Automakers must always improve if they want to be competitive in today’s midsize car industry. Kia expects that the new Optima’s improvements would be welcomed by customers. Even if the competition is still fierce, the 2019 Kia Optima is ready to take on the task. The Optima not only proves to be a fantastic value but also offers a smooth street performance. Learn more about the new Optima and why it might be your best choice.
The 2019 Kia Optima has received some significant improvements from Kia. The updated UVO infotainment system for the sedan will undoubtedly catch the attention of many drivers. Its well-liked styling has also been updated.
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Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Kia OptimaThe Pros
A Fantastic Vehicle for the Money
In the class, the 2019 Kia Optima is likely the finest value. Prices begin at around $23,000. Priced at less than $32,000, even the more thrilling SX Turbo model is affordable. For a car that feels and looks more expensive than it actually is, this is a good price. The 100,000-mile powertrain guarantee from Kia adds to the Optima’s appeal. A competitive number of amenities are included as standard equipment, including a sophisticated safety package and Kia’s freshly revised UVO infotainment system.
2. Four-Cylinder Engines That Are Reasonably Efficient
The 2019 Kia Optima comes standard with a 185-horsepower engine. The vehicle has enough power for conducting daily errands thanks to it. On normal petrol, the combined fuel efficiency is 27 mpg. The 1.6T EX variant is the one to consider if you want greater efficiency. With a dual-clutch automatic transmission and a smaller turbocharged engine, this model can save the most fuel. You should expect to achieve a combined 31 mpg, according to the EPA ratings.
3. Athletic SX Model Provide More Fun
Check out the 2019 Kia Optima SX if the other trims don’t thrill you. The Optima lineup’s sportiest model is this one. It has a bigger turbocharged four-cylinder engine from Kia that produces 245 horsepower. Despite not being as speedy as the brand-new Honda Accord Touring, the Optima SX managed a respectable 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds. The SX variant feels more grounded on the road thanks to a suspension that has been modified for sports.
4. Calm, Secure Handling, and Composed Ride
A excellent alternative to the new Kia Stinger sports sedan is the 2019 Kia Optima. The Optima doesn’t feel as sporty, but it drives extremely steadily. In bends, a multi-link suspension improves stability. The Optima is a simple sedan to operate thanks in part to predictable steering. Good ride comfort is also provided. The Optima retains its smoothness while changing from one type of road surface to another.
5. Styling Continues to Improve
The majority of auto critics already thought the Optima had stunning looks. The 2019 Kia Optima, however, offers an even more appealing exterior. The 2019 model bears a remarkable resemblance to the new Stinger sports sedan thanks to subtle stylistic changes. Although the base Optima LX is undoubtedly worthy of consideration, the S model’s svelte look is improved by the rear spoiler. The SX model, meanwhile, has 18-inch sport wheels and dual exhaust pipes.
6. Designed for Families
You won’t be unhappy with the Optima’s available space. The backseat can accommodate both tall and short passengers, just like the front seats can. The available four-way lumbar for the driver’s seat is another feature you’ll appreciate. Although the Optima is built for the daily grind, its comfy interior makes it an excellent choice for a lengthy road trip. The amount of storage is exceptional for a midsize vehicle.
7. Excellent Safety Score
The NHTSA awarded the 2019 Kia Optima a perfect score for overall safety. Additionally, the IIHS awarded it “Top Safety Pick+” certification. Even the Optima’s headlamps scored well for visibility at night. Furthermore, a standard safety kit is included with every trim in the lineup. Lane change assistance, forward collision warning, and driver attentiveness alert are all great features. There is an optional surround-view camera.
8. Best-In-Class Entertainment System
UVO infotainment system upgrades made by Kia are significant. The interface is currently among the best in its class. The touch screen’s quick response time and high-resolution images will appeal to you. Most importantly, using this infotainment system doesn’t need any mental effort. Accessing mobile apps should be simple once your smartphone is connected.
UVO Link 9.
Kia unveiled a new UVO connection feature this year. You can use your smartphone to operate some of the features of the vehicle. For instance, you can change the climate before you even get in the car. Drivers can remotely lock and unlock the doors using UVO link as well. It is simple to get roadside assistance.
Hotspot Wi-Fi 10.
