5 Reasons Why the 2016 Kia Optima SX Should be Your Next Sedan

“I’m not a woman, but I am married to one, and I’ve heard Missi say many times: ‘It just fits.’ Whether it’s a new pair of shoes, jeans, or a new hair-do, many things go out the window when such thing—just fits. Could the Kia Optima fall into said category?”

5 Reasons Why the 2016 Kia Optima SX Should be Your Next Sedan

Sedans. The majority of them are being replaced by crossovers and SUVs, as car-buyers venture into the life-long voyage of squeezing more practicality out of their vehicles. Sure, SUVs are awesome, they’re utilitarian and fit most people’s needs, but as I’ve shared before, some sedans can be just as practical, convenient, and even save you a few bucks at the pump.

The recipe is simple, but not easy. Give it four doors, make it charming, give it a comfortable interior, and most importantly—make it reliable. Give or take, that’s what a great sedan should be composed of, and Kia knows that.

“It just fits, it feels good,” Missi said after driving the Optima for the first time. She then followed with, “Do they have any good lease specials on it?” I was shocked. After all, this is the same woman that’d rather lose the house than her beloved VW Beetle. Did the Optima “just fit?”

Reason 1: It Looks Darn Good

Fact: A large percent of Optima owners claim to have been initially attracted to Kia solely because of the Optima’s design.

Designed by the MacDaddy of designers—Peter Schreyer, the Optima was crafted by the same hands and eyes as the Audi TT, and VW Beetle. After many years at the helm of German design teams, Schreyer migrated to Kia in 2006 to help the Koreans with identity and purpose—and boy has he succeeded.

The exterior stands out with its signature tiger-nose grille, which is seamlessly connected to the HID Xenon headlights, giving the 2016 Kia Optima SX a sleek and premium look. The rear end is equally attractive with its full LED taillights, and a stylish little flick-of-a-spoiler on the trunk-lid.

Lastly, the SX’s dual-exhaust pipes, 18-inch wheels, and flared fenders add a touch of muscularity and character.

Reason 2: Beautiful Inside & Out

Have you ever been in a relationship with someone solely for their looks? How did that end up?

Regardless of how good the Kia Optima SX looks on the outside, the interior is equally, if not better. The Merlot leather is simply stunning, and it definitely plays up the luxury-on-a-budget sentiment, while the center console houses an 8-inch HD screen, as well as climate and basic media controls.

In my opinion, less is more, and Kia seems to believe so as well. The beauty of the Optima’s interior lays in its dash. Starting with the steering wheel, it features two button-clusters with easy to read controls for the radio, bluetooth and cruise control. The lower center console is quite minimalistic with its approach, as it features just enough buttons to compliment the UVO infotainment system.

The 8-inch screen functions as focal point and hub for all things media, GPS, apps, and of course—backup camera.

Reason 3: It’s Family Friendly

As you know, we have kids, and most likely so do you. I believe that checklists are imperative for parenting, you know: feed the kids, check. Bath kids, check. Don’t let them play with fire, check.

Here’s a checklist of what makes the 2016 Kia Optima SX a great family car:

• Averaged 29 mpg combined.
• Its front and rear seats are spacious.
• Its trunk is huge.
• It has heated rear seats.
• It has rear window shades.
• It has two sets of rear LATCH anchors.
• It has a rear armrest and cupholders.
• It has rear AC/heater vents. (So important)
• It has a cool panoramic sunroof.
• It has dual-zone climate control.
• It has seven standard airbags.

Reason 4: Bang for the Buck

The Optima is affordable luxury, affordable tech, and affordable style.

We’ve tested three other similar sedans, the $26,800 2016 Honda Accord, which is a heck of a car, but it’d be more expensive if similarly equipped. The $37,885 2016 Toyota Avalon, which although a great ride, it’s severely under-equipped and more expensive than the Kia.

Lastly, the 2016 Mazda 6 we tested at $33,750, packed a few more gadgets than the Optima SX, and offered the dynamic and sporty driving experience the Optima lacks. Then again, such attribute make it less comfortable, less spacious, and not as fuel-efficient.

Reason 5: The Kia Warranty

Peace of mind is everything to drivers and parents like you and I, and Kia knows that.

Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program on all of their vehicles.

Overall

The 2016 Kia Optima SX is a heck of a car.

Enough said!

2016 Kia Optima SX Launch Edition

• Starts at: $21,990
• Price as tested: $33,215