2011 Kia Optima at the 2010 New York Auto Show
- Competes with: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata
- Looks like: Kia is the new Pontiac
- Drivetrain: 200-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder; 274-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid; six-speed automatic transmission, six-speed manual on base LX
- Hits dealerships: Early fall 2010
It seems Kia will distinguish itself from corporate cousin Hyundai by making more aggressive-looking vehicles. That’s clear from the 2011 Kia Optima, which shares the same powertrains and platform as the 2011 Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan. The Sonata has won raves from the automotive press and is selling well, so there’s nothing wrong with that starting point.
Kia will offer the Optima in base LX, EX and SX trims.
Where the Optima differs most is in its looks, which follow the recently released Forte compact, but they’re beefier in terms of overall dimension and more aggressive, especially sporting 18-inch wheels standard on the SX and optional on the EX model. The rear is sophisticated and angular, with the SX trim getting LED-accented taillamps.
Like the 2011 Sonata, the Optima gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder standard, producing 200 horsepower across all trim levels; the Sonata makes 198 hp or 200 hp depending on the trim. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX, with a six-speed automatic being offered as an option. The automatic is standard on the EX and SX trims.
An optional 274-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder will be available at launch early this fall on the SX trim only. Finally, a hybrid Optima sporting the 2.4-liter four-cylinder will roll out in 2011.
No mileage figures were announced, but we can’t see them differing greatly from the Sonata’s 24/35 mpg.
The 2011 Optima continues Kia’s recent trend of offering a lot of standard features, such as power windows, dual exhaust, 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioned glove box, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, USB, Bluetooth and steering-wheel controls. If you get an LX with automatic transmission, cruise control and an eco-driving reminder are added as standard.
