2020 Kia Optima 1.6T Review

2020 Kia Optima 1.6T Review - When it debuted at the New York vehicle show in 2010, the now-outgoing Kia Optima wowed spectators with its undermined roofline and determined visage, penned under the instructions of design employer Peter Schreyer. That Optima developed Kia's current design language, and the brand-new, 2016 version does not stray far from the manuscript, with the tiger-nose grille, the arc of chrome along the roof side, as well as the beltline that scoops at the back. Information could have changed, as well as the car is 1.1 inches larger as well as a bit much longer, yet no one will perplex the new cars and truck with anything but an Optima.

Enter the Wee Turbo
Two of the three available engines carry over. The mainstay 2.4-liter four-cylinder is a naturally aspirated unit making 185 horsepower as well as 178 lb-ft of torque; it's found under the hood of the base LX and the mid-level EX. At the top end, the 2.0-liter turbo returns sporting 245 horse power and 260 lb-ft; it powers the SX as well as the SXL. Both obtain a six-speed automated. New to the celebration is the engine in our test auto: a 1.6-liter turbo 4 married to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Its 178-hp outcome is the lowest of the group, but its 195 lb-ft of torque betters the 2.4-liter.

Available only in the LX 1.6 T, the 1.6-liter is developed to be one of the most cost-effective offering of the number (besides the Optima crossbreed, still based on the previous-gen cars and truck), as well as its EPA ratings of 28/39 mpg city/highway go to the top of the course. Its seven-speed dual-clutch automated, nonetheless, is a welcome break from the rising trend of CVTs in this category. It credibly mimics the smoothness of a torque-converter automated at low speeds as well as provides well-timed shifts under acceleration. That acceleration is rather spry for an eco-friendly person, aided by the reality that the Optima LX 1.6 T danced across our ranges at 3241 extra pounds-- greater than 300 extra pounds less than the 2.0-liter SX. That number is about on par with a four-cylinder Honda Accord.


It's also more than 200 extra pounds lighter compared to the Ford Fusion 1.5-liter EcoBoost, which is possibly the Optima LX 1.6 T's most straight competitor. In a battle in between those two eco-misers, the Kia beams. Engine output is virtually a draw-- the Kia's 1.6-liter makes 3 fewer horse power yet 10 lb-ft extra torque compared to the Ford's 1.5-liter EcoBoost-- but the Optima's fuel economic situation is better by 3 mpg in the city as well as 2 mpg on the freeway (which's finding the Blend its optional vehicle stop-start system). When it's time to put your foot down, the Kia's 7.3-second zero-to-60 time trounces the Ford's 8.2-second outcome.

Actually, the case might conveniently be made that the 1.6 is the very best of the three Optima powerplants. The 2.0-liter turbo got to 60 miles per hour just half a second quicker in our examination, at a cost of 6 mpg in the city and 7 mpg on the highway. The 2.4-liter 4 (which we evaluated in the Optima's close kin, the Hyundai Sonata) is both slower, at 7.9 secs to 60, as well as thirstier. Mentioning the Sonata, when we evaluated the 1.6 turbo because cars and truck-- where it's supplied in the Sonata Eco-- it was also quicker, striking 60 in 6.7 seconds; that suggests our Optima, which had less than 500 miles on the clock, may have done also much better with a much more broken-in engine.

The LX 1.6 T flights on the Optima's typical suspension, not the "sport-tuned" variation located in the SX and the SXL; even so, it need not make any apologies for its ride. Pleasantly restrained without too much body motions, it's additionally certified enough to take the edge off rough sidewalk, assisted by this version's 65-series rubber on 16-inch wheels. The low-rolling-resistance tires, nevertheless, caused a long quiting distance of 185 feet from 70 mph, although roadholding was a reputable 0.83 g.

You Desired Leather with That?
That the 1.6-liter engine is available in only one trim degree might be its main drawback. One step up from the base LX, the LX 1.6 T is fairly well geared up (Bluetooth, a backup video camera, keyless entry), but if you desire leather, seat heaters, or navigation, you need to climb the ladder. The alternatives list does, however, include navigating, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic alert.

At this degree, indoor products are pretty standard, with lots of grained black plastic, however a minimum of the guiding wheel is covered in smooth natural leather, the armrests are decently padded, and the console has abundant storage. The previous Optima's more driver-oriented dash has been replaced by a new style that emphasizes the cabin's width. It's a simple interior design with a gimmick-free design of the controls that recalls the Honda Accord. The comfortable seatsing position is enhanced by a famous dead pedal for the driver, and relatively thin pillars and also a reduced cowl afford excellent presence. The back seat flaunts plentiful legroom and ample clearance under the sloping roofline as well as a short-trip-appropriate middle placement.

The 2011 design brought the Optima in from the subprime fringe of the mid-size-sedan market, and the redesigned version should keep it there. While not the most powerful or elegant variant, the LX 1.6 T could be its most fascinating, providing painless thriftiness that needs to speak to price-conscious car customers.

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