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2016 Kia Optima

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Make
Kia
Model
Optima
Year
2016
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Kia Optima OEM Exterior Primary Photo
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Used Car Price Range
$7,999 - $18,000
$7,999 $18,000
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2016 LX 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $22,140
2016 LX Turbo 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $24,140
2016 EX 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $25,140
2016 SX Turbo 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $29,940
2016 SXL Turbo 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $36,040
Expert Rating
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Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

Kia's entrant in the hotly-contested midsize sedan segment, the Optima has been known for adventurous Euro-styling as well as value and features. Though redesigned for 2016, the fourth-generation Optima hasn’t changed dramatically in appearance. Like many rivals, the Optima can be equipped to push toward near-luxury territory.

What's New for 2016

Kia has redesigned its most popular model for 2016, adding a new LX 1.6T trim level with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and dual-clutch transmission. Ride and handling have improved, helped by increased torsional rigidity, and the 2016 Optima is slightly longer, taller, and wider. New bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights can be fitted with dynamic bending lamps, to illuminate the view around corners.

Kia Optima

Choosing Your Kia Optima

The base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 185 horsepower. SX and SXL versions get a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder that achieves 245 horsepower. Both of those engines use a six-speed automatic transmission.

A new 1.6-liter turbo, rated at 178 horsepower, goes into the LX 1.6T, mating with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The LX 1.6T gets a fuel-economy estimate of 28/39 mpg (city/highway), versus 24/35 mpg for 2.4-liter models and 22/32 mpg for the 2-liter turbo.

The Optima now is available in five trim levels:

Kia Optima

LX 2.4

Carries the 2.4-liter engine, manual air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth phone/audio, tilt/telescopic steering column, 60/40-split folding rear seats, six-speaker audio with satellite radio, three-position Driver Mode Select, YES Essential cloth seating, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Power mirrors include turn-signal indicators. The optional Convenience Package adds a power driver’s seat, power-folding heated mirrors, auto-dimming inside mirror, and laminated front-door glass to reduce noise. Also included are blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking assist.

Kia Optima

LX 1.6T

Comes with the new 1.6-liter turbo engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, plus power-folding heated mirrors, pushbutton start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. An optional Technology package includes UVO eServices infotainment with voice-command navigation and rear-camera display, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, 1w-way power driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Kia Optima

EX 2.4

Powered by the 2.4-liter base engine, the midlevel model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, 12-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery, laminated front-window glass, and driver’s seat/mirror memory. The Premium Package brings a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, power front passenger seat, UVO eServices infotainment with navigation and rearview-camera display, and active-safety features.

Kia Optima

SX 2.0T

In addition to the 2-liter turbo four and six-speed automatic transmission, the SX includes a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, metal pedals, bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights, a navigation system with 8-inch screen, metal hairline console trim, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Premium Technology package adds a long list of features, including forward collision warning, surround-view monitor, lane-departure warning, “smart” cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and Harman Kardon surround-sound.

Kia Optima

SXL 2.0T

Bundles just about everything you can get on lesser models (including the turbo engine), adding specific wheels and Nappa leather upholstery, and an electronic parking brake. Also included are.“smart” cruise control, a Harman Kardon 10-speaker surround-sound audio system, 10-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear-seat cushions, a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot detection.

CarsDirect Tip

Only option groups and port-installed accessories are available; there are no individual factory options. Selecting one of the five trim levels dictates everything from engine to minor conveniences, so choose carefully. Remember, too, that those option groups aren’t cheap.

Get your price on a Kia Optima »

Read our review on the Kia Optima »

Kia Optima
author image
Contributing Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

For 2016, to Kia Optima gets an evolutionary redesign that takes the already successful look of the sedan and freshens it up a bit. This redesign gives the Optima a slightly larger footprint and a swoopier design that makes it just a bit bolder looking than previous years. Also included is a new, fuel-saving engine.

With this redesign, is the Optima still a great alternative to the Camry and Accord? Check out our review to find out what we think of it.

Pricing and Equipment

As a midsize sedan, there are a lot of boxes the 2016 Optima needs to check in order to be successful. It needs to be roomy, have ample power, look stylish, and remain affordable. The latter is certainly something that the Optima does well, as its base LX trim starts from $21,840. At this price, the 2016 Optima is pretty well equipped, as it comes standard with:

  • Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
  • Six-speajer audio system
  • Rearview camera
  • Power mirrors
  • Automatic headlights

If you’re looking for even more premium features, there are four other trims to choose from. The LX 1.6T starts from $23,990, the EX bases from $24,890, the SX starts at $29,690, and the fully equipped SX Limited starts from $35,790.

Performance Pros

Kia Optima

The optional 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a great dance partner in this midsize sedan, despite being down on power from last year. The 2016 Optima’s suspension is also perfectly tuned.

  • 245-horsepower four-cylinder is plenty potent.
  • Chassis delivers good handling, while also giving plenty of give over the rough stuff.
  • Low-rpm torque is plentiful.
  • 39 mpg highway with 1.6T engine.

Performance Cons

The two smaller-displacement four-cylinder engines are a little wheezy for our liking, even the 1.6-liter turbo. We also found the dual-clutch transmission that comes with the 1.6T engine to be a little finicky in low-speed situations.

  • 1.6-liter seems to struggle when pushed hard for extended periods.
  • Base four-cylinder needs to wound out.
  • Dual-clutch transmission is downright frustrating when navigating a parking lot.

Interior Pros

The 2016 Optima is by far one of the best-equipped sedans for the money, as even its base LX trim has tons of great features. What’s more, the cabin feels roomier than ever with the redesign.

  • Corners of the dash are moved outward for a larger feel.
  • Plenty of value in the cabin, particularly in the mid-range trim levels.
  • Large trunk with big opening.

Interior Cons

The Optima’s cabin is great, so it is hard to find many faults. If we have to pick one, however, we would say that it’s the fact that the rear seat, while larger than before, is not as comfortable as other models in its class -- especially for folks who are any taller than six feet.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Kia Optima

The features that the 2016 Optima comes with are incredible for its class. All the way from the base LX to the top-of-the-line SX Limited, there is lots of value. Looking at the $37,000 price tag affixed to the range-topping SX Limited may be eye-watering at first, but we suggest comparing its feature list to a comparably priced luxury sedan. You’ll be quite pleased to learn that the Optima’s list is on par or better.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

We wanted to love the 1.6T engine, we really did, but it made that hard to do. Sure, it has ample power for short spurts, but when driving through mountains or when passing a long line of cars, it felt like it gave up at some point. Additionally, its standard dual-clutch transmission is not friendly in parking lots.

The Bottom Line

It has a few flaws here and there, but all in all, the 2016 Kia Optima is a great option for midsize sedan shoppers. It has a range of engines that fits all needs, its looks are stylish and modern, and it is an outstanding value.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.4L I-4 / 185 HP / 178 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd Sportmatic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
24 / 35 / 29 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.4L I-4 / 185 HP / 178 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
24 / 35 / 29 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
18.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$71
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
15.9 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
105 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
191.1 "
Exterior Width
73.2 "
Exterior Height
57.7 "
Front Headroom
39.8 "
Rear Headroom
37.8 "
Front Legroom
45.5 "
Rear Legroom
35.6 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
56.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,219 Lbs.
Wheel Base
110 "
Turning Radius
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Silver Aluminum / 17.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote / Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Yes Essentials Premium Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way / (8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Armrests
6-way / (8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan / Clock
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Major Components Months
120 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles

Used 2016 Kia Optima for Sale

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