The Value Packed 2016 Optima Ready To Win The Mid-Size Sedan Wars

The Value Packed 2016 Optima Ready To Win The Mid-Size Sedan Wars

Kia strikes again with the 2016 Optima mid-size sedan, perhaps one of the best values in the segment with a starting MSRP of just $21,840 (US Dollars).

The American market will be flush with the choice of 5 trim levels, all of which offer more standard features and more aggressive pricing than the competition.

“The outgoing Optima was a game changer for Kia and a wake-up call to the midsize sedan segment. As KMA’s top-selling vehicle for three consecutive years, and the first model to sell more than 150,000 units annually, its importance to the brand can’t be overstated. Bringing the all-new 2016 Optima to market at a highly competitive price was paramount to continuing our success,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer & EVP, KMA

Adding to the allure for the 2016 model year will be the choice of 3 engines.

The 2.4L naturally aspirate inline 4-cylinder is a carryover from the last year and will be available in the LX and EX models. Output for this engine is rated at 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

The 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder will be available for the SXL and SX models and will produce 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque making this the choice for the more enthusiastic drivers among us.

An all-new 1.6L Turbo 4-cylinder will be available for the LX trim and is good for 178hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. A brand first is the 7-speed dual clutch transmission offered exclusively with the 1.6L engine, this holds the promise of and engaging drive without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

The official economy figures are yet to be determined.

Kia has gained a reputation for offering the greatest amount of technology and options for your hard earned dollar.

This trend seems to be continuing.

All 2016 Optima’s come standard with, six-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar, six-way adjustable front passenger’s seat with height adjuster, a Rear Camera Display viewed through the standard five-inch touchscreen on LX, LX 1.6T, and EX, and an eight-inch touchscreen premium navigation system on SX and SXL, Bluetooth hands-free operation, driver’s knee airbag, keyless entry system.

Kia has included what it calls YES Essentials fabric technology. This fabric is said to provide anti-microbial protection from spills, anti-static protection keeping you from getting zapped by irritating static electrical shocks, as well as stain-repelling and stain-releasing characteristics.

Technology is key in this segment and the Optima once again trumps the competition with available packages and standard equipment.

The LX Convenience Package ($1,850) includes Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Rear Parking Assist System (RPAS).

The LX Turbo Technology Package ($2,600) includes navigation, Sirius XM Traffic and rear LED taillights, USB chargers for both front and rear seat passengers.

The Optima EX, starting at $24,890, brings the 2.4-liter engine and includes dual projection headlights with LED positioning lights, LED tail lights, power folding heated outside mirrors, a 12-way adjustable driver’s seat and two-position integrated memory system, heated steering wheel and leather-trimmed heated front seats.

A 12 speaker Harmon/Kardon stereo is offered as part of the Ex Premium Audio Package ($1,200) that uses 10 speakers, Clari-Fi technology and an upgraded 630-watt digital amplifier.

Building on the EX trim are the SX trim that begins with a MSRP of $29,690 and the US exclusive SXL at $35,790.

Both trim levels include Bi-Xenon HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lamps (DBL), with the SXL adding intuitive High Beam Assist (HBA), which dims your lights automatically when it senses oncoming traffic.

The SX Launch Edition package ($2,700) includes exclusive features such as unique18-inch alloy wheels, merlot leather seating and premium tricot black headliner and roof pillars, and popular features such as Panoramic Sunroof, and the Harman/ Kardon Audio System.

The SX Technology Package ($4,800) includes all the latest gadgets including: Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Front Collision Warning System (FCWS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

The SXL trim adds very comfortable quilted Nappa leather-trimmed seats, a wireless charging system for devices such as smartphones, and silver perforated stitching on the instrument panel and front door trim.

Kia is clearly intent on ruling the mid-size sedan market with the 2016 Kia Optima. It offers everything a driver could want and more at a price that is lower than expected.

Author Profile: Consumer Expert Robert Nichols

Robert is a lifelong car nut. He works as a Technician with 16 years experience and has multiple trade licenses. Having worked on vehicles ranging from Porsche's, fire trucks, trains, and industrial/mining equipment, he has a varied and broad knowledge base to draw on. But his favorite thing to do is drive, be it on two or four wheels.