2019 Kia Optima SX front three quarter in motion 2

On our figure-eight course, the 2019 Optima recorded a time of 27.4 seconds at an average of 0.63 g. Bizarrely, that's nearly identical to the last three Optima 2.0T sedans we tested, including a last-gen 2011 model. Just looking at the numbers, you might think the Optima hasn't improved much in the handling department. But testing director Kim Reynolds' notes suggest otherwise.

"Very nice," he begins. "This is a well-composed chassis with a lot of tire feedback that tells you what's going on. It didn't want to be in second gear, so basically it did everything in third, but that seemed fine. It's the perfect gear ratio for the figure-eight. Predictable brakes, good brake feel. A lot of fun."

The Optima's chassis was stiffened with more high-strength steel for its 2016 redesign, and it also received structural adhesive said to increase rigidity. A Kia rep confirmed there were no changes made to the Optima's suspension and chassis for its 2019 refresh, so maybe the car has always been fun to drive at the limit.

But on the street, that fun was less apparent to me. The engine always felt eager to play, but ample body roll and unnatural steering feel kept me from pushing the Optima too hard in turns. Overall, I prefer the handling manners of the Accord and Mazda6, which both beat the Optima around the figure-eight with results of 26.9 seconds and 26.7 seconds, respectively. One thing about the chassis that everyone can agree on is its excellent ride quality. The ride is smooth on the highway and mostly quiet save for some occasional tire noise over rough road.

The Optima's cabin is a mixed bag. Some aspects like the leather seats and door panel inserts feel upscale, but cheaper-feeling hard plastics are also abundant. Much like the Optima's exterior, I think Kia missed an opportunity when it designed the interior. It's not unattractive, but it also doesn't stand out in any way. One highlight is the revised UVO infotainment system, which is now offered in three tiers. Associate online editor Stefan Ogbac describes the top navigation-equipped system in our tester best:

"The multimedia system is just so well done. It's easy, uncluttered, and totally intuitive. Shortcut buttons make it even easier to use, and the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is still one of the best in the industry. You can use the native system and smartphone integration together, unlike other interfaces that force you to choose one or the other."

Kia has always been about giving customers bang for their buck, and the Optima is no exception. For 2019, Kia added advanced safety features including forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and Driver Attention Warning as standard equipment across the entire Optima lineup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility also comes standard, even on the lowest-tier UVO system.

Our tester rang up at $33,315, which is a couple grand less than a comparably equipped Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. There's also the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty to consider, both of which top the peace-of-mind programs offered by competitors.

The Optima may no longer be the design star of the Kia lineup, but it's still strong on value and offers midsize sedan shoppers loads of content in a quasi-sporty package.

2019 Kia Optima SX T-GDI
BASE PRICE	$32,820
PRICE AS TESTED	$33,315
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE	2.0L/245-hp/260-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4
TRANSMISSION	6-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	3,562 lb (60/40%)
WHEELBASE	110.4 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	191.1 x 73.2 x 57.7 in
0-60 MPH	6.7 sec
QUARTER MILE	15.1 sec @ 93.9 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	117 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.81 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	27.4 sec @ 0.63 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	21/30/24 mpg
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	160/112 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.80 lb/mile

2019 Kia Optima SX front three quarter 3