The Kia Optima is probably the most important vehicle in engineering the turnaround of the Kia brand from maker of cheap, unreliable, boring vehicles to formidable competitor in many market segments.
For 2019, the Optima midsize sedan continues to represent the Kia brand well and show that the Korean company is firmly ensconced as an automotive power.
The Optima comes in four trim levels: the LX, S, EX, and SX Turbo, which our tester was.
The LX and S trims have under the hood a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 185 horsepower.
The SX Turbo is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 247 horsepower. Fuel economy for this engine is rated at 21 mpg city, 30 highway.
Both of those engines are linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The EX features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder option that makes 178 horsepower and is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Fuel economy for this model is rated at 28 mpg city, 39 highway.
Driving dynamics for the SX Turbo are probably a little better than what you might expect from a Kia. It is capable of accelerating aggressively, handling smoothly and braking firmly.
It's not quite European luxury-sedan level stuff, but neither is the price tag.
Interior comfort is good, with well-designed seating, good leg room and adequate head room. As an added amenity, the tester had a great Harman Kardon sound system that provided a nice sound track.
The Optima starts at around $24,000, with our test model carrying a sticker price of $32,820.
The Optima is a nicely styled, comfortable sedan that also lets you have a little fun.
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