Review and Test Drive: 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo

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DRIVING THE 2019 KIA OPTIMA SX TURBO

Once underway, it’s hard to overlook the library quiet cabin of the Optima as well as the excellent ride quality. Only in corners does the body roll become apparent but the Optima is more of a boulevard cruiser than an autocrosser.

The 2.0-liter four banger courtesy of Hyundai develops 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and is paired with an older but extremely responsive six-speed automatic transmission that gives the Optima lots of pep.  The exhaust note adds to that feeling.

The powertrain takes the vehicle from a standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 6.7 seconds, somewhat quicker than the prior generation Optima.

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Kia did an excellent job with its driver-assistance technology, which all worked quite well. The list includes lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, a forward collision warning with automatic braking, radar cruise control, and a driver attention warning system (namely a coffee-cup alert). Kia includes all of this driver-assistance tech as standard across the Optima lineup as well.

BOTTOM LINE

The Kia Optima SX Turbo is an attractive and rather comfortable car with good but average fuel economy.  The question remains, will good manners and good looks be enough to sway buyers?

 THE DETAILS

  2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo
Base price/price-as-tested $32,820/$33,315
Drivetrain Front engine, front-wheel drive
Engine 2.0-liter inline four cylinder
Horsepower/Torque 245 / 260
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Curb weight (lbs) 3,562
Wheelbase (inches) 110.4
Length x width x height (inches) 191.1 x 73.2 x 57.7
0-60 mph (seconds) (est.) 6.7
Fuel economy(mpg) (city/hwy) 21/30

 

(Photos: Accura Media Group)

 

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