2018 Kia Optima

The three engine options available for Kia Optima include a 2.4-liter I-4 with 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, a 1.6-liter turbo-four with 178 hp and 195 lb-ft, and a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 245 hp and 260 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission is mated to the base 2.4-liter I-4 and 2.0-liter turbo-four, while the 1.6-liter turbo-four cylinder powertrain is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The 2018 Optima price starts at $22,500, which is exactly what you will pay for the majority of the mid-size sedans available in this segment. In addition to the base model, LX2.4, there are four upgraded trims: S 2.4 (priced at $23,500), EX 2.4 (priced at $25,600), LX 1.6T (priced at $24,300), and the top SX 2.0T (priced at $30,500). All the trims are relatively close to pricing. The SX trim is costliest because of the turbocharged engine and additional premium features.

Trims	LX	S	LX 1.6T	EX	SX
MSRP	$ 22,500	$ 23,500	$ 24,300	$ 25,600	$ 30,500
Features	6-speed automatic transmission Blind spot detection (BSD). Rear Cross Traffic Alert(RCTA) UVO with 7” touch screen display W/android auto and apple car play.	17” alloy wheels 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat W/sport black cloth LED front fog lights and LED sport rear combination lamps.	7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat W/2 way power lumbar support. Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob.	12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat w/integrated memory system(IMS) Leather seat trim with heated front seats Smart key w/push- button start and immobilizer.	LED head lights w/dynamic bending lights(DBL) Panoramic sunroof w/power sunshade and LED interior lighting 10-way power- adjustable passenger’s seat and ventilated front seats.

We Recommend-

We would recommend you to buy the SX trim because of its potent engine and reasonable price. You get all the top of the line features offered on each trim. 

“On the road, our Optima was exceptionally quiet, though the ride was somewhat firm. If you’re looking for comfort over performance, the smaller wheel/tire packages and more compliant suspension settings of the LX and EX trims might make a better choice.” — Autotrader (2017)

Engine and Transmission 

The 2018 Kia Optima comes powered by a 2.4-liter engine that is optimized for perfect everyday driving. There are also two turbocharged options available for buyers looking for more performance. The 1.6-liter engine, on the other hand, offers exceptional fuel economy.

Moreover, the turbo 2.0-liter is best for enthusiasts looking for a top-level engine that can deliver superior power delivery via an automatic transmission. Only the 1.6-liter engine comes mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, while the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter Optima models come paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Models	Optima LX	Chevrolet Malibu	Honda Accord	Hyundai Sonata
MSRP	$22,500	$ 22,555	$ 23,345	$ 22,485
Engine	2.4lInline 4	1.5LInline 4	1.5LInline 4	2.0L Inline 4
Fuel type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
Transmission	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Power	185 hp @ 6,000 rpm	160 hp @ 5700 rpm	192 hp @ 5500 rpm	245 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	178 Ib.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm	184 ft-lbs. @ 2500 rpm	192 ft-lbs. @ 1600 rpm	260 ft-lbs. @ 1350 rpm

The base Optima 2018 model LX, S, EX all comes powered with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine is capable of propelling 185 horsepower. The LX trim is available with a low-end engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

For power lovers, the carmaker has introduced Optima SX 2.0L Turbo with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which is paired with a 6-speed automatic. This engine offers a maximum power output of 245 horsepower.

On the other hand, the Optima hybrid trim combines a 2.0-liter I-4, an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automatic to churn out a combined output of 192 hp and 271 lb-ft. The Optima Plug-in delivers a maximum power of 202 hp and 276 lb-ft peak torque. The hybrid powertrain allows to cut cargo space down to 13.4 cubic feet.

Acceleration

On the acceleration front, the Kia Optima manages to do 0-60 MPH in 6.8 seconds, which is similar to the Hyundai Sonata. Rest of the rivals are slower comparatively. Chevy Malibu takes around 8.5 seconds to sprint 0-60 MPH.

Models	Optima LX	Chevrolet Malibu	Honda accord	Hyundai sonata
0-60 MPH	6.8 sec	8.5 sec	7.3 sec	6.8 sec
Quarter mile	15.2 sec	16.0 sec	15.6 sec	15.8 sec
Engine	2.4L	1.5 L	1.5L	2.0 L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr	6.1	5.9	5.3	6.8

Braking and Handling

The brake pedal is soft which can make deceleration a bit harder at times. A panic stop from 60-0 MPH is 124 feet, which is longer than the average sedans in this segment. The Optima SX with wider tires manages to get a braking distance of 112 feet. Optima comes with different drive modes: Normal, Sport, and Eco.

Model	Optima LX	Chevrolet Malibu	Honda Accord	Hyundai Sonata
Brake pads-front(in)	12	11.6	11.5	12.6
Brake pads Rear(in)	11.2	10.8	11.1	11.2
Curb weight(lbs)	3219	3086	3131	3589
60-0 MPH (ft.)	124	117	123	113

The driving dynamics of this sedan is not subpar and it may disappoint. The narrow tires make it harder to corner smoothly. The front-wheel-drive sedan misses the athletic composition.

Almost all trims of the 2018 Kia Optima that comes with a 2.4-liter engine offer decent fuel economy than the majority of mid-size sedans in the segment. The base model delivers 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Moreover, the LX 1.6T models, deliver 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

Model	Optima LX	Chevrolet Malibu	Honda Accord	Hyundai Sonata
Mpg city	25	27	30	23
Mpg highway	36	36	38	32
Mpg combined	29	30	33	26

“There is plenty of plastic used inside the Optima, but it’s sturdy and attractively grained. Creaks and squeaks are nonexistent, and the car feels as solid as any other sedan in the class.” – Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

There is a space for five passengers inside Kia Optima and you will find a comfortable seating. The front area of the cabin is roomy and you’ll get several updates including heated and ventilated seats, and 10-way power adjustments. The rear seat legroom is, however, shorter than the Toyota Camry, which offers generous space for tall occupants.

