Southern Hospitality Auto Group

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Driving Impressions

The Kia Optima comes with a choice engines, a four-cylinder or a V6.

The four-cylinder Optima has more than enough power for virtually any occasion and is quicker than most in its class. Kia Optima's four-cylinder engine has essentially the same power vs. the Honda Accord and nearly the same vs. the Nissan Altima, both larger, heavier cars. Optima posts better EPA ratings than anything else in class, the Altima one better in the city and one behind on the highway. Our mileage averaged 26-28 mpg.

The least expensive Optima comes with a five-speed manual gearbox that's easy to use and gets the best out of the four-cylinder engine. The five-speed automatic does that too, though it is programmed like everything else to upshift as soon as possible to save fuel. Driving habits will vary fuel economy far more than the choice of transmission.

An aggressive throttle tip-in is the only negative in the drive. We found the accelerator very sensitive. It applies significant power with just a light touch of the pedal, producing three characteristics: first, smooth takeoffs require some concentration that will become second nature over time; second, it is harder to modulate steady cruising speed and we used cruise control more than usual; and third, the sensitivity makes it downshift and upshift frequently on mild grades, where it is best to downshift one gear manually for the best smoothness. This is a complaint we have with a fair number of cars and reduces their attractiveness for grueling commutes in stop-and-go traffic.

Optima's V6 is just 0.3 liters larger than the four-cylinder engine. As a result it adds 19 horsepower for a total of 194 horsepower. Its competitors range from 221 hp to 271 hp.

However, the Optima's V6 fuel mileage ranks above the others. Although the extra power may be useful the bigger advantage is in smoothness and refinement; if you drive hard or frequent mountain roads fully loaded, or the V6 adds notably to resale value we'd consider it, otherwise the standard four-cylinder engine is more than satisfactory.

The four-wheel disc brakes work well, with excellent pedal feel to creep smoothly in gridlock or stop quickly from speed without tossing heads about. Antilock and electronic stability control are both standard to give better control when you should have slowed down.

The suspension is independent all around and accommodates interstate expansion joints and speed humps with equal ease. Handling is predictable, the car generally going where you point it in a stable, controlled manner. Like most sedans, it understeers at the limit: If you hit a corner too fast the car would tend to go straight. If this happens, however, the electronic stability control steps in to mitigate. The 17-inch wheel-and-tire package takes away little in ride quality, though the SX's sportier suspension setup likely feels firmer on marginal roads.

For 2009, the steering has been tightened to remove any feeling of top-heaviness, an improvement over pre-2009 models. Steering is heavy at slow speeds and lightens comfortably at speed without becoming vague. Body roll is well controlled. After some winding roads, transition ramps and tire squealing we can tell you the Optima behaves as a family sedan should.

Outward visibility is excellent all around, thanks to the high seating position, low window line, and flat trunk lid. Wind noise will start to creep in as you reach southwest speed limits (75-80 mph) but not enough to raise your voice in conversation.

Direct comparisons between the Optima vs. comparably priced and equipped competition are difficult because the Optima is typically less expensive or better equipped. An Altima may be more sporting, an up-level Camry or Accord more refined, an all-wheel-drive Fusion, Avenger or Legacy better in the snow. But they're all more expensive, more so than a set of winter tires.

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