5 Cool Facts About the 2016 Kia Optima

The all-new 2016 Kia Optima is kicking off the new model year with a bang and loads of upgraded features. Already the Kia brand's bestselling model for the past three consecutive years, the 2016 Optima is better than ever and poised to continue the tradition. 

This highly anticipated Kia in Miami will be available later this coming fall. For now, check out the new specs on the redesigned Optima and see why Kia has "The Power to Surprise."

Outstanding Engine Choices in Every Trim

The 2016 Optima comes equipped with a trio of engine choices, available by trim level.

There are five Optima trims for 2016, including the LX, LX Turbo, EX, SX Turbo, and the SX Limited. In the Optima LX and EX, expect a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine, generating an estimated 185 horsepower with 175 lb.-ft. of torque, paired to a standard six-speed automatic transmission with manual shifter. For a bit more power, check out the turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine, able to get 247 horsepower with 260 lb.-ft. of torque, featured in the SX Turbo and SX limited Optima models. Similar to the LX and EX, the SX Turbo and SX Limited are operated by a standard six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters mounted under the steering wheel. Finally, the Optima LX Turbo showcases a brand new turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder engine with 178 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a standard seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with an automated manual gearbox to optimize fuel efficiency.

Depending on your driving needs and preferences, the upcoming Optima model is sure to satisfy. According to automotive reviewers, new enhancements have actually exceeded the expectations of those who have already test driven the redesigned vehicle. 

Beautiful Inside and Outside

Although the new Optima is bigger, it is also more aerodynamic than earlier models, and reportedly 150 percent stiffer than last year's Optima.

This year introduces three new exterior paint shades in blue, gray, or red, complemented by aluminum wheels as standard equipment on all Optimas, regardless of trim level. However, depending on the trim, the size of the wheel changes. For the LX and LX Turbo, the Optima comes equipped with 16-inch wheels, while the EX sports 17-inch wheels, and the 18-inch wheels are reserved for the SX Turbo and SX Limited.

According to Kia, the designers were trying to strike a balance between competing "athletic, functional, sporty" design inspirations. Call it a success then, as the new Optima boasts increased interior space, including more headroom, shoulder room, back seat legroom, and a larger cargo space. All of these extras return significant noise reduction, as well as reduced vibrations and harshness when it comes to performance.

Adding more soft-touch materials, and aesthetic details like accent trim and authentic stitching along the dashboard and door panels, the interior feels more luxurious, comfortable, and spacious. New seats offer greater support for drivers and passengers and are available as either cloth, leather, or top of the line diamond-quilted Nappa leather upholstery. Just as the exterior added new shade options, the interior did the same with the addition of Merlot and Dark Aubergine. 

Up to the Minute Technology Features

Music lovers will especially appreciate the enhanced surround-sound technology featured in the new Optima, thanks to the addition of the available Infinity premium system which uses Clari-Fi music restoration and QuantumLogic soundstage signal distribution for what Kia is reporting as "a high-fidelity listening experience."

Other technology upgrades are available in the form of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which are able to connect a smartphone to the eight-inch touchscreen display mounted on the dashboard. Connected by one of the USB ports, the UVO eServices display allows drivers and passengers to control their phone on a larger, more easily accessible screen. 

Safety You Can Count On

Thanks in part to its sturdier structure, the new Kia Optima is safer on the road than any of its earlier models from previous years.

Equipped with UVO eServices, which have always included an automatic 911 Connect system, able to alert emergency responders to a crash immediately after the air bags deploy, the UVO eServices now feature tools for the parents of teenaged drivers in order to help them monitor their teenaged driver's behavior behind the wheel. For instance, Geo-Fencing, Speed Alert, and Curfew Alert are all programmable and customizable tracking features which culminate in an overall Driving Score that parents can later review after their teenager returns home with the car.

Extra safety enhancements include the available back up camera, which provides blind-spot warning and rear-cross traffic alerts, as well as the Advanced Smart Cruise Control, featuring forward-collision warning systems supported by Autonomous Emergency Braking. The SX and SX Limited trims are available with a 360-degree Around View Monitor camera, the ultimate eyes everywhere safety enhancement.

In a 2016 Kia Optima, you can drive with confidence knowing that you are backed by cutting-edge technology protecting you and your passengers.

The Optima Gives You Options and Enhancements

One of the targets of this year's total redesign was to improve the Optima's handling and overall ride quality. To that end, Kia reports that the steering, stability, and handling have all been tweaked to enhance the driving experience, making it the smoothest driving Optima yet. 

As for options, look for power-adjustable front seats with available height adjuster for passengers riding shotgun, as well as heated and ventilated front seats, and fun extras like a panoramic sunroof and 14-speaker surround sound system. Safety features are boosted by optional LED taillights, automatic high-beams, and adaptive headlights.

The 2016 Kia Optima is expected to reach showrooms late fall of 2015. While official pricing has yet to be released, industry experts predict that the starting MSRP will stay close to the outgoing Optima's overall cost. That will put the sticker price starting somewhere between $22,000 and ranging upwards of $28,000.

Check out the inventory at your local Kia dealer and see why the 2016 Kia Optima is a competitive sedan, already giving its same-class rivals something to worry about.