The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that powers the 2021 Kia Optima’s 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque is standard, and it is mated to an 8-speed automated transmission. For the new model year, it might also have an all-wheel-drive drivetrain available.
In This Article...
Is the 2015 Kia Optima four-wheel drive?
Front-wheel drive is standard on every 2015 Kia Optima. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque is standard on the LX, EX, and SX models.
A 2013 Kia Optima has four wheels in drive.
Every Kia Optima manufactured in 2013 has front-wheel drive. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque powers the LX and EX models.
Can I operate my Kia Optima on snowy roads?
When it comes to the Kia Optima and its front-wheel-drive drivetrain, the well-known sedan exhibits several excellent individual traits. Weight distribution is the key factor in how successfully front-wheel-drive cars (like the Kia Optima) handle snow and ice.
Does Kia offer AWD vehicles?
AWD is an option on more than just Kia crossovers and SUVs. When it was introduced in 2018, the Kia Stinger became the first AWD sedan in the series. It continues to combine AWD and performance with a 365-hp, 3.3L twin-turbo V6 that is capable of 376 lb-ft of torque and a 0-60 mph pace of in 4.7 seconds.
How many wheels does the 2019 Kia Optima have?
Our expert shares her opinions regarding the Kia Optima’s performance in each of the 10 areas that make up the 2018 APEAL Study in the sections that follow.
Exterior
The 2019 Optima is visually appealing in every configuration thanks to its coupe-like shape and elegant lines all around. The Optima’s external trim is gloss black, and it has black 18-inch aluminum wheels with a machined-faced finish. This trim gives the car a distinctively sporty look.
The test car had Snow White Pearl paint, which is more expensive but has a similar appearance to other white metallic paint jobs with more glitter. I don’t think this $495 choice is worth it. There is also an SX Limited option package that replaces the dark exterior with one that is more posh and chrome-adorned.
Interior
Although I prefer all-black interiors to lighter ones, the Optima SX’s unique seat upholstery pattern and red inlays make the interior more vibrant. Additionally, the SX Limited Package adds soft quilted Nappa leather to the vehicle to up the zoot factor.
The harsh plastic trim covering the bottom portions of the cabin is essentially the only aspect of the party that detracts from it, although this is typical of popular midsize sedans.
Seats
The front seats in the test car were heated and ventilated, which offered comfort on sunny days when the mostly-black interior and enormous panoramic sunroof worked together to trap and hold solar heat. It was even easier to get comfy in the front seats thanks to the numerous power adjustments available.
The 2019 Optima makes it easy to transport people about, which is the entire purpose of a family sedan. The broad view through the glass top delighted my girls, and there is plenty of space in the back of this automobile. This vehicle is ideal if you have a child who rides in a rear-facing child safety seat.
Climate Control System
During my time in the Optima, the dual-zone automatic climate control system immediately chilled the interior, and using the knobs and buttons to alter the temperature was a breeze. The Optima has rear air conditioning vents, which my kids love to have.
Infotainment System
Similarly, Kia’s infotainment system is simpler to use while driving thanks to the usage of knobs and buttons. It has an 8-inch touchscreen and supports smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Your gadget will be quickly charged by two USB connections at 2.1 amps each.
Software in the test vehicle also gave users access to linked service features that are cost-free to use as long as they don’t mind using up their smartphone’s data plan. Separately, a new smartphone app released this year enables remote control of a number of car features, including remote engine starting, remote door locking and unlocking, and climate control.
A Harman Kardon premium sound system with Clari-Fi digital music restoration technology was another improvement in the test vehicle. This system produced deep, clear sound for a car with a reasonable price tag.
Storage and Space
To keep your possessions safe, Kia offers smart storage options with the Optima. There are also bottle storage in the front and rear door bins, a sizable center console and glove box, a cubby and a tray for your phone, and more.
There are 15.9 cubic feet of freight capacity when the trunk is opened. The test vehicle had Kia’s Smart Trunk technology, which opens the trunk on its own when you briefly stand behind the vehicle while holding the key. The majority of these devices need you to stand on one foot while waving the other under the bumper.
Visibility and Safety
In spite of the car’s svelte silhouette, visibility is very good. The exception is directly behind, where the view is constrained by the third brake light and high rear deck. It’s a good thing that all trim levels come standard with rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
In order to keep the people within the Optima as safe as possible, Kia is kind and considerate. Even the Optima LX’s cheapest model comes equipped with a ton of active safety technologies, including a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, and lane departure warning with lane keeping assist. Additionally, my SX test vehicle had a pedestrian recognition system and adaptive cruise control.
The fact that Kia’s driver assistance features are subtly designed helps me find them useful. You’re aware of how they operate but aren’t annoyed by them, so you’re more likely to keep them interested.
