Overhauled 2016 Kia Optima Looks Familiar
The 2016 Kia Optima’s major overall is a bit hard to appreciate by just looking at the car on a pedestal. When the car debuted for 2010, the Optima surprised some with standout good looks similar to pricey European luxury cars. The success of the midsize sedan jump-started Kia, and for the past few years it’s been one of the brand’s best-selling models. Because of that success I supposed drastically changing the design could have been a poor move for loyal buyers.
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The 2016 Optima very much maintains the look it pioneered in 2010 with little tweaks here and there, including a grille inspired by the Kia K900 luxury car and the first use of adaptive front lighting. But it’s just not enough, especially after Kia teased us with a wild sketch just weeks ago.
The range-topping SXL trim level sports chrome-plated accents everywhere, just like the outgoing model, though perhaps takes the look a little too far. There’s a bit too much going on with the multispoke wheels, chrome “Turbo” text and chrome-plated accents on the grille, door handle, rear valance and bumper accents. I prefer the SX trim with matte metallic-colored accents in place of the chrome ones. Luxury cars are transitioning to matte aluminum accents for a subtle look over the “look at me” chrome.
On the inside, the Optima has a few more tricks up its sleeve with the range-topping SXL sporting a high-end feel for a midsize sedan. Greater use of soft-touch materials across the line pairs with the SXL’s diamond-stitched Napa leather seats that would not look out of place in a Mercedes or Audi.
New dashboard styling makes the interior feel wider with greater use of horizontal accents replacing the previous segmented multimedia and center control stack. The overall look is less quirky than the outgoing Optima and classier. The seats are redesigned for 2016 with softer foam and a stronger frame. Sitting in them on the show floor tempted me to take a 30-minute breather in the extremely supple and comfortable front seats.
One change I’m eager to test is something that will have to wait until we get one on the road: the new Michelin tires. Big deal, right? Well, we’ve had mixed experiences with the Nexen tire choices on previous Optima test cars that couldn’t cut it in wintry conditions and overall seemed a weak link in the car’s performance. We’ll have to wait until late 2015 when the new Optima goes on sale to get that chance.
