2016 / 2017 Kia Optima Review and Road Test | DETAILED First Drive In 4K

Kia's fourth-generation Optima goes for the jugular with more refinement than ever before and oddly enough, a price tag that hasn't grown.
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[@shopwithaaron]

Bought 1! 2017 Titanium metallic SXL with aubergine nappa interior...2 yrs ago and just crested 35,000 miles. Fast and a great cruiser with 35MPG on the hwy. Love it!

[@ShawnDavid91]

Dang it Alex! You have persuaded me to SERIOUSLY consider the Optima, i came in with a mazda6 in my mind, left with this. Well done.

[@braincandytv]

Wonderful in-depth review and beautifully shot and produced. Very nice work!

[@ATRichard]

The Optima has consistently been one of my favorite cars in the midsized category since its overhaul in 2011. Kia in general lately has been on a roll I think, I'm really liking almost all of their products at the moment. Feature for feature, dollar for dollar, it's hard to beat them. Especially with their 10 year warranty. Plus, as someone else mentioned in the comments and as is evident in their recent designs, quality is waaaay up from 10-15 years ago. Kia is no longer a "penalty box" car you buy just to buy because you can't afford anything better. Overall, it looks like they've made some awesome improvements to this car. For example, you can now get paddle shifters AND a heated steering wheel on the same model, where you couldn't before. I personally like the older curvaceous styling of the dashboard a little better and the way the rear looked on the 2012 models best. But still, this is easily one of the best looking cars in the segment today and it's still my favorite too, alongside the Mazda 6. Also, I really LOVE your reviews Alex. They're absolutely fantastic, very detailed. And for another passionate, avid car guy like me, there's only a couple of other people out there that can really keep me interested through an entire video and stir up my passion so well. Keep up the great work! Can't wait to test drive one of these myself!

[@justpassingthrough1733]

This car is in my opinion the best mid sized sedan on the market, bringing a BMW interior and slick outward design at a cheaper price than most competitors. I didn't like kia/hyundai at first, but both companies grew on me.

[@bvedant]

because they used to be shit. now they are really going places

[@SoulSeeker20]

Alex, your review is by far the best I've seen on this car and it has helped make my decision to purchase it that much easier. I've watched every single video there is to see on this site in regards to this kia, and your few videos on the subject are incredibly fleshed out and detailed on a level other journalists fail to reach. Thank you!

[@TomaszDominikowski]

You know what Kia gets right? Fonts. That's right, the font used throughout the cabin is both attractive and readable. And the same font is used in the infotainment system for consistency, something that other manufacturers forget (and/or they outsource the system for somebody else to create without considering this issue).

[@emjayay]

I'd take the 2.4 L non-turbo. No turbo to eventually need replacement for $1 K or more, less stressed engine, and smoother and probably more reliable torque converter automatic. Plus, bonus! better fuel economy than the bigger turbo. And probably no extra charge unlike the turbo.

[@Dayfloss]

This is a perfect example of a video that was made by the best of the KZbin.

[@MURRAYsaysHI]

You make one hell of a great/detailed car review, BRAVO Sir!

[@HDroadglide]

we just got a LX and we are getting 31MPG ave. Mostly Highway and WOW... I am impressed. Must buy. 2.4L is a great motor and has a very sporty feel with good power and Shocking gas mileage.

[@jowowetan]

Alex really made me want to buy this new Optima!

[@shopwithaaron]

Thanks Alex...Best 2016 Kia Optima first drive of all I've watched. With our 2011 and 12' Optimas in the drive we like to watch the evolution of the car that started it all for Kia.

[@xray111xxx]

I think Kia overall is on a roll. The Sorento, K900, the Optima, and Cadenza, you can't beat them for all they do. If I was doing a midsize sedan, the Mazda 6, and the Optima would be my choices. I think with the SX and SXL model I could be very happy for a long time. I am more SUV though coming out of a Optima for 2013. I would probably opt for the Sorento instead which was another of your preferred vehicles reviewed. Again as always, your reviews thorough, and complete. Thanks for being there for us who love cars, and the good times they'll give us. Great review of the Optima.

[@megaroeny]

You have the BEST reviews by far on KZbin! Love the upgraded camera system you have and 4K! Congrats on getting those.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

I'm 7 years late!! I still buy an vehicle Alex.

[@emjayay]

Sounds like the Honda model policy with Fits. The base model has a lot of stuff missing including sound insulation that they really need. For a little more the middle model has all kinds of stuff.

[@aljoker7808]

Bought used at 72k miles 2017, Optima gt line s. Amazing car and it looks better then most cars in the same range.

