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Overall, I really like the 2016 Kia Optima. If you asked me if I would ever consider a Kia 10 years ago, I'd just laugh with a quick "heck no." The company has come a long way, and the previous generation Optima was a major change for the company's brand perception. This follow-up takes the stunning looks and makes a car that's visually familiar but a completely different animal when it comes to refinement.
We liked
Said refinement includes well-devised feature implementations that aren't simply checking boxes. The infotainment system is easy to use on its own or you can add a smartphone to use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay next year.
There are two USB charging ports, so front- and rear-seat passengers can charge their devices. Plus, the 360-degree camera is well implemented with a birds-eye and directional view of the vehicle. And the adaptive cruise control can stop and hold the car for you.
Driving the Optima is a good experience – the sport suspension is stiff enough to have fun through windy roads but dampens well enough for a comfortable ride. The seats are comfortable, and I didn't develop any back pains during the hours of driving or riding as a passenger.
We disliked
There are some downsides with the Optima, though it's mostly me nitpicking. The overall interior materials consist of soft touch surfaces and ergonomic control placements.
For starters, the two large chunks of black plastic on each side of the infotainment screen are confusing – the plastic feels very cheap and it looks weird. There's the standard, foot-operated parking brake on lower trim models that reminds me of my dad's '80s Toyota pickup truck.
Not to mention the excessive use of exterior chrome trim – yuck. Also, Apple CarPlay not being available until next year is a major disappointment, especially since Honda has it on the refreshed Accord.
Final verdict
Pricing for the turbocharged Kia Optima SX starts at $29,690 (AU$48,331 as the Optima GT; no UK availability yet) but you get quite a lot of kit at that price, including sportier front and rear fascias, bi-Xenon HID headlights, 12-way adjustable leather sport seats, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, sportier suspension and integrated navigation functions.
Add the optional $4,800 SX Premium Technology Package, and Kia throws the kitchen sink at you with the driver assist technologies, 360-degree camera, the excellent Harman Kardon premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. That brings the price to $35,315, or you can splurge and go for the range-topping SX Limited at $36,615 and treat your behind to finer-quality Nappa leather.
Ultimately, I really dig the 2016 Kia Optima SX/SX Limited for how comfortable it is yet can keep up when I'm feeling spirited. The car has an excellent adaptive cruise control system that can completely stop the car, and an intuitive infotainment system that works with my smartphone. It's a mid-size sedan that is very large, with plenty of front and rear seat legroom and plenty of technology that most luxury car buyers don't get. Styling is subjective, but I am a fan.
This year's Optima may not look much different than the previous generation, but its toned down and shows a higher level of refinement, the equivalent of putting on a suit and tie. If you're looking for a mid-size sedan that's stylish and satisfies your needs for a comfortable daily commuter and family car, you can't go wrong with the 2016 Kia Optima.
