2017 Kia Optima

The 2017 Kia Optima is spread across four major trims, which are LX, EX, SX, and SX Limited. The LX is the base trim, which is priced at $22,200. It gets 16-inch wheels, manual air conditioning, cruise control, automatic halogen headlamps, cloth upholstery, 6-way manual adjusting driver and passenger seat, 5.0-inch touchscreen display, 6-speaker audio system, back-up camera, and keyless entry. Moving up the trim ladder, you’ll find the EX priced at $25,440. It gets all the features standard on the LX plus the Convenience and Convenience Plus packages. It further adds dual-zone automatic climate control, LED taillights, 17-inch wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, rear parking sensors, and 2 USB ports. 

Pay a little more, and you’ll get the SX. In addition to the features standard on the EX trim, it gets a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels, 8-inch touchscreen display, leather upholstery, heated front seats, adaptive headlights, rear lip spoiler, sport suspension, a navigation system, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Some packages are exclusively available for the SX trim. The Turbo Sport Value package adds a black spoiler, black side-view mirrors, and a unique set of 18-inch wheels. The Premium Technology package will get you a premium ESC and Harman/Kardon audio system. At the top, you’ll find SX Limited which costs $36,090. It gets all the features mentioned above and further adds a 360-degree camera system, wireless smartphone charging pad, and upgraded leather upholstery. 

Which Trim should you buy?

Although the LX with the Convenience package proves to be a great deal, the EX trim unlocks a few more additional packages exclusive to its trim. It costs only $3,000 more than the LX and adds a few worthy comfort features, making it a desirable and a good value-for-money choice. if you want to go all out, you can get the SX Limited trim with the optional 2.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-4 which will put out 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

The 2017 Kia Optima features three different engines in its line-up. The base trim LX starts off by hosting a 2.4L Inline-4 engine under the hood. It produces 185 hp and has a max torque output of 178 lb-ft. It is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, and the power is delivered only to the front wheels. The LX also offers a performance version that changes the powertrain setup completely. It gets a 1.6 turbocharged Inline-4 engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine is capable of producing 178 hp and a peak torque of 195 lb-ft.

The SX and SX Limited get a trim-exclusive 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 engine which puts out 245 hp with a torque of 260 lb-ft. It is mated to the same 6-speed automatic gearbox found in the LX trim. The figures mentioned below are for the LX trim, which features the 2.4L engine. Opting for the LX Turbo will degrade these numbers a bit. The 1.6T engine manages to reach 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and does a quarter-mile in 15.9 seconds. The top-tier trim featuring the 2.0T engine outperforms the rest. It takes only 6.8 seconds to touch 60 mph and 15.2 seconds to complete a quarter-mile.

All of Optima’s rivals are very closely matched in terms of price points and power figures. Out of which, the most powerful is the Accord, while the sedan which has the best torque is the MAZDA6. However, the Optima is the fastest in terms of 0 to 60 mph times. When comparing the top speed, Mazda is the fastest at 140 mph. With a price tag of $21,680, the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu comes out to be the cheapest option in the competition.

How well does the 2017 Kia Optima handle?

The base trim with the base engine offers a decent driving experience but is not as good as its competitors. Both the turbocharged engines offered on the Optima are always eager to accelerate, but while doing so, the Optima remains stable on the ground. The steering is light, smooth, and very responsive. There are multiple driving modes offered on the Optima to suit your preference. This helps the suspension in adapting to the terrain it's in, resulting in a comfortable ride. The struts and coil springs type front suspension and multi-link independent type rear suspension soak in minor bumps, but it gives in on harsh impacts. 

Braking Performance

The Kia Optima offers the biggest brake rotors in the segment. it is equipped with 12-inch front brake rotors and 11.2-inch rear brake rotors. However, it also weighs the most in the segment at 3219 lbs. Regardless of the trim, the brake pedal has a firm and good feel to it. Despite offering good feedback, its stopping distance is quite mediocre when compared to its rivals. 

The lightest sedan in this segment is the Chevy Malibu. Its lightweight helps it stop at a distance much shorter than the rest of the sedans in this segment. The Optima takes 118 feet to stop from 60 to 0 mph, while the Malibu stops just after 113 feet. Even though the Mazda 6 is not the heaviest sedan in the competition, it takes the most distance of 126 feet to reach a halt from 60 mph.

Multiple powertrains provide different fuel economies. The figures mentioned in the table below are for Optima’s LX trim. The LX Turbo with the 1.6T engine pulls off the best fuel economy not just among the optima’s line-up but in the entire segment. The numbers for it are 28/39/32 MPG (city/highway/combined). Opting for the SX trim will definitely boost up the Optima’s power, but it takes a toll on fuel economy. It provides the worst fuel economy among its trims. The numbers for it are 22/31/25 MPG.

The best-in-class fuel economy is delivered by the Chevrolet Malibu. It is rated at 30 MPG (combined). However, the biggest fuel tank is fitted in the Kia Optima. With a capacity of 18.5 gallons, the Optima attains the best-in-class range of 536.5 miles (combined). Even though the Malibu has the best economy figures, it fails to cash on it in the overall range due to the smallest fuel tank in the competition.

Despite being an affordable family-friendly sedan, the interior of the 2017 Kia Optima feels like a premium sedan. It is classy, elegant, and packed with high-quality materials. Its simplistic and monotone dashboard has a low layout to enhance exterior visibility. The infotainment screen is placed high on the dashboard with a number of buttons and knobs below to help you browse through the functions and control the air conditioning. 