[@DHGroove]

Grats on the first real review I've seen for this car. I totally agree that they need to have a 1.6T EX/SX version.

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

I have no interest in KIA's but I still thumbs up'ed and commented to support the channel !

[@borisdemelo]

I prefer the previous look of the Optima but it's nice to hear that they've improved the driving experience. And that's a lot of equipment and tech in the car. Really impressive.

[@tochjo772]

another great review~ always appreciate honest and informative car reviews~

[@thecarelectronicguy687]

I'm glad they finally added daytime running lights.

[@dongravenor9153]

Another absolutely fantastic review. Keep up the great work.

[@siddheshswnt]

One of the best auto reviews ... Tons of info !!!!

[@bbhoustontx]

Awesome commentary as usual Alex, thank you!

[@coltonphillips1]

The front looks like an Avalon with sad sagging headlights. I miss the old fog lights but the interior is perfect!

[@icyfire207]

Great review every details covered ..

[@miatatony123]

I LOVE the 4 way split screen starting at around 12:10, my only suggestion is the bottom left view of the fender is a bit obsolete because the top right shot is so good. I think it could better be served with a different angle, perhaps even pointing backwards like a drivers side mirror would, or even a wider dashboard shot and replace the bottom right square with a footwell cam which would be great for Manual transmission reviews.

[@kendalljackson9590]

Hi Alex. Great review as always. Will you do a review on the 2016-17 Malibu. I really like the new styling

[@MNM14ful]

I plan to buy the SXL and have anxiously awaited the first review. Thanks for the great review! You have reinforced my desire to buy it.

[@beefen7921]

great indepth review Alex! thanks!

[@oibal60]

Superb review. Glad I found you. Subscribed!

[@h3nn1ng]

Great review, many thanks!

[@Steven58]

fantastic breakdown. ty, sir.

[@AnhTuan-fk1df]

Thanks for your review

[@justinsane5317]

AMAZING REVIEW WOW! Deff would be the car i would get but im in the market for a coupe

[@ak-tn1ed]

Would this be good as a first car? Thanks!

[@Ohno0es]

That D-shaped steering wheel isn't anything new to KIA. It's standard over here. That aside, I like the D-steering wheel of the 2015 more as well as the dashboard layout (GPS) and the cupholderstorage. Kuddo's for replacing the autohold and handbrake button below the shifter, though. I never understood why the 2015 model had an 18-way adjustable drivers seat, but the passengerseat could not be adjusted in height (??). It's nice to see they have added that as well. Temporary small tire? Here in Belgium you get a full size 18inch full alloy spare wheel in there. Flat tire? No problem, they get to you within the hour, put on that wheel for you and all free of charge and you don't get to drive around with a silly black small-ish wheel (you would need to drive at adjusted speed), so you get all the time to get the old one fixed at your convenience.

[@Epitopi]

A bit disappointed you didn't include the annotations for "engine, interior, etc." and stopped scoring for brakes and handling.

[@WILLTONY7]

+Epitopi lol He did say this isn't the full review. That's coming.

[@andyjung3387]

Cheaper than a Mercedes CLA250, but has equal technologies and more room than the E-class or the CLS....Now if Kia comes out with a AWD Optima....

[@megaming7238]

+Andy Jung Yes! That's all it's missing!

[@Trades46]

I take an Optima SXL over the CLA 250. Honestly that car isn't even that good to drive or ride in, but it is mainly brought for its looks & badge.

[@rougepenguin4190]

2018 kia stinger

[@bvedant]

Rouge Penguin Stinger is over $30k even secondhand and RWD adds a hefty insurance premium to male drivers under 25. That's a no from me

[@RangerAmateur]

They really don't know how to design coupe/hatchback.. The C-pillar and door line, plus the Chromium deck messed up pretty hard IMO.

[@SY-ve5qm]

nice video again! did u get ur hand on the new accord? how does this Kia compare with the exl accord?

[@emjayay]

Accords will be all new in 2017. And with headroom in the back seat. Or how about the larger Impala?

[@CharlietoKind]

a few seconds before 16 minute mark. not downshifting when your foot is all the way on the floor on the accelerator even though it is in "manual" mode is a major safety hazard. how would they ever let that pass?

[@ronaldconiglio9942]

Thanks for that info. Good to know.

[@gilicata]

Hi Alex, I know that you mentioned interior noise. Is it really the quietest in the segment/class? I have a 2013 Passat and its loud and I'm seriously considering the new Optima for my next lease. That is only if it is quieter... Noise drives me nuts!

[@TheMichaelRN]

doubters are just one test drive away.

