2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo
An Automotive Love Affair
By Joseph Mavilia
Overview:
This is the 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo. Well, I’m impressed. This class has evolved to the point of near luxury. It will fit my budget while delivering all a person needs to be set apart. Great features and styling you gotta love. It is roomy and fast and looks good too. This week’s ride was a delight and reinforces my support for Korean made cars.
General Information: It is assembled in West Point, GA USA; Parts – US/Canadian 48%, Korea 50%; Engine and transmission – USA; Classification is Midsize. Cars from Kia: Cadenza, Forte,, K900, Niro, Optima, Rio, Rio 5-door, Sedona, Sorento, Soul, Sportage and Stinger.
Handling & Performance:
I love small engines that are turbocharged. Better on fuel economy with optional ‘turbocharged’ power when you want or need it.
Styling:
I love these Korean’s – they really have done their homework and know what people want. Or, are they just good copy cats? Well, doesn’t matter since they’re doing a great job and I’m thrilled with how quickly the company has picked up their share of the market.
One guy commented to me that this would be a great UBER car since it roomy in the rear seat.
Fit and Finish:
I must admit you can’t really distinguish these car options based on how well they are assembled. Coming from the ‘old school’ I remember when some makes would shake, rattle and roll more than Elvis’ hips.
Cost:
All the competition is too close to separate them based on price. They are competing and we, the consumer, is winning. Good old Capitalism with a free market principle that works every time.
Conveniences and comfort:
Toyota could learn a lot from Kia and others who feature true “Smart Cruise Control” that will stop and start with traffic changes. It adds great comfort and sense of safety and reduces stress on the highway with ridiculous traffic conditions. Thanks Kia.
Consumer Recommendations:
You will want to look long and hard at the competition and realize there is a reason you are beginning to see growing numbers of Korean cars on the highway. Kia and Hyundai get my vote for car company of the year.
Recognized Competition:
| Brand | $$$ | MPG | Seating | Doors | Country of Origin | Assembled |
| Kia Optima SX | 32,000 | 24 | 5 | 4 | Korea | USA |
| Honda Accord | 33,000 | 27 | 5 | 4 | Japan | USA |
| Hyundai Sonata | 33,000 | 26 | 5 | 4 | Korea | USA |
| Chevy Malibu | 33,000 | 26 | 5 | 4 | USA | USA |
| Toyota Camry | 35,000 | 26 | 5 | 4 | Japan | USA |
| Nissan Altima | 33,000 | 31 | 5 | 4 | Japan | USA |
| Ford Fusion * | 32,000 | 23 | 5 | 4 | USA | Mexico |
Good News:
Roomy, fast turbo, comfortable and great features list
Bad News:
No complaints.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 230 HP Turbo 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, 18” alloy wheels, front side and side curtain airbags, LATCH system, ABS braking system, traction & stability controls, vehicle stability management, hill start assist, tire pressure monitor, Harmon Cardon Audio, UVO Link Navigation with 8” touchscreen, rear camera, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, SIRIUS XM, Bluetooth, power front seats with memory, leather seats with heated and ventilated front seats, push button start, smart key, smart trunk, heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, blind spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep and lane departure warning, parking assist, rear cross traffic collision warning, smart cruise control with stop and go feature, LED fog lights and headlights with high beam assist, Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade.
Gas Stats:
$3.23-Gal avg. March 20, 2019
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
21 City and 30 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $31,900.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@autolove.com
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