The 2019 Optima obtains a 5-star overall rating in federal government-conducted crash testing. It receives the highest honor bestowed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), “Top Safety Pick Plus.”
Engine/Transmission
The Optima SX comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 245 horsepower. Due to the 260 lb.-ft. of torque that is available at just 1,350 rpm, unlike many turbocharged engines, turbo lag is hardly noticeable. The front wheels are calmly driven by a 6-speed automatic transmission that thinks quickly.
The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine in the Optima LX and S trim levels produces 185 horsepower, while the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine in the EX trim delivers 178 horsepower and a significant amount of torque. The Optima is also available with a plug-in electric hybrid powertrain and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain.
Fuel Economy
In mixed driving circumstances, an Optima SX should achieve an average fuel economy of around 24 mpg. On an impressive test loop that included motorways, busy city streets, and winding mountain routes, the test car achieved 23.5 mpg.
This finding makes it somewhat perplexing as to why fuel economy came in last among owners’ preferred aspects of the Optima. In contrast to many cars, it is important to note that the difference in points between the most and least popular things was rather small.
Driving Dynamics
The Kia Optima SX is neither an all-wheel-drive sports sedan nor a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Instead, this midsize family car has front-wheel drive, which adds to the surprise of its fun driving characteristics.
Under heavy acceleration, there is some torque steer (when you stamp on the throttle, a FWD car will pull slightly in the other direction), but it is quite predictable and simple to get used to.
The Optima SX’s ability to follow the contours of nearby canyon roads with the least amount of body roll, good rotational balance, durable brakes, sticky tires, and admirably accurate steering most pleased me.
Don’t think that this handling skill will translate into a rough ride throughout town. The suspension, in my opinion, is flexible enough to absorb the majority of ruts and bumps without making you unaware of what is happening on the road surface.
The Kia K5 is all-wheel drive, right?
The Optima has been replaced by the current generation of Kia’s midsize sedan, the K5. The K5 is a brand-new car that uses the company’s global moniker for its mid-size sedan despite having comparable four-door, fastback appearance as its predecessor.
The Kia K5 is one of the more affordable options available in the mid-size sedan market, with prices starting at $23,790 plus $995 destination. We drove the K5 GT-Line, which has more aggressive body kit, gloss black accents, and larger alloy wheels as well as sportier aesthetic features.
Yes. Front-wheel drive is the only option for the K5 LX base model, but all-wheel drive is available as a $1,800 option for the mid-level LXS and a $1,600 option for the sporty GT-Line. Curiously, only front-drive is available in the opulent K5 EX and K5 GT.
The Kia K5 GT-Line sports a 1.6-liter inline-four turbocharged engine that produces 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5-liter K5 GT is far more sporty, but the GT-Line is still swift enough to keep up with contemporary traffic. Compared to some competitors’ CVTs, its eight-speed automatic transmission is sportier and more responsive.
What distinguishes the Kia Optima S from the EX?
The Features That Differ The S trim includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-trimmed inside trim, and two-zone automatic climate control. All of the S model’s features as well as leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, and three extra USB ports are included in the EX trim.
The 2012 Kia Optima has a front-wheel drive system.
Front-wheel drive and an agile, dynamic four-wheel independent suspension are features of the Optima. Over more uneven pavement, we discovered that the ride quality was compliant, filtering out harshness, and that the suspension effectively communicated minor bumps and ripples. Although the Optima is not a sports sedan, the chassis is strong, and it handles with a sporty sheen.
The lowest grade and most popular model of the Kia Optima features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower. Although this engine lacks excitement, it works well for most drivers. With an EPA-estimated 24/35 mpg City/Highway, it is quiet at highway cruising speeds and has enough power to keep up with rapid traffic on the freeways.
This sedan is sweetly carried into another universe by the 274-hp Optima Turbo. The performance, stability, and agility of the Optima Turbo are excellent, and its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine runs unbelievably smoothly. Very quickly, it accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 6.5 seconds, and it completes the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds.
Optima is dragged back into the third world by the Optima Hybrid. EPA estimates that it gets 35 to 40 miles per gallon. However, throughout our lead-footed stint, we only received 25.5 mpg. We attribute the roughness of the 6-speed automatic transmission to its electronic programming.
The Optima Hybrid’s 2.4-liter, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gas engine, which generates 166 horsepower, is coupled by a wet clutch to a 40-horsepower Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor. Modern lithium-polymer (Li-PB) batteries with 270V output power the electric motor. This 95-pound Li-PB system is 20-30% lighter, 40% smaller, and 15% smaller than a nickel metal hydride system.