The 2018 Optima comes with plentiful storage spaces to store small items. Each door has got cupholder and a small tray. There’s also a concealed bin under the center stack. You’ll get three tether anchors- for each rear seat. The hardware is easy to access and locate.

Model	Optima LX	Chevrolet Malibu	Honda accord	Hyundai sonata
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	39.8/56.0/58.1/45.5	39.1/54.1/58.5/42.0	39.5/55.3/58.3/42.3	40.4/55.3/57.9/45.5
Second (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	37.8/56.0/56.4/35.6	37.5/53.4/57.1/38.1	37.3/55/56.5/40.4	38/56.1/56.5/35.6

The mounted seat cushions are also comfortable and easy to use. The cabin is airy and roomy. The design too feels clean and offers plenty of space for storing small items. The premium material used in the top trims will offer a luxurious feel.

Infotainment System

The Kia Optima infotainment is easy to understand and learn. It is integrated with plenty of features. In order to add more convenience, Kia has already included advanced smartphone integration into every Optima model.

With the presence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps on the 7-inch touchscreen. Satellite radio and Bluetooth Kardon surround sound audio system is available with EX and SX trims.

Cargo Space

The cargo space offered by 2018 Optima is close to the competitors. With the 15.9 cubic feet trunk, the Optima can easily manage to store the grocery stuff and household equipment you shop every weekend.

Model	Optima LX	Chevrolet Malibu	honda accord	hyundai sonata
Trunk volume (ft.cube)	15.9	15.8	16.7	16.3

The Optima is handsome and understated, but it’s overshadowed in the showroom by the sexy and sporty Kia Stinger. -Car and Driver

Dimensions and Weight 

Undoubtedly, 2018 Kia Optima is a sharply styled sedan. The design language, however, is based on the last generation. The front fascia gets a “tiger-nose” grille that makes it aggressive and bold. The skin didn’t change and remain similar to the outgoing model.

The 2018 Kia Optima adapts the latest and next generation exterior style with more sharp and curvy design lines. It has got a coupe-like roofline that goes down toward the rear end, offering good head room to the rear seat occupants. The overall dimension of Optima seems elongated that gives the sedan a sportier stance.

Model	Optima LX	Chevrolet Malibu	Honda Accord	Hyundai Sonata
curb weight(lbs)	3219	3086	3131	3589
Length(in)	191.1	193.8	192.2	191.1
Width(in)	73.2	73.0	73.3	73.4
Height(in)	57.7	57.6	57.1	58.1
Ground clearance(in)	5.3			5.3
Wheel base(in)	110.4	111.4	111.4	110.4
Track width(in) F/R	63.5/63.8	62.6/62.5	63/63.4	62.9/63.1

The competitors to have similar dimensions, which means that Optima doesn’t stand out in this regard. The Kia Optima is available in eight exterior colors. There is a wide range of colors to choose from.

“The Kia Optima has always offered a strong value proposition, but the current-generation model takes it a step further with an upscale cabin and all the latest driver aids and luxury features a buyer can expect from a midsize sedan. Competitive pricing, a host of new standard features and a robust warranty keep the Optima in the running for top-of-class honors.” — Edmunds

The 2018 Optima has received five stars safety rating overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The last year model received top safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It also comes with a superior front crash prevention and offers amazing autonomous emergency braking system.

On the warranty front, the 2018 Optima comes with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited engine warranty.

NHTSA Crash test results

Overall Rating	5*
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	5*
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	5*
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	4*
Overall Side Crash Rating	5*
Side Barrier Rating	5*
Side Barrier Rating Driver	5*
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat	5*
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	5*
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	5*
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat	5*
Rollover Rating	5*

IIHS Reports

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	NA
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side Impact Test	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

 

Crash Prevention and Mitigation
Front crash prevention	Superior
Headlights	Good
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use	Acceptable

 

Safety Features

The 2018 Optima comes loaded with hefty of standard safety features than before. Every Optima trims now gets a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Other top trims get advanced driver assistance technologies via add-on packages. The package includes autonomous emergency braking, a forward collision warning system, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a surround-view camera. 

• Dual Front Advanced Airbags
• Dual Front Seat Mounted Side Airbags
• Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
• Driver’s Side Knee Airbag
• Front Seat-Belt Pretensioners
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)

 

Kia Optima vs Chevrolet Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu is stylish and sturdy. It provides a luxurious ride in all seasons. The hybrid version of the sedan offers better mileage, like 49 MPG city. It has got plenty of standard safety features. If you are considering a good mileage offering sedan then Malibu can be a good pick.

Kia Optima vs Honda Accord

Honda Accord has a good reputation under Honda leadership. The mid-sized sedan is a true family sedan with solid build quality but it failed to match Optima’s standard technology checklist. Accord has successfully managed to offer more safety tech and driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and active lane assist in each model.

Kia Optima vs Hyundai Sonata

Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata have many similarities. They share similar standard features, warranty, and comfort level. A low starting price gives Sonata an edge over Optima. Otherwise, both of these sedans are a good pick.

If you are seeking a comfortable and solid midsize sedan, you may consider buying Kia Optima. Families and commuters will love to find pleasure in the ride and above-average fuel economy. The spacious cabin is already a heartthrob. You get standard amenities across all trim level, which is rare to find across prominent rivals.

The 2018 Kia Optima has been ranked at sixth position among the midsize sedan cars in the U.S. It is a civilized sedan that offers appealing tech features (including user-friendly infotainment) and best-in-class gas mileage.