One of the most desired things in the car industry today is Wi-Fi. Thankfully, the 2019 Kia Optima now features an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. Your family will always have a dependable internet connection. You won’t have to put up with the annoyance of looking for a Wi-Fi connection anymore.
buying advice
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Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Kia OptimaThe Cons
1. Lack of AWD
Even though Kia has made significant improvements to the Optima, an AWD system is still not available. The front-wheel-drive Optima is available in all trim levels. An AWD system would give you additional peace of mind when you go outside on a chilly day. Consider the 2019 Subaru Legacy and the 2019 Nissan Altima if you need a sedan to manage slick roads. These two family cars both come with all-wheel drive.
2. Might Provide Better Gas Mileage
The 2019 Kia Optima is not a wasteful vehicle. Nevertheless, it performs worse than its rivals in terms of fuel efficiency. Competitors with superior gas mileage include the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. The Accord can achieve up to 30 mpg in the city, compared to the new Camry’s up to 41 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.
3. Less Exciting to Drive Than Some Rivals
The new Optima is exciting to drive. This is especially true for the SX model’s sporty tuning. The Kia Optima is still not as exciting to drive as other competitors, though. The Camry XSE V6 and the Accord Touring are faster. The Optima is also unavailable with a manual transmission.
4. The Transmission on the EX 1.6T Trim Is Not Accurate
The EX 1.6T comes with a unique dual-clutch automatic transmission from Kia. It’s designed to encourage greater fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, the transmission’s sloppy shifts have been noted by test drivers. The transmission prevents you from maximizing the engine’s performance while starting from a stop.
5. Less Headroom in the Rear
The Kia Optima gives up some headroom, like other vehicles with a sleek roof. Tall passengers will undoubtedly notice the lower roof of the vehicle. Verify that your family and friends can fit comfortably in your new Kia Optima before making the purchase.
The 2019 Honda Accord competes against the redesigned Kia Optima. Even while the Accord has a stronger performance, its warranty is not quite as generous. Additionally, certain buyers of automobiles will favor the Optima’s dynamic appearance.
2019 Toyota Camry may perhaps be something you’re thinking about. You should still take a test drive in the Optima even if the Camry is arguably the greatest vehicle in its class. In the end, you could be won over by the Optima’s excellent value.
Keep in mind the 2019 Mazda 6, which is renowned for its lively driving. It maneuvers quite nicely. Your family will have more room to spread around in the Optima, though.
The Kia Optima for 2019 is an excellent vehicle. Although the Optima has many endearing features, many automobile buyers will be drawn in by its stylish appearance. The Optima’s total value, which has been enhanced with a standard safety suite, is something else you’ll adore. Upgrade to the sporty SX variant for extra enjoyment on the road.
The Optima has some drawbacks despite being a family car that is highly recommended. The Optima has less rear headroom than other rivals, in addition to getting worse gas mileage. Even though the EX 1.6T model would cost you less at the pump, certain drivers might not appreciate the transmission’s performance.
Is the Kia Optima a wise investment?
The 2020 Optima is a reliable used car, yes. This sedan offers a comfortable ride, a stylish interior, a sizable trunk, and a feature-rich and user-friendly infotainment system. Additionally, it offers a ton of safety features and one of the best safety ratings among midsize cars.
Which issues does the Kia Optima have?
The Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima are competitors of the five-seat mid-size Kia Optima. The spacious Kia Optima is a mid-size car with simple controls and numerous active safety features. Despite being well-liked, the Optima does have certain problems, and there are a few particular years you should watch out for. These Kia Optima years should be avoided.
Short Answer: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
The Optima from Kia is one of several automaker manufacturers that appear to have at least one model that is an absolute failure. The five-year period between 2011 and 2015 turned out to be the Kia Optima years to avoid, and if you’re interested in buying one, you should give subsequent model years a second look even though there are fewer complaints about them.
The Optima is not one of the most dependable solutions available even if it has a wonderful overall design, sells well, and is an economical option because of its numerous mechanical problems. Its low rating isn’t due to a lack of contemporary features or a high starting price, but rather to persistent major mechanical problems that affect both new and old versions.
The Kia Optima was intended to be a cost-effective sedan for the typical consumer, but its cost-effectiveness was overshadowed by a lack of dependability. The Optima is a modest base car that costs between $20,000 and $30,000 for the majority of regular variants and has some issues that drive up maintenance expenses.