[@Tig-Wan]

Do you have to push the auto hold every time or just when you start driving after starting engine? Also what happened to the fog lights? The last SXL had cool LED ones. Thanks. Love your videos.

[@shopwithaaron]

As a subscriber that always knows the quality of the review I've just clicked on just hope the 2017 SX-L I'm waiting for CarMax to deliver meets my expectations. Affordable with only 6,100 miles and the stunning brown Napa interior can't wait to see it in person....Does it feel appreciably different that the 2012 EX premium I'm driving today? Is the harmon/kardon sound system better than the Infinity that I like so much in the 2012?? Thanks for all your hard work and excellent reviews!!

[@chadhugo2755]

alex i like your comprehensive reviews a lot. keep it up.

[@kcbrez1]

I just wished I loved the interior as much as the exterior on this car. It just doesn't do it for me. In fact, I think it cheapens the overall appeal of this car significantly. And as much as turbo 4 cylinders are improving, I'm not quite ready to give up my V6 Accord EX-L.

[@JMotorCity]

Alex, how does fit and finish compare to the Fusion and 200?

[@JMotorCity]

Or is that a stupid question?

[@pedrof830]

Don't appreciate brands that charge you a premium for something that should be standard throughout the line-up.

[@marcofeature]

The scene is beautiful

[@DHGroove]

Any word when we'll see these hit dealer lots on the West Coast?

[@ronaldconiglio9942]

You implied at the end of this review that your take on the 2016 Honda Accord would put it at the top of the mid-size non-luxury category. When will we get your full review of the Accord?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Ronald Coniglio It should be in a few weeks. I'm torn at the moment, a 2016 Accord Hybrid would be my top pick except it has been delayed and likely won't happen till late 2016. I'm not sure about the new nose on the Accord, I think the Optima looks better.

[@freestyle-yh8sh]

Are the head rests adjustable?

[@keino111689]

Alex can you review an EX with the tech pack.

[@lorettabutler8665]

are you going to do a 2016 honda accord review

[@SY-ve5qm]

Nice Video again! Did you get your hand on the new accord? How does it compare with the EX-L accord? Yours is a SX trim, right?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Shuai Yu I think the Kia is the better value. In the Accord with teh 2-screen infotainment system, I think CarPlay and Android Auto makes more sense since the upper screen can be doing something different. Driving dynamics are similar but you get more power in the Kia turbo for about the same price as the four-cylinder Accord. The V6 Accord will be faster and teh Accord Hybrid (when it comes back) will be more efficient.

[@SY-ve5qm]

+Alex on Autos will you still do a video for the new accord? I feel I am leaning towards accord after checking kia's trim configuration...

[@reymariancanete4210]

The speakers vocal cord sounds very good.

[@ItryPRO]

Does this Kia Optima handle bumps and have a ride quality that is close to Audi?

[@aristogatox]

yes... it is!

[@hungson215]

For a turbo engine, fuel economy is low. In another review video I watched, they said KIA lowered the power in the new model to increase fuel economy (not sure it's true,since I haven't driven one). I should thank KIA because now Japanese car makers start offering more techs in their cars.

[@cadsux]

Great review, and such high praise! It appears to have a number of design elements from the Kia Optima Sportspace wagon that appeared at the 2015 Geneva auto show. Those rear quarter windows, coupe-like profile, and larger trunk space might be an indication of the wagon's realization. Mazda has a nice Mazda6 "estate" wagon, but it''s not sold in the U.S. I hope Kia will be bold enough to offer the wagon.

[@h3nn1ng]

+cadsux A wagon based on the Sportspace concept will follow the sedan in 2016 (at least in Europe), Kia said at the recent Frankfurt IAA and should be presented at the 2016 Geneva event.

[@1969cmp]

It would be good to have the Sorento v6 engine is this 😆

[@musicloveranthony]

Great review. I'm impressed how well you can do on such a timeframe during a press event. You do a great job talking to the camera without driving like a fool or babbling nonsense - haha. This car looks incredible. The KDM manufacturers are putting out some great vehicles. I'm looking for a 2nd vehicle and looking really hard at Cadillac CTS or ATS because I love their design and love their driving feel. This is a hard car to ignore though. It has an absurd feature set that even outweighs most of its German competition. To get this kind of feature set in a 5 series, E class, or CTS you are looking at a $60,000 car. I know that will upset people to hear and people will be quick to say "but Korean cars are $#!T. Honestly, they aren't. This is not a crap car - a $25,000 German car (in the USA) is a crap car (sorry not sorry). Some of what stands out: Laminated glass (one of my favorite features of my Genesis - no foggy windows). Heated ventilated seats with great leather and stitching. Adaptive cruise with collision mitigation. Surround Camera. Great storage spaces, including giant trunk. Auto-hold Ebrake is a fantastic feature. It's literally the only feature that has me thinking against buying an ATS/CTS. A real transmission is great (auto or DCT) - this car would be silly to put a manual in. Finally, it's gorgeous. I think the fake intakes on the front bumper are a bit silly looking, but the rear 3/4 view more than makes up for it. Questionable features: No HUD. I doubt the mirrors auto-dim and don't know if they're heated. Are the rear seats heated? No wood or aluminum trim. If this were available RWD I would buy it today.

