All units are front-drive. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. Probably the best example of Kias evolution, the U.S.-built Optima is the companys top-selling model. Inside and Out of the 2015 Kia Optima SX TurboThe Optima launched originally with a look that was a true step above: full of lines and details and shapes once reserved for concept cars under the glimmering lights of the auto show floor. A wiring connector leak is to blame. The Optima is typical of Kias current design language, from its tiger-nose grille to its European-influenced sheet metal. Subscribe to our Blind-Spot Monitor newsletters to catch up on all the top automotive stories of the week, B.C. A welcome email is on its way. 
Sign up to receive Driving.ca's Blind-Spot Monitor newsletter on Wednesdays and Saturdays. While the Optima competes in the same mid-size sedan category as the Toyota Camry, the interior quality is more on par with Lexus. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 274 horsepower but more importantly, its 269 lb.-ft. of torque is available almost immediately, making the Optima very quick to respond. Buckling up, my hiking buddy Kath glanced appreciatively around the cabin while searching out the buns-warmer switch. The shape of the dashboard and console and even the way the steering-wheel mounted switches are arranged and how they feel are a bit on the upscale side. Plus, the two-tone seats and the driver-focused layout to the controls help the cabin hit a bit harder than its price suggests.
It performs at or above the level of a comparable 6-cylinder unit when you give it a bootfull of gas, but uses less fuel, more of the time. That a product of a Korean automaker, once known for its cheap and forgettable vehicles, could be mistaken for something more premium, is fitting tribute to the man largely credited for the companys transformation. These cars are a great deal for Optima shoppers. Please try again. Handling, further, is tidy and well sorted. 
That recall Favourite added temporarily. And thanks for reading Autoblog. 2017 Hyundai Tucson 2.0L Premium AWD Review. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Its not a Bentley inside -- but few competitors (especially at this price) use as much leather, contrast stitching, and depth towards a rich and detailed look like youll find in here. 2015 Kia Optima Pricing and SpecsFor 2015, the freshly updated Optima comes in at $24,795 with 192 standard horsepower in LX grade, and a generous list of standard features. And free is good, right? Power 100-Point Score is based on hundreds of thousands of independent and unbiased opinions of verified car owners. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Review: Driving Impressions, Powertrain 10 years/100,000 miles limited warranty from CPO date of sale. A Ford Maverick Tremor shows up near Detroit, tap here to see other videos from our team, but it was present on the humble Rio 5 Id driven recently. You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen. If you'd be so kind as to allow our site, we promise to keep bringing you great content. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. It might not cost a lot, but your neighbors will probably think you paid more than you did. Between the gauges, a 4.3-inch TFT screen displays various audio and vehicle information. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. On the front fenders are a pair of purely decorative, chrome-trimmed vents and there are discreet touches of chrome on the door handles. 
Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. Surprisingly, however, it wasnt heated. This page is for personal, non-commercial use. Perhaps too quiet; youd expect some hint of engine note or exhaust rumble from the otherwise sporty variant of the lineup. I was delighted with the steering wheel, which couldve been swiped straight out of an Audi TT. You still haven't turned off your adblocker or allowed our site. The sporty Optima SX adds visual and chassis upgrades, as well as premium interior hardware, from $33,195. Sports-style bucket seats are comfortably supportive and are both heated and cooled. Driving the 2015 Kia Optima SX TurboThe Optimas ride is pleasing most of the time -- taut, fairly agile, well sorted, and comfy. This ones a cinch. Feature content was generous, including a full panoramic glass roof, memory seating with heated and chilled leather, and automatic or self-activating climate control, lights, wipers. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Very straightforward. Click on the icon for your Adblocker in your browser. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings. Wrapped in thick and grippy leather, the flat-bottomed wheel, which featured the moulded thumb grips of a genuine sports car.
Not that thats an oversight in this segment (and it is available in non-turbo models) but it was present on the humble Rio 5 Id driven recently. Of the tot Tesla is recalling over 475,000 vehicles as part of two separate recalls, the largest of which involves potential failure of the rearview camera. Actual price and payments may be different due to local rebates, specials, fees, and credit qualifications. You must have JavaScript enabled to experience the new Autoblog. We have enabled email notificationsyou will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. In acquiring former Audi designer Peter Schreyer, Kia clearly signalled its intent to re-invent itself as a producer of high quality, feature-laden vehicles with great styling. Select the option to run ads for autoblog.com, by clicking either "turn off for this site", "don't run on pages on this domain", "allow this site" or similar. Its also why the Kia Optima has become a popular pick for Canadian shoppers after a family sedan thats full of the little extras that help add value to the family-sedan equation. 
To add it to your profile, you will need to sign in. Click below to find your next car. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. It feels a touch European, and thats a good thing. Drivers will likely appreciate the sensation of the suspension working to filter out unpleasantness on rough roads, while offering a slightly sporty feel thats balanced nicely against a comfortable cruising ride. Consult your dealer for actual price, payments, and complete details. You must be logged in to perform that action. The up-level 2.0L engine uses four little cylinders and a punchy turbocharger to turn out 274 horsepower. You get navigation and satellite radio and voice command and steering-wheel mounted controls for easy access to directions, entertainment, and other vehicle functions. The cabin is a big value-adder. That sense of premium solidity carries over out on the road, where the Optimas suspension does an admirable job of delivering a quiet, well-damped ride. Dont miss the flat-bottomed steering wheel with thumb notches, just like a race car. For buyers who want sharp styling, plenty of features and a premium look without the premium price, the Kia Optima fits the bill nicely. Steering inputs required for quick-navigation winding roads are fairly large, but the Optima rewards drivers with clean, tidy, and flat handling, as well as an above-average feeling of agility when they push a little. Thanks for that. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Other than some rather peculiar voice command interpretation which really, could be blamed on my diction, after all, Peterborough, Ontario does sound quite a bit like Dorval, Quebec we got along without a hitch. We encountered an issue signing you up. Ads can be annoying. Theres more stitched leather than youd expect to find in this segment, and its tastefully augmented with brushed metal trim. Two adults can ride comfortably with plenty of legroom, but that stylish sweep of roofline cuts slightly into head room for taller passengers.
