2019 Kia Optima Prices Increasing Up To $1,325

With consumers moving toward mid-size SUVs and crossovers, automakers have had to make their mid-size sedans even more attractive. For Kia, this means packing the 2019 Optima with even more features. Unfortunately, this also means an increase in pricing.

The 2019 Kia Optima LX starts at $23,820, an increase of $325 from last year's model (all prices include the $920 destination charge). The Optima S is priced at $25,820, which is a price increase of $1,325. The EX, which is now powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder starts at $27,720, an increase of $1,125 from last year. Lastly, the range-topping SX trim that features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is priced from $32,820 – $1,325 more than the old SX trim. The Optima LX 1.6T is no longer offered.

When it comes to features, the 2019 Optima comes with many of the latest driver-assist technology as standard. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane change assist, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse park distance warning, and driver attention warning are all standard.

The new Optima also gets a new look that's inspired by the sporty Stinger. It's a minor difference, but the changes do make the mid-size sedan look sportier than before. Lastly, Kia's UVO-tiered infotainment system has been reworked to be easier to use.

With the new safety features and moderate price increase, at least for the base LX trim, the sedan is an excellent value proposition. Going further up the line brings more luxury features, but the larger price tags and more dramatic price increases from the previous model year could be tough for some consumers to justify.