Three versions of the newly remodeled midsize Kia Optima are available. For 2011, the Kia Optima had a revamp. A popular Turbo model and a strong EX base model were both offered in the 2011 Optima lineup.
A hybrid variant of the Optima with a 2.4-liter I4 Atkinson cycle gas engine and a 40-horsepower electric motor is now available for the 2012 model year. EPA estimates for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid are 35/40 mpg City/Highway.
The Optima is at the cutting edge of midsize design: sleek and muscular, without any of the off-putting vibe that occasionally distinguishes modern Asian vehicles. With the exception of that grille, it is a refined vehicle with exceptional appearance.
Overall, the interior furnishings and materials are elegant, roomy, and of a high caliber. The console and the back seats, which are all comfy with sturdy support, are beautifully covered in leather. The instrumentation’s layout and design are thoughtful and make use of modern technologies. Although the Optima makes a good commuter module, the legitimate, jewel-like instruments indicate that this is no ordinary commuter module. All of the typical comforts are present, along with extras like a cool glove compartment for drinks.
How long are 2015 Kia Optimas good for?
The Kia Optima has a typical lifespan of 200,000 miles, which equates to around 13 years of service when you consider the average annual mileage of 15,000 miles. Because of this, the Kia Optima is an affordable option on the used automobile market that will last you for many years.
Is a 2015 Kia Optima a trustworthy vehicle?
- The 2015 Kia Optima has dependability difficulties and isn’t the market’s most durable sedan. Used prices range from $12,341 to $19,721. The most athletic model is the SX with the turbocharged engine.
- There are two powertrain options available. The 2.0T gives you higher performance, while the 2.4L offers superior fuel economy.
- In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2015 Optima sits in the center of its class. The 2.4L engine does not feel powerful enough for a car this size, according to both owners and critics.
- The Optima was available in five distinct variants in 2015, all of which had an improved infotainment system. This is a secure sedan that has received an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA.
- Comparing the 2015 Kia Optima to its rivals, it performs poorly in its class. It lacks the reliability and technology that one would expect from a car at this price. Because of these problems, it’s challenging to suggest the Optima as a whole.
Positive Owner Reviews
My automobile is my absolute favorite! I just bought it, and I can’t rave about it enough! Very trustworthy and committed to the long term.
I travel countless miles without incident. The automobile easily handles a 1 to 10 scale, and I’d be pleased to purchase another one. My buddies know that the car is?? and to acquire one. I’m at a loss for words. A Kia is a reliable vehicle.
The leather chairs that are heated and chilled are fantastic. It appears nice. I’ve had no issues, and it works fine. Nice and spacious, yet elegant.
Comfortable, dependable, and offers good gas mileage. It seems to be a brand-new automobile. Simple to clean. no technical issues
So far, I adore my 2015 Kia Optima. I’ve had the car for almost six months and haven’t had any problems. I adore the fuel efficiency; I’ve been averaging 31 miles per gallon.
It’s safe, which I appreciate. The steering is simple. The fact that the steering wheel is so simple to turn truly irks me.
It’s okay. It gets excellent gas mileage, runs smoothly, and has above-average levels of safety. It is also large with plenty of needed space.
My car is a sporty, quick one. Mileage are disliked. Advantage alerts you when your seatbelt is not fastened.
Negative Owner Reviews
Despite billions in fines and settlements from class actions, Kia has refused to repair or replace millions of defective engines. buy American!
After three years of ownership, air bags failed in an accident. I was unable to identify any recalls for this vehicle, and KIA service had never previously provided any information. Currently not a happy owner, but grateful to be alive.
NO, my accident was caused by this sluggish start. attempting a left turn in the middle lane. I was unaware of the delayed start. (I just bought it.) I started driving like you would drive any car, and it seemed to stall before I could continue. The approaching car had advanced by that point. After two or three seconds, it was over. I struck the driver’s side of the approaching automobile. I’ll be visiting a hospital. Before you make a purchase, do your research!
Because I purchased the 2015 Kia Optima used, the warranty will not cover an engine failure under 30k miles.
My 2015 Optima was leased, however after a year the dealer had to replace the engine because there were metal shavings in the oil. It’s been recalled a few times. I thought I was given a bad deal right away. Avoid Kia of El Cajon when looking to buy or lease.
Before the knock sensor, engine AUX canister, bearings, and engine failure, the 2015 Kia Optima appeared to be fantastic.
On 2015, I replaced the battery, the engine, and the brakes. It’s still not running even though I haven’t paid for it in full.
An average 2.0 turbo motor has a flaw from the manufacturer and lasts for 60500 miles. Mine failed after 58,000 miles. It has been a fantastic automobile other from that.