Review and Test Drive: 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo
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.
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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