The mid-size
2013 Kia Optima sedan retains its crisp, attention -grabbing exterior, boasting the looks of much pricier mid-size offerings, including those from posh luxury divisions. All at a starting price ranking as one of the segment's most attractive. That's saying a mouthful from a South Korean automaker that just a decade earlier was fighting off a perceived reputation of questionable reliability.
To stem the negative tide, the plucky automaker began offering a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty helping to convince a skeptical public that Kia had arrived as a mainstream player with more than just 'rock bottom' transportation. As if needing more prodding, Kia embarked a few years later on a trendy (some say head scratching) corporate marketing campaign involving hip-hopping, computer-generated hamsters who don't say much by ooze plenty of street cred when behind the wheel of a Kia-badged product. Goofy?...Yea; but it's difficult to argue with success even when it's built around grunge-draped rodents. Kia is on pace this year to surpass its record-setting 2011 U.S. sales totals. Optima rates as Kia's best-selling model with annual sales in the U.S. already passing the 100,000 mile marker as of the end of August 2012.
Kia opened its first U.S. assembly in West Point, Georgia (Southwest of Atlanta, straddling the Alabama boarder) three years ago. Optima began production at this stat-of-the-art facility in the 2012 model year sharing line time with the mid-size five-door Sorrento crossover. Locally, Kia houses a central region business office in Lombard.
The 2013 version is based on Optima's third-generation redo which debuted in the 2011 model year and was quite a departure from a functional, yet rather ho-hum second generation. Optima no longer blends in with the mid-size sedan crowd, it's a stylistic head turner. The strictly front-wheel-drive third-generation added 1.7 inches in length and an inch for width. Height, however, was taken down one inch shorter, contributing to a lower profile.
Mechanically, little changes from 2012 although an all-new, filled-to-the-brim trim has been added to the three returning offerings: LX, EX and SX. This new trim is designated as an SXL (the 'L' designates "Limited" ) and basically is an SX trim with optional Technology and Touring Packages. Also, all models add adjustable front headrests.
Notable standard features in every Optima include tilt and telescoping steering column, six-way adjustable driver's seat, a glove box capable of cooling contents, steering-wheel mounted secondary audio controls, air conditioning, cruise control and rear defogger along with power windows, locks and mirrors. A compact disc/MP3 player with three months of Sirius Satellite Radio and Bluetooth wireless connectivity is also standard fare. All trims include a wide range of air bags (side curtain, front-seat side mounted) along with stability control, traction control, brake assist and anti-lock brakes.
The fully-loaded SXL tester Kia supplied included a $26,800 starting price with a $35,275 bottom line after options and $775 destination charge aboard. This represents one of the most decked-out Optimas available. Extras included a $2,950 Touring Package (sunroof, rear camera display, heated and cooled front seats, larger tires) and $1,400 Technology Package (in-dash navigation with Sirius traffic) to create the new SXL trim. For good measure, a $3,500 Limited Package ( chrome wheel covers, chrome lower door sill accents, upgraded leather seats/interior trim and electronic parking brake) was thrown into the mix. The lowest priced LX with 2.4-liter engine starts at $21,200. By comparison the lowest-priced, more conservatively-styled 2013 Honda Accord four-door (totally redesigned in the 2013 model year) starts at $21,680 while a redesigned for 2012 Toyota Camry checks in with a $22,055 starting tag.
Two very capable, fuel-efficient four-cylinder gas engines are offered as Optima ditched an optional six-cylinder engine after the 2010 model year. Optima LX and EX trims feature a naturally aspirated, 2,4-liter gas direct injection four cylinder delivering 200 horses while up level SX and SXL offer the spunky 2.0-liter turbo generating a more welcomed 274. Turbocharging pressurizes air prior to the intake stroke via a turbine air compressor powered by recycled exhaust gasses. The highly volatile air mixes with the gas/fuel to create a bigger boom. Turbocharging maximizes engine oomph without adding additional cylinders or much extra weight. As automakers look to extend fuel economy numbers, turbocharging has become a go-to option.
Both engines team with a modern, six-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission is not available. The sizeable 18.5-gallon tank utilizes regular, unleaded fuel. The in-line 2.4-liter four cylinder is the fuel leader at 24 mpg city and 34 highway; subtract two miles per gallon city with the turbo variant. Push-button start and dual control ventilation functions come standard in all trims sans the entry EX.
Optima also offers a gas-electric (non plug-in style) hybrid returning basically unchanged from the 2012 model year. This 'full' hybrid generates fuel economy in the 35 mpg city, 40 mph highway range and rates as one of the industry's lowest-priced mid-size hybrids. 'Full' hybrids have electric motors and internal-combustion engines capable of working together or independently depending on driving demands. With current 'mild' hybrids on the market, the electric motor acts as an assistant to the IC power plant.
Optima is strictly four doors. A handful of rivals offer coupe variants of their mid-size sedans. Helping create the sleek silhouette are narrow, extended headlight and tail light housing and dual exhausts. A creative, wider-at-the bottom C-pillar provides sharp contrasts in tandem with the rear-door's outboard edged arrow head design. Narrow side windows combine with a rising side belt line add to the sleek factor. The trunk holds a segment average, useable 15.4 cubic feet of cargo room, although hinges are of the exposed goose-neck variety. Also to save weight, no spare tire comes standard although a tire inflation kit does.
Firm and sturdy bucket seats are positioned a pinch closer to the ground than many mid-size sedans allowing for a sporty posture and sensation. Our SXL included white stitching contrasting nicely with the black leatherette-style seating. Only entry LX comes with cloth seating materials. With the low-profile roof line, headroom is not as generous as some other rivals. My six-foot two-inch frame encountered no difficulty, but those with extra verticatality need to test sit. Two riders fit comfortably in back; three folks are fine for short excursions. Rear seatbacks fold down with a 60/40 split once trunk-located pull tabs get called into action.
The eye-pleasing instrument cluster includes two circular analog gauges with white backlighting flanking a small digitally graphic message area. Dash controls are gently skewed towards the driver for a cockpit-like experience. The three-spoke steering wheel is also home to all cruise control functions. Dual beverage holders between front buckets are diagonally arranged with a power outlet and USB port straight ahead. Just above is the ventilation system with push panels controlling fan speed and direction and dual dials controlling dual ventilation. The audio system includes a square, in-dash information screen doubling as the rear-view camera feed and navigation map display.
Optima is smooth on the highway with little wind noise. If budgets allow, opt for the turbo as the added horsepower is noticeable and welcome.
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
Price as tested: $35,275
Wheelbase: 110.0 inches
Length: 190.7 inches
Width: 72.1 inches
Height: 57.3 inches
Engine: 2.0-liter turbo
Horsepower: 274
Curb weight: 3,385 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
City/Highway economy: 22 mpg city/34 mpg highway
Assembly: West Point, Georgia