7x Q&A About The 2017 Kia Optima

The 2017 Kia Optima has been a major success for the Koreans, and is in fact the top-selling vehicle for the company in the United States.

The latest version of the Optima was released a couple of months back, and features a new design inside and out, as well as an improved powertrain.

Despite its popularity, there are sure to be some questions asked by customers not familiar with the 2017 Optima nameplate, so let’s see if we can answer a few.

What, does, where?… 2017 Optima Q&A

• made by Kia
• awd not available
• main rivals: Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata
• yes, turbo is available
• mpg figures
• range-topping trim level

1.Does the Kia Optima have AWD?

The Kia Optima midsize sedan is not offered with an all-wheel drive system. The powertrain on the Optima, which is the same as the Hyundai Sonata, delivers power to the front wheels.

The size of the sedan is a little larger than the 4-door Kia Forte, whilst also being a little smaller in size than the Cadenza premium sedan.

2. What are the cars like Kia Optima

The biggest rivals for the Optima are the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, VW Passat, Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda 6, and its sibling, the Hyundai Sonata.

3. Is There a turbo version of the Kia Optima?

There are 3 distinct engine options available with the Optima, and they are a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder GDI, which comes in the LX and EX models, as well as a 2.0-liter turbo GDI that can be found on the SXL and SX trims.

The third engine, which is new for 2016, is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo variant, which ca be found in the LX model. This particular powerplant cranks out 178-hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque when mated to Kia’s new 7-speed DCT.

4. What gas mileage does the Optima deliver?

The estimated fuel numbers are totally dependent on the trim level and engine option that you go with.

The Base LX model featuring the 2.4-liter engine delivers 25/37/30 mpg city/highway/combined, while the top of the range turbo model delivers 22/32/35 mpg city/highway/combined.

The mid-level model that boasts the new 1.6-liter turbo engine delivers 28/39/32 mpg city/highway/combined.

5. Which Optima trim level is the range topper?

All told, the Optima comes in 5 trim levels: LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SX Limited (SXL). It is the SXL that sits at the top of the range, and which comes with a host of luxury features.

These include Nappa leather trim, panoramic sunroof, Bi-Xenon HID headlights, heated and cooled front seats, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Front Collision Warning System, chrome alloy wheels, and more.

6. Is a panoramic sunroof an option on the Kia Optima?

It is possible to get a panoramic sunroof on the Kia Optima, but it all depends on the trim level. As mentioned earlier, the large panoramic glassroof comes standard on the top of the line SXL trim, but it’s also available as an option on the EX and SX trims.

7. Does the Kia Optima come with a manual transmission?

There is no manual transmission in the Kia Optima sold in the US market. Consumers have a choice of a pair of different transmissions, including Kia’s new 7-speed DCT or 6-speed automatic.