Segment: Compact
Production years: 2018, 2019, 2020
Kia introduced the refreshed version of the fourth-generation Optima at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in Europe, and along with the visual changes, it also added a new powerplant.
The Optima was no longer the same ugly duck from the 2000s, and it evolved into a streamlined, sporty-looking sedan fit for families with a limited budget. Moreover, since Kia offered an unusually long warranty period, it was considered a bargain for many. Thus, the 2019 Optima was a hit on the market.
Placed between the sporty-looking Stinger and the small-sized Forte, the Optima was a balanced vehicle with the same "Tiger Nose" signature front fascia. It featured a few details inspired by its larger sibling, with the LED signature DRL on the lower side of the headlights and a chromed trim above them. Moreover, depending on the trim level and options, it sported a black, shiny grille above the sculptured, aerodynamic bumper. The Optima's profile remained virtually unchanged, while at the back, the twin oval exhausts looked like they were inspired by an Audi RS.
The most significant progress was seen on the interior, where the carmaker introduced all of its safety systems fitted as standard on the entire range. The materials' quality and the design were improved, although there were some hard plastic surfaces on the center console. Last but not least, the UVO telematics and infotainment system featured a touch-screen display placed atop the center stack. It also supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Under the hood, Kia introduced its advanced, turbocharged, 1.6-liter powerplant paired to a seven-speed (dual-clutch) automatic gearbox that sent its power to the front wheels.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L 7AT (178 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1591 cm3 |
Power: | 130.9 KW @ 5500 RPM 178 HP @ 5500 RPM 176 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 195 lb-ft @ 1500-4500 RPM 264 Nm @ 1500-4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 7-automatic speed dual clutch |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/55R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 191.1 in (4854 mm) |
Width: | 73.2 in (1859 mm) |
Height: | 57.7 in (1466 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.5x63.8 in (1613 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 110.4 in (2804 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.3 in (135 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.9 cuFT (450 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.27 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3285 lbs (1490 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 27 mpg US (8.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 36.8 mpg US (6.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 31 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 6AT (245 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1998 cm3 |
Power: | 180.2 KW @ 6000 RPM 245 HP @ 6000 RPM 242 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 260 lb-ft @ 1350-4000 RPM 353 Nm @ 1350-4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/45R18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 191.1 in (4854 mm) |
Width: | 73.2 in (1859 mm) |
Height: | 57.7 in (1466 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.9x63.2 in (1598 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 110.4 in (2804 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.3 in (135 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.9 cuFT (450 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.27 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3558 lbs (1614 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 21 mpg US (11.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 30.2 mpg US (7.8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.4L 6AT (185 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2359 cm3 |
Power: | 136.1 KW @ 6000 RPM 185 HP @ 6000 RPM 183 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 241 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 215/55R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 191.1 in (4854 mm) |
Width: | 73.2 in (1859 mm) |
Height: | 57.7 in (1466 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.5x63.8 in (1613 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 110.4 in (2804 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.3 in (135 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.9 cuFT (450 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.27 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3298 lbs (1496 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 33.1 mpg US (7.1 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 27 mpg US (8.7 L/100Km) |