The Kia Optima has been one of the major bread winners for Kia Motors for years now, and because of that, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Currently in its fourth generation and having produced a hybrid and plug-in hybrid variant, the Kia Optima enters its 2019 model year with updates to give its competitors a run for their money. We can already see Kia Motors winning many awards in 2019 with the likes of the Kia Optima in tow. Check out these highlights for a peek at what’s to come with the 2019 Kia Optima.
Powertrain
The powertrain for the 2019 Kia Optima is unchanged – the 2.4-liter DOHC, turbocharged 1.6-liter DOHC, and turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC engines are all still there for their respective trims. With an affordable price range, many consumers tend to lean towards the high-end 2018 Kia Optima SX for the turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC engine for a boost of 245 horsepower and a fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Moreover, the Optima SX offers several driving modes that can enhance their driving experience.
Offering Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart, drivers can either: (1) set the driving mode to Comfort, or what can be described as granny driving, (2) go the fuel efficient route with Eco, (3) turn on Sport for an amazing driving experience with great control and handling, or (4) turn on Smart, the setting that will adapt to the driver’s style. It’s nice to have choices, isn’t it? And the 2019 model comes with the added “Comfort” and “Smart” driving modes, whereas the 2018 model only has “Normal, Eco, and Sport”.