2019 Kia Optima Review
2019 Kia Optima Turbo
MSRP: $31,990
Engine: 2.0 Liter Turbo 4
Horsepower and Torque: 245/260
0-60: 6.7 Seconds
MPG as observed: 25 in mixed use
Text: Yousef Alvi // Photography: Richard Maneen
Think of a midsize car and what comes to mind? I bet that an image of a Camry or an Accord just popped up. Don’t worry! It’s not your fault. Those two models are so ingrained in the American psyche that it scared away Ford from that market entirely. But there is another player out there that is just as good...the Kia Optima.
The 2019 Optima Turbo is a brilliant car with a lot character. Character is something that has been lacking in this space for awhile but the Optima has it in spades. Powered by a punchy 2.0 turbo 4 making 245 hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque, helping the Optima up to 60 in around 6.7 seconds. The 6 speed automatic transmission works seamlessly in the background and overall the Optima has a slight sporting character. No it’s not a sports sedan but it does have it’s charm.
The interior is an exercise in practicality and functionality. The infotainment is woefully underrated and is probably one of the top 3 in the market, the cabin is airy and comfortable and everything just works the way it should. A knob is a knob, a button is a button and the simplicity is refreshing in a market dominated by fancy collateral that doesn’t work.
That’s the beauty of the 2019 Kia Optima Turbo. It’s an advanced family sedan designed to meet the needs of today and into the future. But it’s not over saddled with complicated controls, features and styling that take away from its purpose.
So how do I sum up up the 2019 Kia Optima Turbo? Advance tech, crisp styling and a functional and an easy to use cabin make it the refreshing alternative choice for the midsize sedan buyer.
