We spend a week in the completely redesigned midsize sedan from Kia.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T front 3/4 view

Pros:

Ride and handling
Exterior styling
Fuel economy

Cons:

Steering feedback
Low rent dash trim

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T rear 3/4 view

2016 Optima LX 1.6T

2011 was the coming-out party for the Kia Optima – marking the midsize sedan's transition from a throwaway vehicle to one that not only could compete in the segment, but raise the bar as well.

That third generation model was such a sales success that, despite the fact the 2016 model is re-engineered from the platform up, at least on the outside it won't be mistaken for anything other than an Optima.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T front fascia

Exterior

Up front, the headlights and the signature Tiger Nose upper grille that they bracket are narrower, while the trailing edges of the headlight enclosures extend further back along the fenders. The lower fascia features a more aggressive air intake, flanked by deeply recessed pods that, on upper trim models, feature LED fog lights.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T lower front fascia detail

The sides retain the familiar raked A-Pillar with bright chrome trim strips along the roof and beltline, while the lower bodyline between the wheel wells is more deeply sculpted. The rear fascia looks more familiar; however the tail lamp housings are narrower, while the trunk lid lip is more pronounced.

By the numbers, the new Optima is 1.2 inches wider, 0.4 inches longer and 0.6 inches taller. Its wheelbase is also up by 0.4 inches, while ground clearance, at 5.3 inches, remains unchanged.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T dashboard layout

Interior

Like its predecessor, the latest Optima features soft-touch surfaces wherever you place your arms or hands, putting many midsize vehicles, and even some costing thousands more, to shame. The surfaces on everything from the steering wheel to the door panels are nicely done and fit together with a precision that exceeds a number of so-called luxury vehicles.

The gauges and intuitive controls are large, easy to read, and within easy reach of the driver, while the switchgear is buttery smooth. In particular, the infotainment system comes with redundant controls for most of the major functions – giving users a choice between delving into the touchscreen menus and conventional buttons.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T interior detail

Despite the fact that tester was an entry-level LX, its cloth-covered seats were nicely bolstered, offering plenty of lateral support. The only hiccup we noticed was the re-styled dashboard. Unlike the previous model, the wide band of soft-touch black vinyl, replete with fake stitching, looked a bit on the cheesy side and out of place in what otherwise was a nicely thought-out and well-executed interior layout.

On the other hand, the airy feeling you get when stepping into the cabin isn't your senses playing tricks on you, as the latest Optima has an EPA passenger volume of 104.8 cubic feet. That plus 15.9 cubic feet of cargo volume in the trunk (up from 15.4 cubic feet) pushes Hyundai's midsize offering well into the EPA's large sedan classification.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T rear seat detail

Due to a low cowl, the view out the front and sides is excellent, although the sloping roofline, rising beltline, wide C-pillar and high deck lid hinders views out the rear and rear three-quarters. Fortunately all models feature a standard rear view camera.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T cockpit detail

Equipment

Like its predecessor, the latest Optima, even in LX trim, comes with a laundry list of standard equipment that includes the usual assortment of power features. Additionally, there's a proximity key with push-button start, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with Bluetooth, audio and cruise controls, 5-inch touchscreen with rear view camera display, USB, aux and 12-volt power outlets, satellite radio and Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T navigation screen detail

Our tester was also equipped with the optional LX Technology Package which includes dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, power adjustable driver's seat, memory function for the driver's seat and outside mirror position, 2 additional USB ports and a 12-volt outlet on the center console, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and LED tail lights.

Safety equipment includes a full complement of 7 airbags, ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and hill-start assist control.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6-liter direct injection turbocharged inline-4 engine

Under the hood

The 2016 Optima is available with a choice of three engines. Both the base LX and mid-trim EX come with a carryover, normally-aspirated 2.4-liter inline-4 that makes 185 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. SX and SXL models are equipped with yet another engine from the previous model, a turbocharged 2.0-liter unit with 245 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.

Our LX 1.6T is the only model to come with the lineup's latest engine, a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that is rated at 178 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.

It's the most miserly of the three engines with an EPA rating of 28/39/32 city/highway/combined miles per gallon. Our observed fuel economy was a right-on-the-money 33 mpg in a mix of both city and highway driving.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T 7-speed DCT shifter detail

On the road

One of the few dings we gave the previous Optima was the lack of feedback through the steering wheel and a tendency for the suspension to float over uneven road surfaces. Both issues have been corrected in the latest model.

On the road the suspension does a nice job of soaking up both small and large road imperfections. Toss it into a corner and there's very little body lean. And while there's still a bit of a dead spot when the steering wheel is on-center, in all other situations it has been greatly improved with a great deal of feedback to the driver.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T 16-inch alloy wheels

The brakes are also very good with a bit of an initial bite. Brake modulation is also very progressive and a good deal of feedback comes through the pedal to the driver.

At high speeds the new Optima tracks well and is unaffected by either crosswinds or grooved pavement. Lane change maneuvers can now be made with much more precision. The level of interior sound is another one of the Optima’s high points as very little in the way of wind, road, tire or engine noise enters the cabin. Even at freeway speeds the lack of exterior noise rivals that of the best sedans in the segment.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T fender trim detail

Finally, the performance of the 1.6-liter turbo belies its diminutive displacement. Passing and merging on the expressway is never a problem and, thanks to a torque curve that peaks between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm, all 195 foot pounds of it is very usable in everyday driving.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T side view

2016 Kia Optima prices

2016 Optima prices (non-hybrid) start at $22,665 (including freight) for a base 2.4-liter LX model equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and can top out at over $35,000 for a fully-optioned and accessorized SXL Turbo.

Our Moss Gray LX tester had a base price of $23,990. Adding the $2,600 Technology Package along with $825 for inland freight and handling charges brought the grand total to a very reasonable manufacturer's suggested retail price of $27,415.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T LED tail lamp housing detail

The Bottom Line

There’s even more to like about the 2016 Kia Optima. It has great styling, a roomy interior and impressive fuel economy. It also comes with a better ride, slicker handling and a more involving driving experience. On the other hand, certain aspects of the interior appear to have taken a step backward, while its overall handling still lacks the crispness of the segments top offerings.

But when all is said and done, as a whole the 2016 Kia Optima is now one of the top sedans in the midsize class and, lest we forget, one that also comes with one of the best new car warranties in the business.
We believe that car buyers looking at a midsize sedan now have even more of a reason to put the Kia Optima (especially the LX 1.6T) at or near the top of their shopping lists.

2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T rear fascia detail