Car Reviews

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo | getinmymouf.com

This post is made possible through a partnership with the awesome folks at DriveShop and Kia, who provided us with a vehicle to test drive for a week. You can follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #DriveKia.

This marks the second Kia Optima that we’ve been able to try out. The last one was a model year older and was not a turbo. So, there will be a lot of comparisons to our experience with the older, non-turbo, Optima. Was this Kia worth waiting an extra year and spending more money for the turbo and additional features? Sure! And I’m really wondering why they make cars without turbos…

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo | getinmymouf.com

Oh and don’t forget to check out our companion video post, in which we take full advantage of the Optima’s turbo on one of our favorite local roads.

Specs

MSRP (as tested):  $35,315
MPG Estimate: 22 city – 32 highway
Engine:  2.0L Turbo Gas Direct Injection, 4 cylnders
Power:  245 hp @ 6000 rpm | 260 ft-lbs @ 1350 rpm
Transmission:  6-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ Active Eco System
Color:  Remington Red
Options:  SXT Premium Technology Package (HID headlights w/ high-beam assist, panoramic sunroof, Harmon Kardon QLS premium surround sound, power front passenger’s seat w/ lumbar, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seat cushions,  front collision warning, blind spot detection system, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking assist system, lane departure warning system, autonomous emergency braking system, advanced smart cruise control, surround view monitor, and LED overhead interior lighting)

Click here for the 2016 Kia Optima brochure.

Comfort

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo | getinmymouf.com

I remember the 2015 Optima’s driver’s seat being a tad bit comfier, with a softer couch-like feeling. These seats aren’t uncomfortable, but they felt stiffer. The SXT Premium Technology Package does include a front power passenger’s seat, which was a vast improvement over the stationary passenger seat in the 2015 model we tried. As a passenger it was waaaaaaaay too low and felt like you were sitting on the floor. So, if you have shorter passengers, they’ll be happy you splurged for the package with the better seat.

Amenities

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo | getinmymouf.com

The entertainment system remains above average and is easy to use, but the show-sealers (much like in the 2016 Kia Sorento) included the 360-view camera and panoramic sunroof. The car isn’t huge, but it’s still nice to have that 360 view…just in case. And that sunroof is ice cold (cooler than being cool). You don’t even need to really use the sunroof, just the fact that it creates a two-toned look, adds some real street cred. And by using the term “street cred” I probably just lost all of mine.

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo | getinmymouf.com

Performance

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo | getinmymouf.com

Is it worth it to spend a bit more and lose some MPG’s for the turbo? Yes. Of course. Always, yes. When someone offers you turbo, you accept it. Sure the non-turbo is fine. But do you really want to live life with just “fine”? Seriously, is this even a conversation? Just get the turbo.

As far as handling goes, the road feel is improved–Still not to a place where I’m excited to drive solely based on handling, but it’s getting closer than last year’s car.

Who Should Buy This Car

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo | getinmymouf.com

If you’re looking for an affordable TURBO-CHARGED sedan with all the bells and whistles, give a hard look to the 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo. Look, I realize that for some people, buying a Kia isn’t even on their radar. Before we were given the opportunity to test drive a few, I honestly didn’t think they could compete with some of the other brands. So, if you are in the market for a sedan, just take it for a test drive. You might be surprised!

Gratuitous Dog Picture

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo | getinmymouf.com

Since this wasn’t an SUV, Cooper had no problem getting into and out of the Optima. I’m not sure he even noticed that it wasn’t my daily driver. The only thing he’s not quite sure about is that sunroof–Anything that moves by itself is clearly powered by evil wizards sent to destroy all dogs from earth.

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Disclaimer:  As noted above, we were provided this vehicle courtesy of DriveShop and Kia. Other than being allowed to test drive this vehicle, we were not provided any monetary compensation for this post. As always, all opinions remain our own.

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Car Reviews

2015 Kia Optima SX Review

Kia Optima Review #DriveKia

This post is made possible through a partnership with the awesome folks at DriveShop and Kia, who provided us with a vehicle to test drive for a week. You can follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #DriveKia.

