2016 Kia Optima SX Limited | CarGurus Test Drive Review

[@edkelly145]

I have owned 2 Kia Optima SX's. They have been great. My silver 2013 looks awesome. No issues yet. Nice review.

[@edkelly145]

I now own the 2016 Optima SLX, after owning 3 Optima's, I have only had one single issue.(Sticky gas cap release). The steering in my new 2016 Optima is great. No issue's at all.

[@eloyreno]

Ed Kelly I'm jealous!

[@miltonbernal7344]

I am about to buy a 2016 optima SXL any issues with the transmission or motor? How is your gas miles on the 2016 SXL? Thanks

[@croation89]

This guy always nitpicks, it's a great car.

[@smootheggchowfun]

Test drove one and it was excellent. The hyundai version, the 2.0t limited also excellent.

[@bobherrmann1510]

I have the 2015 Sonata Sport 2.0T Limited with the exact same steering setup and do not have the "notchy" feedback you experienced. Perhaps KIA has their software programmed differently? Both Sonata and Optima are now elegantly styled, marvelously equipped, fantastically engineered and eminently safe. Thanks to reviews such as yours the stigma for both nameplates should disappear sooner rather than later.

[@shopwithaaron]

If you park it with the wheels turned in any direction other than straight a warning comes up to return to center...never seen that before! 2017 SXL in Reno!

[@kyron2092]

Wasn’t wrong about the steering rack and pinion. Got that replaced at 75k on my optimia🙃

[@kadenwilliams8849]

What exactly did it do!?

[@kyron2092]

@@kadenwilliams8849 the steering just wasn't the best and there was a loud grinding noise when the wheel was turned and a horrible rubbing feeling when it was turned as well. I also go my engine replaced a few months after I made this comment

[@kadenwilliams8849]

Kyron Ah, ok. I own this exact car and was wondering.

[@JeoJetsonmusic]

I’m so mad I just got an ex but I didn’t know about this trim. I saw the Hyundai limited 2.0t but not the Optima version 😭😭 still a great car regardless

[@derickj1976]

Thanks a lot, now i'm having serious regrets about my 2015 Hyundai Sonata LTD 2.0t. :0( Naaah, just kidding, but in the back of my mind I kinda wish I would've waited a Lil longer for the Kia Optima to come out. My old squad leader in the Army used to say I would never buy a Kia, because in the military we all know it as "Killed In Action". So I guess it's good that I didn't get the car now that I really think about it. :0l Kia is really flexing their vehicles looks lately, and making manufacturer's like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc, step up their game. Great detailed review as always Chris, stay real.

[@dnevill]

Fantastic review!

[@Amyls64]

Im loving this car. I really am considering it. I have a problem though. Its not a name dropper. I really gotta get over the name thing like cadillac lexus etc. I was in lexus cadillac and now I may go to a KIA? I gotta get over the name thing.

[@fortress-r7y]

beautiful design

[@edzweiger4548]

If you test turbos, you need to mention if it requires premium gas. A deal breaker if it does.

[@Toromont123]

+Ed Zweiger Their 2.0 Turbo does not require premium gas, but I imagine that its power output ratings were measured while using at least 91 octane; so it will run fine on regular, but I bet the power will be down a bit. Most modern engines that are recommended to be run on premium will automatically adjust timing when run on regular before you will ever notice any pre-ignition or pinging, but they will not produce the power they could on premium.

[@bobherrmann1510]

All Hyundai & KIA turbos require 87 octane.

[@kadenwilliams8849]

Bob Herrmann So should you not use anything higher?

[@gopunair973]

looks like a redesigned 2014 Camry from outside and a redesigned 2015 accord from inside

[@BillySmith808]

Love this car

[@East17A]

cargurus i like your website but please change the information layout for the cars detail and clear everything include the driving train ..

[@RealtimeReviews613]

More car driving shots less of u no offense

[@andre26261095]

I would rather get the stinger GT with Premium package for $34k than the Optima SXL for $36k

[@Insuranceexamprep]

Kia Optima SXL Turbo

[@lionintu]

According to the CarGuru, the Optima's steering was a source of aggravation. this is a comment that really sticks out. I think the only way to know what he's talking about is to take this for a test drive. Has anyone else noticed this steering issue?

[@banantwon]

Vic da G no other reviewer has mentioned it AT ALL and I've watched TONS of videos on the new optimas and sonatas.

[@MrClaytadeth1]

Driving an SX currently, I tried to feel what he claims with the steering...nothing...smooth as silk ☺

[@bvedant]

he just wanted to find things to nitpick to lengthen the video lol

[@jordanandrews4626]

I own one and I have NO IDEA what he is talking out. Its a lovely vehicle.

[@kadenwilliams8849]

Jordan Andrews Same

[@ianalexander2017]

Looks good

[@yurkshirelad]

Push up for a down shift, please! That's how it should be.

[@bvedant]

Mike that’s for sports cars. This is not a sports car

[@arizonanative7409]

What the hell is a "steering input"? Help!

[@bvedant]

Cranky Kitty a fancy way of saying “turning the wheel”

[@gabrieledimatteo4888]

Sorry... Kia has improved leaps and bounds from 10yrs ago however i just got rid of my 2013 optima because it's terribly unreliable.. Kia even has to extend their warranty on the gdi engine because there is premature wear on the crank shaft!! that was thw final straw for me! Can't wait to get my hands on 2017 accord sport..

[@neptoon08]

I have a 07 Kia Sportage with 150k miles and its running strong and has never given me an issue. Same with my 2013 Kia Optima with 42k miles. Both cars have been fantastic. Really looking forward to the new Kia Stinger. Every car company has some cars that have issues. Kia make reliable cars.

[@wonderwall135]

interesting but for the same price you can get an acura tlx which has more power and an acura badge of course.

[@lionintu]

That money will land you a TLX with an unworthy speaker system, the honda accord-like two stage redundant infotainment system and, NO ventilated seats, No giant moonroof, plus many other perks are missing. Optima wins if your willing to take the dive.

[@wonderwall135]

yeah but with kia you're stuck with the godawful CVT. I don 't even like the acura tlx but i'd take that over this kia any day.

[@ES857]

wonderwall135 Kia doesn't use a cvt. It's a six speed auto that's been reviewed pretty positively.

[@neptoon08]

Nissan uses CVT not KIA

[@e4300]

Haha, How can this price of $36,615 be a good price? I just checked a 2020 Kia Optima SX at $32,915. Soooo

[@kadenwilliams8849]

It’s the limited, more features.

[@shopwithaaron]

Keep trying...

[@JamesDean-sf5vp]

that disco music in the background is cheesy as hell

[@dougn2350]

I know the Optima and Sonata are basically the same car but I prefer the looks of the Hyundai.

[@gabrieledimatteo4888]

their cars are nice but won't last without you spending countless trips to your local dealer.. Once the warranty runs out then you will start to cry.. Stick to what is prooven (honda, toyota)

[@dariosanchez8421]

Overpriced car... Mazda 6 much better!

[@Sazonman]

I'm not feeling the new 2016 optima at all...they messed it up totally