The lower trims feature cloth upholstery, while the higher trims like SX and SX Limited offer premium leather upholstery. The front seats are extremely comfortable and spacious. Both the front seats are 6-way manual adjusting. As you go higher the trim levels, functions like 12-way power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front seats can be availed. The rear seats are somewhat less spacious. Due to its sloping roofline, the rear passengers have to compromise on headroom and some legroom as well.

The Kia Optima offers a class-leading cargo space in the segment. Its trunk can hold up to 15.9 cubic feet of luggage, which is the best space by just a whisker. Both the Malibu and the Accord are a close second place by offering 15.8 cubic feet of space. All the sedans in the competition come with a seating capacity of 5, which is the segment's standard. Some of the highlights of the interior are:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control (EX and higher)
• Heated front seats (SX and SX Limited)
• Leather upholstery (SX and SX Limited)
• Memory settings for driver’s seat and side-view mirrors (optional)
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel (optional)
• Keyless entry

What’s there to keep you entertained?

When it comes to the infotainment system, a wide range of options are available on the Kia Optima. The base trim, LX, features a 5-inch touchscreen display which is the least exciting out of the options available. Opting for the Convenience Plus package will upgrade this system to a 7-inch touchscreen display, which is further seen in the higher trim levels. Apart from the base trim, all trims get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard. All trims are fitted with a 6-speaker audio system, but the higher trims such as SX and SX Limited get an option of fitting a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system. Features like voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM stereo are also standard on all trims. Some of the key features offered by this system are:

• Satellite radio
• 6-speaker audio system
• Voice recognition
• Bluetooth connectivity
• AM/FM Stereo
• Wireless charging pad (SX Limited)
• Navigation system (optional)
• USB ports

The 2017 Kia Optima’s exterior is classy and sophisticated. Theirs is nothing significantly new in terms of design, but it still manages to attract buyers. The front fascia is characterized by the signature Kia grille and logo. It is followed by aggressively designed automatic halogen headlamps. You’ll find some sleek chrome accents below the grille as a part of the front bumper. Its sloping simplistically designed hood adds to the sophistication.

Viewing the Optima from the side will get your attention to its expansive length. It sits on either 16, 17, or 18-inch wheels depending upon the trim you choose. It has a comparatively low ground clearance of 5.3 inches, and it also features power-adjustable, manual-folding side-view mirrors. Its sloping roofline gives the rear end a sporty and coupe-like look. The rear fascia comprises sleek and big LED taillights, a rear lip spoiler (found only on the higher trims), and dual exhaust outlets which are again found only on the higher trims.

The Malibu features the highest ground clearance of 6.5 inches in the segment. On the other hand, the Optima has the lowest of just 5.3 inches. The Chevy is also the lightest and the longest vehicle in the segment. When comparing the wheelbase of the sedans in the competition, both Chevrolet Malibu and Mazda 6 offer the longest wheelbase of 111.4 inches, followed by Kia and Honda. Some of the standout exterior features are:

• Automatic halogen projector-beam daytime running headlamps
• LED brake lights
• 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch wheels (LX, EX, and SX respectively)
• Body-colored heated power adjusting, manual-folding side-view mirrors
• Lip spoiler (optional)
• Sunroof (optional)

Kia has given the authorities no chance to doubt Optima’s safety. The NHSTA found its crashworthiness phenomenal and hence has given the Optima a full 5-star overall rating. The IIHS thought similarly. The Optima earned the best possible rating of “Good” in all categories. Adding to these amazing scores, it also earned the second most prestigious honor of “Top Safety Pick” from IIHS. If that doesn’t impress you, then the list of safety and driver-assist features standard on the Optima will surely do. Standout safety features include:

• Electronic stability control
• Driveline Traction control with ABS
• Tire pressure warning system
• Back-up camera
• Rear parking sensors (EX and higher)
• Blind-spot monitoring system (SX and SX Limited)
• Lane departure warning (SX and SX Limited)
• 360-degree camera system (SX Limted)
• Rear-cross traffic alert (optional)

2017 Kia Optima vs 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is slightly underpowered than the Optima as it is fitted with a smaller engine. This in return helps it provide the best fuel economy in the segment. When it comes to the interior, the Malibu is much more spacious in the back, but it can’t match the elegant and classy layout of the Optima. The Malibu also has decent driving dynamics, better than most of the cars in this segment. It is the most affordable sedan in the segment, making it the most value-for-money deal as well. 

2017 Kia Optima vs 2017 Mazda MAZDA6

The Optima and the 2017 Mazda MAZDA6 have a lot in common. Both the sedans offer the same amount of features and tech, a similar-sized engine, and almost the same price tag as well. The aspect that sets these two sedans apart is fuel economy and braking performance. The Optima is more fuel-efficient than the MAZDA6 and also offers better braking capabilities. Based on this, we would rather go for the Optima than the MAZDA6. 

2017 Kia Optima vs 2017 Honda Accord

The 2017 Honda Accord is probably the toughest competitor of the Optima. It is filled with features and tech that the Optima lack. They are both fitted with the same engine and have almost the same power figures. It is a fun-to-drive car, and it also offers a nice and comfortable interior. The category in which the Accord falls short is fuel economy. It has the worst mileage in the segment. Apart from that, there is not much to fault the Accord. It would make a great alternative to the Optima.

The 2017 Kia Optima ticks almost every box in terms of practicality, safety, performance, fuel economy, and interior. As far as the features and options go, it offers a ton of optional features to choose from but not a lot of standard features. Nonetheless, the Optima is a wise buy when compared to the likes of Mazda and Chevrolet, but it is still far behind the segment-favorite Honda Accord. Apart from the Accord, the Optima is surely a good option for a family-friendly sedan.