I didn’t really know much about Kia before driving this Optima. I did notice that a ton of people in our neighborhood have Kia Optimas. Like, a ton. And after getting to know this car for a week, I completely understand why.

Specs

MSRP (as tested):  $31,310
MPG Estimate: 23 city – 34 highway
Engine:  2.4L Gas Direct Injection, 4 cylnders
Power:  192 hp @ 6300 rpm | 181 ft-lbs @ 4250 rpm
Transmission:  6-speed Sportmatic Transmission
Color:  Remington Red
Options:  SX Premium Technology Package (power folding mirrors, Infinity audio system, UVO Service w/ Telematics, HD radio technology, Navigation with SiriusXM, rear camera, blind spot detection system, driver’s seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, power front passenger’s seat, heated outboard rear seats, and back-up warning system)

Kia Optima Review #DriveKia

Comfort

The seats are really comfortable. REALLY comfortable. Surprisingly comfortable, even. Here’s a challenge: Put on a blind fold and go sit in this car along with three other luxury brands. I bet it’ll be tough to tell which one’s the Kia.

And on top of seats that are luxury-quality comfortable, they’re also cooled. Yes, cooled seats. On a hot day, they’re basically like an ice cold lemonade for your back and butt. Weird metaphor, but accurate.

Ventilated Seats Kia Optima Review #DriveKia

Amenities

The UVO entertainment system is a really well-designed and user-friendly system that looks good, is intuitive, and WORKS. I’ve come to expect most voice-comand functions in cars have a 50% success rate. I was able to easily add a new destination to the navigation on the first try. You’ve been warned, Siri.

And the mirrors fold in and out automatically. Which I suppose is functional for tight parking spots, but it just also looks cool and made me feel like I was driving a spaceship.

Performance

190 horsepower and 181 ft-lbs of torque provide plenty of get-up-and-go to get you around, but aren’t so much that you’ll be living at the gas station. Our average gas mileage over the course of the week was 25.5 MPG, which isn’t that bad (if you want better mileage, then check out the hybrid version). Personally, I’d take the extra juice if it meant spending a bit more at the tank.

Steering feel and handling are a tad looser and not quite as responsive as I prefer, but others may take that sacrifice for the softer ride. I missed some of the nimbleness that my 2006 compact car has, but the Optima is quite a bit larger.

Kia Optima Review #DriveKia

Food Friendliness

Often an overlooked aspect of vehicles, a lot can be said for a car that is really comfortable to eat in. Sometimes you need a quick, quiet, and comfortable place to escape from the insanity of work/school/your own children. Enter the Kia Optima.

Kia Optima Review #DriveKia

With the seat reclined and moved back, the center console made for a nice counter to hold a sandwich. In fact, I recommend using one of the memory seat positions for “lunch mode”. Did I mention the seats were comfortable?

(BTW – You can see more interior car/eating pics in our review of McDonald’s Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich.)

The cabin is also spacious, so I’m sure that somehow prevents you from accidentally bumping your elbow on something and spilling ketchup on your white button-up shirt.

Who Should Buy This Car

Kia Optima Review #DriveKia

This is definitely going to sound like standard commercial copywriting, but if you want luxury amenities at an affordable price, then you should give a hard look at this car. Although the MSRP tops out at about $31k, nobody actually pays MSRP. In fact, internet prices for the same version of this car, WITH THE TURBO ENGINE (274 hp and 269 ft-lbs of torque) is about $27,000. That’s almost ridiculous, especially when comparable luxury vehicles would easily double the price tag. Overall, this was a fine car. A fine car, indeed.

And for what it’s worth, Kia ranked #2 in the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality Study. Yup, Kia was right behind Porsche and just ahead of Jaguar.

Gratuitous Dog Pictures

Kia Optima Review #DriveKia

Kia Optima Review #DriveKia

Kia Optima Review #DriveKia

Disclaimer:  As noted above, we were provided this vehicle courtesy of DriveShop and Kia. Other than being allowed to test drive this vehicle, we were not provided any monetary compensation for this post. As always, all opinions remain our own.

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