[@turbo_s]

+Anthony Levens CTS is nicely equipped at 60ish. BMW and Merc are 80k for nice features.

[@musicloveranthony]

I agree. I was trying to be generous. To equip a BMW or Merc of midsize this well would be $75-80. You'd have to step down to a C class or 3 series to be in the $60s.

[@turbo_s]

It's crazy how a C-class or 3-series can reach $70k, and that's not even the performance model yet.

[@turbo_s]

The ATS is really flawed, but the CTS is really great. It's depends on your budget though.

[@musicloveranthony]

I've rented the ATS and liked a lot about it. I didn't like that you have to step up too the CTS for ventilated seats and the custom gauge cluster though 

[@saifalghanim]

very nice.

[@Sirg17x]

So I am starting a new job out of college and am looking to find a new every day vehicle. I am hoping to hold onto my old ranger for its 4WD in the winter months. However I am currently torn between the 2017 Kia Optima LX and the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport. Does anyone have any good points for or against either vehicle? Of course it will be a few months out yet and I will be test driving both. I just want to get as much info as I can good and bad on each vehicle.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Mazda is a bit more fun, the Kia will likely be the more reliable and lower cost to own. Personally I'd sort of split the difference and get the Optima LX 1.6T

[@Sirg17x]

Is the driving experience similar between the LX 1.6T and the Mazda 6 Sport? I am just at that point in my life where I want something predictable and safe while looking at starting a family within the next few years. However I do occasionally miss the sportier nature of some earlier cars I had owned through high school and early college.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Not really but I really like teh way the 1.6T drives and the fuel economy is excellent. You could easily put grippier tires on it and it would out handle a stock Mazda6 although the Mazda still has a superior "feel"

[@Sirg17x]

Okay, thanks! I will definitely keep the 1.6T in mind when I finally get out to start test driving.

[@ronaldconiglio9942]

I've read that Hondas discontinuing the Hybrid Accord. I agree about the front end of the '16. IMO the previous model was a beautiful car and I am disappointed with the new one.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Ronald Coniglio It is not discontinued, it is just that Honda was not able to get the revised hybrid system done in time for 2016 so the 2015 model will be sold for a little longer then there will be a gap and the new one will arrive later in 2016 as either a late 2016 model year car or a 2017 model year.

[@paultwice2279]

Nice!

[@beefen7921]

... hey what's with the empty space on the navigation screen?.. they could have placed something on there at least to accommodate the space... looks odd in my opinion

[@ucnhtmenow1]

Me and my wife ended up getting a sangria rec 2017 optima Ex because there was only a black Sx and she didn't want anther black car. Even though we could have gotten it for about the same price as the Ex, she really didn't like the cross hatch seats in the sx.. I do like the wireless charging option in the sx and the multi-camera viewing system the Sx has though. We check out many cars from Toyota, Nissan, Buick etc, and for the price, you can really beat the Kia if speed isn't your forte that is. I've recently gotten into turbocharging after having a few supercharged cars and I'm hoping to find a wrecked Sx so that I can utilize the turbo system on my 2.4 ex..

[@MrBluoct]

thanks!

[@paultwice2279]

Is the ride too stiff to where it is uncomfortable?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Paultwice22 No, but I think that if I had a choice I'd go a little softer.

[@fcg243]

Paultwice22 I never found my 2012 Kia Optima SX too stiff like the reviews said. After almost 5 years of own it, I still enjoy driving it but if you don't like feeling the road a bit you never go wrong going with a non SX trim Optima, Accord or Camry. I have not traded in mines yet because I still love the old styling better than the new one which still looks very nice even after 5 years.

[@edwardbradley1964]

Paultwice22 h9ejw mickey mouse

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

7 years ago, I will buy 16' Kia Optima sedan.

[@sativacyborg4291]

Was it quiet while you were driving 65+

[@watershed44]

This car needs a 6sp manual transmission if it wants to meet the sporty pretense, even the Accord has that availability along with the Mazda 6.

