Kia continues to offer the Optima in four trim levels excluding the EX Premium package, which has now become a separate trim altogether. Starting with the base LX model, Kia doesn’t skimp out on features, and the standard list includes 16-inch alloy wheels, 6-way adjustable front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a whole host of driver assistance features including forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and more. Next in line is the S model which focuses a lot on looks with bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips, rear spoiler, sport side sills, and some convenience features like keyless entry with push-button start, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and more.
Moving on to the sportier trim levels with the 1.6L turbocharged engine, the EX trim gets UVO link connected car tech, electronic parking brake, LED lighting, leather seats with heating, dual-zone climate control, and more. The range-topping SX trim gets an even bigger 2.0L turbocharged engine, dual-projector LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, sport leather seats with heating, ventilation, and power-adjustability for both front passengers, panoramic sunroof, and a lot of sporty design elements are carried over from the S trim.
Trim
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LX
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S
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EX
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SX
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MSRP (FWD)
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$24,355
|
$25,855
|
$30,235
|
$33,155
|
Key Features
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16-inch alloy wheels
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In addition to or replaces LX trim features with:
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In addition to or replaces S trim features with:
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In addition to or replaces EX trim features with:
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LED daytime running lights
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18-inch alloy wheels
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1.6-liter turbocharged engine with DCT transmission
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2.0-liter turbocharged engine
|
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An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
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Dual chrome exhaust tips
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17-inch alloy wheels
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Paddle shifters
|
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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
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10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
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Acoustic front door windows
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Sport-tuned suspension
|
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Kia Drive Wise driver assistance system
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Keyless entry with push-button start
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Electronic parking brake
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18-inch black alloy wheels
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3.5-inch digital driver’s display
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Body-colored spoiler
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Smartphone wireless charging
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Automatic LED headlights
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Six-speaker audio system
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Black cloth and leatherette upholstery
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Adaptive cruise control
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Black leather upholstery
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Which trim should you buy?
If you’re looking for a comfortable daily driver that offers good gas mileage and performance, the mid-range EX trim offers the most value. Its turbocharged 1.6L engine returns 31 MPG combined and offers plenty of performance for daily duties. The DCT gearbox is also very responsive and pairs well with the engine. You also get plenty of standard features over the base models like leather seats with heating for the front passengers, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, keyless entry, and more. For even more luxury, you can opt for the EX Premium model which also adds a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and more.