
$2.95 Gal avg. May 16, 2016
for more information.
22 City and 32 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $ 35,790.