- Highs: Gorgeous outside and in, loads of luxury options, smooth powertrain operation.
- Lows: Touch functions are distracting, driver's seat set too high, some rivals drive better.
- Verdict: The Optima delivers a truly upscale experience at an accessible price.
Overview
Even with the dwindling desirability of family sedans, Kia
has crafted a compelling example with the all-new 2021 Optima. With a
daring design that evokes both sportiness and luxuriousness, it's a
legitimate head-turner. The interior is elegantly appointed and brimming
with high-tech content such as a digital gauge cluster and cool ambient
lighting. While the Optima isn't particularly entertaining to drive,
its powertrain and ride provide a refined experience. A spacious back
seat and generous trunk also make it a useful alternative to popular crossover SUVs, especially with its potentially optional all-wheel-drive system. The death of the mid-size sedan may be imminent, but the 2021 Optima aims to be one of the best left.
What's New for 2021?
Kia completely redesigned the Optima for 2021, with a bolder exterior and a truly luxurious interior. It also shares a platform with its corporate counterpart, the Hyundai Sonata,
which was all new for 2020. While it's not confirmed, the
fifth-generation Optima could be called K5 here in the states, and it
could also be available with all-wheel drive for the first time. Regardless, the Korean company has exceeded expectations with the latest iteration of its mid-size sedan.
Pricing and Suggestion
- Optima: $25,000 (est.)
The
2021 Optima isn't expected to go on sale in the U.S. until the second
half of 2020. Kia also hasn't said how much the car will cost or
elaborated on what trim levels will be available when it goes on sale.
However, there's no doubt the family sedan will continue to be a great
value. We expect it to start in the mid-$20,000 range, which aligns with
the entry-level Sonata.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The
Optima will offer a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder when it
arrives in America. The engine is currently available on the Sonata,
which makes 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. We expect the Kia
version to be equally as powerful, and we know it'll be paired with an
eight-speed automatic transmission. There's also a chance the 2021
Optima will offer all-wheel drive for the first time. The version we
drove was front-wheel drive and demonstrated decent acceleration around
town. However, it was less impressive at highway speeds, where it needed
extra time to execute passes. Still, its dutiful automatic transmission
and well-insulated cabin helped ensure its engine noise never rose
above a dull roar. Although it won't be available right away, the
sportier Optima GT will have a more powerful turbocharged engine. Its
2.5-liter four-cylinder is expected to make 290 horsepower and 310
lb-ft. It'll pair with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.
New 2021 Kia Optima In Style
The 2021 Kia Optima (Korean-spec)
2021 Kia Optima Looks Sharp, Gets AWD
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Since
neither Kia nor the EPA has released fuel-economy ratings, we don't
know how efficient the 2021 Optima will be in the city or on the
highway. Once those estimates are released—and we have the opportunity
to test one on our 200-mile highway route—we can evaluate its real-world
mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside,
the 2021 Optima looks amazing for how much it's expected to cost. The
layout is both sophisticated and straightforward, and the cabin is
appointed with attractive materials such as wood trim on the dash and
doors. The model we drove boasted leather upholstery and a nicely
contoured, leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also had a dazzling
12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable themes and
high-resolution graphics. The Optima also offers an array of upscale
interior features such as ambient interior lighting on the dash and
doors, a head-up display, heated and ventilated fronts seats, heated
rear seats, an air-purification system, a panoramic sunroof, and a
wireless phone-charging pad. While the driver's seat feels high even at
its lowest point, the comfortable spot for your left foot and
floor-hinged accelerator are nice touches. The back seat also provides
generous legroom, and the trunk looks to have plenty of space for
luggage.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The
Optima is outfitted with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
that is enclosed in a large piano-black bezel that also houses the car's
fully digital gauge cluster. While the system does have a volume knob
and physical buttons on the steering wheel, the rest of its controls are
touch-sensitive, which can be distracting. In addition to Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto integration, the Optima will be available with a
12-speaker Bose audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The
2021 Optima hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety (IIHS). The mid-size sedan will offer a variety of driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:
- Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia
provides one of the best warranty, bar none. While it doesn't include
complimentary scheduled maintenance, its limited and powertrain coverage
are the longest of any automaker besides its corporate sibling, Hyundai.
- Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance