If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to upgrade your Optima, now is the time. Kia loaded up our favorite sedan with lots of improvements for the 2018 model year such as a sporty new S trim. You’ll find excellent performance, a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard features, and a slew of technology at every trim level. Let’s delve into our top six reasons to upgrade your Kia Optima this year.
Introducing the New S Trim
The new S trim adds a level of sportiness at a lower price, starting at $23,600. The new Optima S offers drivers a snazzy front bumper and rear spoiler, with larger 17-inch alloy wheels, and more. A 10-way power-adjustable leather-trimmed driver’s seat, and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob add a touch of indulgence to the 2018 Optima S.
It’s Turbocharged
Who would have called Kia’s flagship mid-sized sedan a sports car? But the SX model with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is a confident competitor. Paired with a quick-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox, the SX puts out 245 horsepower. The Optima SX is agile, with responsive steering and a firm, sport-tuned suspension, plus a huge 18-inch tire package starting at $30,600.
It Comes in a Hybrid
Introducing the new Optima Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid sedans. These new extensions of Optima’s lineup combine an electric motor and a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine for remarkable mileage: 103 miles per gallon (mpg). Optima’s hybrid plug-in’s sleek style delivers fuel-efficient technology with an available all-electric mode. These two new Optimas prove that you don’t need to compromise to be environmentally conscious.
Loaded With User-Friendly Technology — Standard
The upgraded Optima now offers a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that Kia packed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Kia improved upon the already impressive advance UVO system with smartphone integration in every trim. Luxurious tidbits such as navigation and a larger touch-screen display are also available.
Safety Features
The new Optima comes with more standard safety features than ever before, such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking assist. Reserved for the Optima’s top trims is optional driver-assist technology including emergency braking, collision and lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree camera.
If outstanding safety ratings were reason enough to upgrade your car this year, know that the 2018 Optima earned a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also received the highest score of “Good” in five crash tests administered by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — and a Top Safety Pick+.
Driver Modes
The Optima features Kia’s three innovative driver modes. These “modes” offer a flexible system that switches between Normal, Sport, and Eco settings. Finding a comfortable balance of everything that affects the feel of your drive — from the powertrain, steering, and suspension — are all centrally controlled according to your preferences.
The new Optima’s starting price is below the class average, and you get standout amenities and top-notch safety features with the 2018 Kia Optima. Isn’t it time you test drove your new Optima?
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.