Clean and organized, the centre stack houses an eight-inch infotainment screen system thats refreshing in its simplicity. pickup driver fined for transporting dog in truck bed, Ford plans up to 8,000 job cuts to help fund EV investment, Tesla accused of painting over structural crack, German court hears, Spied!
Then, theres the SX Turbo (like my tester), which comes fully loaded only and is priced at $34,895. My experience with these things generally ends in expletive-filled exasperation. Recently added to all SX and SX Limited models is a new Drive Mode Select System that let me toggle through Eco, Normal and Sport depending on whether I felt like driving for fun, or making the most of my gas budget. Actually, it does. We get it. Get an online offer in 2 minutes using our Sell My Car tool. The powerplant is smooth, refined, and never feels like its working too hard. If you need proof of how far Kia has turned itself around, the stylish and upscale Optima is it. It only takes a few seconds. Blind-spot monitoring mirrors and a high-resolution backup camera help add confidence, too. While it may not vocalize its performance, the Optima Turbo has no problem with delivery. 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. Theres no shortage of good choices in the fiercely competitive mid-size segment, with equally as many compelling reasons to choose them. Also read: Our review of the Kia Optima Hybrid. Its a handsome sedan, a classic wedge shape with crisply executed character lines. The next issue of Driving.ca's Blind-Spot Monitor will soon be in your inbox. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Rear seats are deep, pillow-y and comfortable, and the punchy Infinity audio system handles music playback with potency. The J.D. At full throttle, the flat and shapeless power curve and dull exhaust note take away from the entertainment value, though the generous low- and mid-range torque mean its an engine most impressive when youre driving moderately or gently, since it rarely needs to gear down and barely makes a peep, even while hauling the Optima up to speed with a nearly mischievous urgency. But ads are also how we keep the garage doors open and the lights on here at Autoblog - and keep our stories free for you and for everyone. Now, the updates -- with quad-cluster LED fog-lamps and revised fascia -- advance that even further. Read more about cookies here. The high-value EX grade model, with numerous included must-haves, is priced at $27,495, with the high-grade EX Luxury model priced at $31,495. Comparing the 2015 Kia OptimaAt the end of the day, when a long list of features, stand-out styling, and stand-out value in its segment are priorities, shoppers should consider the Optima a priority test-drive, along with other strikingly styled, high-value models like the Ford Fusion, Chrysler 200, and Hyundai Sonata. Its a clean, modern, driver-centric environment, nicely executed and boasting details that are suggestive of a much more expensive sedan. What is the 2015 Kia Optima?The 2015 Optima is a gorgeously styled, generously equipped family sedan that competes with the Camry, Accord, Malibu, Fusion, 200, Passat, and numerous other contenders from around the globe that all vie for your hard-earned money. You can only add up to 5 vehicles to your picks. Please follow the instructions below to enable JavaScript in your browser. Not here. The front end is sharp, futuristic and at this trim level, features a distinctive set of quad cluster LED driving lights. Twin chrome exhaust tips mounted in a diffuser-style fascia finish up the rear end. This central command screen is worth mentioning, too -- it's one of the easiest-to-use, best-looking and most intuitive youll find when cross-shopping the competition. You may order presentation ready copies to distribute to your colleagues, customers, or clients, by visiting https://www.parsintl.com/publication/autoblog/. Its why our favourite restaurants have a 99-cent menu, why our favourite shoe stores have 2-for-1 sales, and why well typically wait until Black Friday to rampage irately into the nearest Wal-Mart for cheap goodies. Steering feel on the highway is on the heavy side, though the on-centre stiffness hangs on, perhaps a touch too long when drivers steer, creating a slightly awkward feel at times. However, the Optima redeemed itself with another luxe touch heated rear seats. 2.0 L Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4, 150-point inspectionUp to 5 model years oldLess than 60,000 miles, Powertrain 10 years/100,000 miles limited warranty from CPO date of saleOriginal 10 years/100,000 miles is nontransferableRoadside assistance, rental car allowance, travel breakdown coverage (hotel and meals if more than 100 miles from home), 24/7 call center for customer service. Other notes? Thanks to some smart design decisions, the automakerwent from near-bankruptcy to becoming a front-runner in the span of a decade. Calling it exciting would be a stretch, as it lacks the steering feel and compelling exhaust note of a true performance sedan. Plus, theres a TURBO badge on the fenders, telling would-be stoplight racers not to screw around. Little touches, yes, but they add up. Usually, these all-in-one interfaces make me angry -- like Italian angry -- at least a few times on every test drive. I particularly liked the solid feel of the switchgear, and the fact that there wasnt an overwhelming abundance of it. 2022 Driving, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. A drop down menu will appear. Although I spent a lot of time in soft and leisurely Eco, Sport modes quicker throttle response and weightier steering made on-ramps slightly more interesting. The exact text will differ depending on the actual application you have running. Canadians like value. Edit your picks to remove vehicles if you want to add different ones. Another one of your fancy press cars? she asked. The also-stylish Ford Fusion has the added bonus of all-wheel-drive, the Toyota Camry, almost legendary reliability, and the Honda Accord, a reputation for high resale value.