Kia Optima Highlights: 3 Engine Options, Warranty and Style

With the 2017 model-year right around the corner, it’s a good time to take a look at some of the 2016 models before they’re replaced. Today we’re putting the spotlight on the Kia Optima and some of the benefits a driver can still get before showrooms and dealership lots are flooded with 2017 models. Take a look at some of the specs drivers don’t want to miss out on with the 2016 Kia Optima.

Three Engines to Choose From

It’s not uncommon to see a vehicle available with different engines on different trims, and the Kia Optima is no exception. Starting with the base trim, Kia Optima LX, the standard engine is a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine. The same engine also comes standard on the Kia Optima EX series. “DOHC” stands for “Double Overhead Camshaft”, meaning the engine has two camshafts versus one, and will outperform vehicles with a single overhead camshaft due its optimization of performance and fuel efficiency.

With that in mind, the 2.4-liter engine generates up to 185-horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. However, the fuel economy differs a bit between the two models. The LX series gets 25 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, whereas the EX has an EPA of 24 MPG/35 MPG city/highway.

The second engine, only available on the Kia Optima LX 1.6T is a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine with a turbocharger. An engine with a turbocharger generally has better fuel efficiency than an engine without it. The proof is in the pudding with the LX 1.6T having a fuel economy of 28/39 MPG city/highway.

The third engine, available on the high-end trims (SX and SX Limited) is a 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine also with a turbocharger. The turbocharger undoubtedly is there for higher horsepower. This engine generates up to 245-horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. With the higher horsepower more fuel being burned, so the fuel economy of this Optima engine stands at 22 MPG/32 MPG city/highway.

Style

The seating and trims across the Kia Optima lineup has a large selection of variety. Depending on the Kia Optima model chosen, drivers can expect cloth trim seating, leather trimmed seating, sport leather seating (optional by Merlot on the SX), or Quilted Nappa Leather. For a little added luxury on the high-end trims, heated front seats are a standard feature, and in all models but the base Optima LX, the steering wheel and gear shift knob are wrapped in leather. One would say the interior style has a spectrum from sporty to luxury.

The exterior also has its own sense of style, with a grille available in either gloss black or dark metallic depending on the trim chosen, along with a sporty front grille and sport bumpers (front and rear) on the Optima SX and Optima SX Limited. Solar control glass is standard on all trims for a little UV protection for all passengers. As far as the paint job goes, Kia’s Snow White Pearl Premium is available as an option for the Optima LX, LX 1.6T and EX series, whereas it is a standard option on the Optima SX and SX limited models.

Warranty

As a member of the Kia family, the 2016 Kia Optima is backed by an industry-leading warranty. The Kia Optima has a 5-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

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