[@watershed44]

***** Not true.

[@watershed44]

***** If you MUST have an automatic trans DCT is the way to go but nothing beats a manual for interaction, connection to the vehicle, and fun. Not only that but when it comes to cost the manual is cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain by far, and repairs are MUCH cheaper in the long run.

[@chop1234ification]

Does this feel like a luxury vehicle?

[@KenniTheKid]

Why did you end the annotations at the side of the video?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+KenniTheKid In first drive videos I often skip those because it takes extra time, this allowed me to get this video to you as quickly as possible.

[@bradh716]

I'm not impressed with the way this guy gets jolted around when hitting bumps on the highway. The 2015 I test drove was the same way.

[@bvedant]

These come with very cheap tires out-of-the-box. Luckily that cost-cutting measure is very easy to remedy just swap them out for better ones

[@Toppew]

Does this car is using CVT or regular automatic transmission?

[@markrakov6009]

regular automatic,if you are looking to buy a car,NEVER GET A CAR WITH CVT!!!

[@jaykae3952]

What's wrong with cvts?

[@markrakov6009]

CVT transmissions use a belt, instead of gears like a regular automatic transmission. a-lot of people say CVT transmissions are weak, don't get enough acceleration , and make to much noise most importantly , aren't reliable . My message to you - dont buy a CVT.

[@sunnyvalejedi]

Jay Kae CVTs are great. In a snowmobile.

[@Lucky8s]

Front headlights remind me of Lincoln...

[@simplyclean4907]

No fog lights why they took it out

[@SergioSeminarioC]

+Alex Gomez I was thinking the same myself, I think it detracts from the looks

[@myfreakinopinion]

+Alex Gomez hid headlights.

[@thecarelectronicguy687]

They did the same thing for the latest Sonata and the latest Camry. Personally, I don't really care especially since this car has xenon headlights as an option.

[@noahhamdan5553]

the 2016 is nice but my 2013 sxl is incer

[@MatrixDiscovery]

Why did they change the front end? It looks like a Camry, but that grill looks stupid.

[@beefen7921]

btw, for an SXL, those wheels are pretty shitty... they need to do a better job on the "Wheel" department.

[@ericokompatzki7110]

That dashboard looks as if a 2series bmw had a baby with a mazda cx5 and the 5 series was the grandpa

[@b4804514]

Alex: Can you address the drivers seat and seating positions? Here is a statement that shows the issue. "Sitting with knees too far above the hips reduces the angle between the spine and thighs. Anything below ninety degrees puts tremendous stress on the lower spine and can tweak the sciatic resulting in pain They are well engineered with all sorts of clever adjustments. But they totally neglect the seat’s main function. To support the spine in good posture. Almost all car seats appear to be designed to make sure drivers sit in the C position. And the whole thing is compounded when using the clutch and brake. Pressing on the pedals transmits large forces up the legs to the lumbar spine."

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+b4804514 I think that would be better left to ergonomic experts.

[@ivanlowjones]

@ b4804514 Somebody got an A+ on their chiropractor school final exam. Congrats on almost being considered a real doctor.

[@BillySmith808]

Someone needs to get a life🖕🏻

[@sunnyvalejedi]

Loganbay Yes. Pushing on a gas pedal is much the same as doing a squat or leg press. You need to get out your seat and move.

[@robertoleeva985]

I totally agree with you, I have a 14 Kia Optima and I suffer from lower back pain ever since I've got this car. The seats are very uncomfortable

[@vroooom]

Alex, did this Kia have Android Auto on board?

[@brayan8346]

Matt Galo yes

[@kcirreb94]

The rear looks too similar to the Acura TLX

[@Starworshipper]

24mpg is good? Haha, good one.

[@MrAlternation]

Thats on average.

[@bvedant]

For a 240hp sedan that's quite great actually.

[@dennisscipio]

I Looks more Like a facelift than remodel, sorry it does. but i doesn't mean it looks bad, though.

[@emilio4974]

That car 2016 but those glasses 1960

[@illumin6ti515]

but are people really gonna stretch their back out and sit like that in the backseat? lol wth

[@rebbewful]

That SD card slot is a deal breaker for me.. SO tacky and out of place sitting in plane view

[@mikevaldes9831]

All Kia and Mazda do is just copy other car companies with there design nd put it all in to one car.

[@bbokdoong]

+Mike V. Kia Optima design is quite unique.

[@pontiacGXPfan]

More expensive than the previous model, slower, mediocre sound system.......meh

[@javvenlapierre1069]

ugly last year was better