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Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2011
2011 was the worst year on record for the Kia Optima, according to figures compiled from complaints received about the vehicle over its lifetime. The 2011 Kia Optima’s most frequent issue is engine failure, which often occurs under 100,000 miles and has an average repair cost of over $4,500. A class-action lawsuit was brought against Kia because there were sufficient problems and significant customer pressure along with widespread criticism. In the end, the automaker recalled various vehicles, including 2011-2014 Optimas with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines.
What was initially a cheap automobile quickly racked up repair costs. Total engine failure was the worst and most frequent mechanical event in 2011. That is something you would anticipate from a Honda Accord with 300,000 miles, but not from a more recent Kia. Kia issued a number of recalls as a result of numerous incidents in which the engine seized while being driven, leaving drivers and their families stranded on the side of the road. If Kia hadn’t issued these recalls, consumers would have had to spend hundreds of dollars to replace the entire engine or purchase a new vehicle.
There were expensive engine problems with other models besides the 2011 one. In the 2013 model year, catastrophic engine failure occurred even in vehicles with fewer than 75,000 miles. The project was destroyed by the issue because it was so significant and expensive to fix.
For the 2011 model year, these common problems:
- Issues with the steering
- Difficulties with the fuel system
- Interior fixtures that are malfunctioning
- Electric problems
- A broken set of brakes
- Pains in the body
By 2016, the majority of the problems that had existed in prior years had mostly disappeared. By the 2017 model year, all issues had been resolved. The finest model years to choose from are the 2017 to 2020 range because they are quite reasonable and are currently the only options available for the Kia Optima that are used or semi-owned.
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Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2013 & 2014
A recall was issued for the Kia Optima model years 20132014 that used the 2.4liter and 2.0liter turbocharged fourcylinder engines. The engines’ low-pressure fuel lines occasionally fractured and leaked, creating a serious fire hazard. Although the exact cause of the cracking was unknown, heat from the engine bay seems to be the main problem, which affected a small but sizable number of Kias.
Typical problems with the 2013 and 2014 model years are:
- Recalls of engines
- Fire risk
- High upkeep expenses
Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2015
According to CarComplaints, certain 2015 Optimas still had engine failure complaints. With an average of 500 to 1000 complaints made across the four years, the years between 2012 and 2015 experienced many of the same problems. On the highway, the 2015 model experienced the biggest problems, with engines frequently seizing. There have also been incidents where many cars have caught fire, posing a risk to the driver, passengers, and other people.
Typical problems with the 2015 model year:
- Engine failure completely and poor performance
- Fire risks
Despite receiving fewer complaints than earlier model years, the 2016 Optima nonetheless has a number of flaws. Some 2.4-liter vehicles had to be recalled because their front driveshafts were damaged. Window regulator failure has also been reported by certain owners, however according to CarComplaints, this problem seems unlikely. Finally, Consumer Reports reports that sunroof-equipped automobiles have issues with their sunroofs not closing, the tracks warping, or just rattling due to worn seals.
Typical problems with the 2016 model year:
- Roof collapse
- Power window management
- Inadequate sealant insulation
Kia Optima Recalls by Year
- 0 in 2000
- 3 in 2001
- 3 in 2002
- 2 in 2003
- 1 in 2004
- 0 in 2005
- 2 in 2006
- 2 in 2007
- 3 in 2008
- 1 in 2009
- 1 in 2010
- 4 in 2011
- 3 in 2012
- 5 in 2013
- 4 in 2014
- 2 in 2015
- 4 in 2016
- 2 in 2017
- 1 in 2018
- 1 in 2019
- 0 in 2020
The majority of the repeat recalls occurred within the five-year period between 2011 and 2015. Although general problems are more likely to arise as people age, these five have continuous repair and maintenance needs.
These are the ideal vehicles for college students since they can transport you, your friends, and your belongings everywhere you need to go, whether you need to squeeze into a small campus parking space or transport ten loads of laundry home.
What are the good Kia Optima Model Years?
There are essentially no issues with the Optimas for 2017 through 2019. They will undoubtedly be discounted in the near future since a facelift is anticipated for the 2021 model year. All of the 2016 Optima’s problems, meanwhile, are not necessarily fatal provided the recall work was done properly.
Even the greatest Optimas from 2017 and 2018 have been recalled, but just the hybrid models, exactly like most other strong vehicle years. Some 2019 vehicles have been recalled due to a front-collision warning system software issue. With the highest CR reliability rating of the group, the 2019 Kia Optima. One of the models from the most recent generation in the last five years is a sure choice if you’re looking for a used Optima.
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