2017 Kia Optima

The 2017 Kia Optima brings style and value to the competitive family sedan segment. The Optima stands apart from the pack thanks to its striking sheet metal and impressive feature content.

Kia’s Optima is a midsize sedan that seats five passengers, and it’s offered in LX, EX, SX and SXL trims. A hybrid model is also available. All models are front-wheel drive, and three engines are available.

For 2017, the Optima SX gets standard 18-inch alloys, and SXL models add standard 18-inch chrome alloy wheels. Also, LED headlights are now standard on SXL models.

Exterior

The Optima looks a shade more assertive than the typical family sedan. A curving gloss-black grille spans the front fascia, and it’s bordered by slanting projector-beam headlights. In profile, the Optima presents a gracefully elongated hood and a sloping roofline, and the sedan travels on standard 16-inch alloy wheels. Standard power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators assist drivers with visibility.

Base models come with automatic headlights and a chrome exhaust tip. The list of upgrades includes 17- or 18-inch wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, LED rear combination lamps, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, power-folding side mirrors and a rear spoiler.

Interior

The Optima’s cabin is pleasant and spacious. A tall greenhouse gives the car an airy feel, and both rows are sufficiently roomy for adults. The Optima’s trunk offers 15.9 cubic feet of capacity for your personal items.

The list of standard equipment includes power windows and door locks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, air conditioning, cloth upholstery and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. You can dress up your Optima with alloy pedals, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Performance

The 2017 Kia Optima offers pleasant handling that’s tuned to meet the needs of most shoppers in this segment.

LX and EX models come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine offering 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and it’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This power plant has an EPA rating of up to 25/36 mpg city/highway.

A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is optional. It provides 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, and is matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The EPA gives this engine a 28/37 mpg fuel economy rating.

SX and SX Limited models feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This power plant is governed by a six-speed automatic transmission, and it has an EPA rating of 22/31 mpg.

Technology

The Optima offers a healthy array of technology amenities. Base models come with satellite radio, a 5-inch touch screen, keyless entry, a CD/MP3 player, a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview camera.

The list of available features includes keyless ignition, a wireless smartphone charger, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot detection, rear parking assist, a surround-view camera, a 7- or 8-inch touch screen, navigation and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.