2011 Kia Optima Review

The 2011 Kia Optima is a big knock-out punch to the face of competitors in the segment.
The new Kia Optima is the ultimate expression of the brand’s new heritage.

From the outside the new "Kia Optima "is without fail the most modern-looking car out of Korea to date. Designing cars that have an emotional connection to their buyers.

The 2011 Kia Optima is a midsize sedan available in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX Turbo and SX.
The EX comes standard with the Convenience package as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, foglights, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents and leather upholstery. The Premium package for the EX and SX adds a panoramic sunroof, a four-way power passenger seat, driver seat memory, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. On the EX and EX Turbo, this package also includes a heated steering wheel.

The 2011 Kia Optima LX and EX are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 200 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on the LX Manual, while a six-speed automatic is standard on all other Optimas. In California-emissions states, the Optima has a Super Ultra Low Emissions rating (versus Ultra-Low elsewhere) resulting in a lower power output of 192 hp and 181 lb-ft.

EPA-estimated fuel economy is 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined with the automatic. The Optima Turbo's EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22/34/26 -- outstanding for a car with this much power.

The 2011 Kia Optima comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, side airbags, side curtain airbags and hill start assist. In Edmunds brake testing, an Optima EX came to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet -- a good performance.

The "2011 Optima "has a composed ride that's comfortable without being isolating.
An aggressive stance, chrome tipped dual exhausts and, on top trims, flashy chrome wheels complete the look.

Performance-wise, the new Optima does it all right, with a sweet, powerful-yet-economical engine, great steering, and a quick, nimble feel overall. The bright spot is that heated-and-cooled front seats as well as heated back seats are optional on the Optima EX and SX.

Features remain a strength throughout the Kia lineup, and the Optima is no exception. Even mid EX trims get things like dual-zone climate control and a smart-key system.

Top SX trims will offer a more powerful 274-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while an even higher-mileage Hybrid model will join the lineup late in the model year.