2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo Review - As Good As The Stinger?

The refreshed 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo definitely looks the part, but is it as good as the Stinger? M.S.R.P. - $32,820.
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MUSIC
"Cloud Patterns" by Silent Partner
"Dinner for One" by Silent Partner
"Disposable Arms" by Letter Box
#Kia #Optima #familycar

[@bensantos4244]

Owner of a 2012 OPTIMA, very reliable car. No problems ever, would buy again. Great review, great videography!👍👏

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks, Ben Santos. We truly appreciate your comments!

[@jms08905]

I have the same car. Only thing I had to change was the window regulator

[@tacocruiser4238]

Check the intake valves for carbon deposits.

[@DeterminedBeast]

I also owned a 2012 optima. Loved it. Traded it for a ram 1500 sport in 2014. In 2017 I went back and got the optima sxl. Much more refined than the previous version. Love the car. Kia has come along way and I will continue to support them!

[@noellopez9159]

Jordan Byrne I also own one. Looking to get this one now. So I can have to reliable cars.

[@AbsoluteMdot]

What a nice car for the money! I'm liking Kia more and more.

[@AutoAcademics]

So are we! Thanks for watching, AbsoluteMdot!

[@battosaijenkins946]

@AutoAcademics, hey man you never mentioned if it comes in a manual transmission option or not? Never assume everyone always want automatic and that's the end of story, because there will always be someone out there who wants to row their own gears! Thx

[@jasonschwartz2347]

@@battosaijenkins946 automatic only. Have a 2016 sx. Great car! Rock solid after 35k miles. You can get a Genesis G70 with 6 speed manual in 2.0 liter base model if looking for manual.

[@jbarrera6638]

Good bang for your buck. I heard its sis company Hyundai is having engine problems

[@JpOcDenver]

And that warranty...

[@Turk_2023]

My buddy bought an Optima it`s pretty dope....Changed my outlook on Kia....I would buy 1 in a heartbeat.

[@MuteCrimson]

wow kia has been really impressing me lately. i remember when they were cheap poorly made econo boxes, but now (especially with the stinger) i love how they are going full force with their line up and improving nearly everything. great review!

[@palebeachbum]

Optima is a nice car for the money. I've really liked the Optima since the 2012 model came out. Definitely not a "sports sedan", but I would call it a "sporty sedan" with the turbo.

[@TheShootersBay]

I leased a 14 Optima SX great car.

[@AutoAcademics]

Sporty is a term we use for cars like this too, palebeachbum. Great car. Thanks for watching!

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks for watching, @@TheShootersBay!

[@noellopez9159]

palebeachbum it was actually in 2011 when they came out with the nice body style.

[@patb5266]

I never thought I'd buy a Kia but I LOVE my 2018 Optima! It's great machine and looks sweet, it's KIA's 3 Series and it works in my opinion.

[@shiftautomotive854]

Your car reviews are on point and very informative. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@AutoAcademics]

Thank you very much, @first last!

[@AutoAcademics]

We appreciate your comments, Israel Clarkson! Thanks for watching!

[@justinp4235]

I have a 2013 Kia optima SXL, with legit practically everything this has. Heated and cooled seats driver and passenger seats, rear seats are heated, panoramic sunroof, infiniti sound system, chrome wheels, all black leather seats, you get the point. Plus it has more horse power (274hp) and more foot pounds of torque (269). You might be better off checking that out as that might save you some money

[@johnokeefe2471]

These cars are an amazing value used... I leased a '14 for a while and recently bought a used '16. With the SX trim you get so many features for a relatively low price.

[@WeGovernedPeople]

Love the review. Told me everything I needed to know.

[@AutoAcademics]

Glad we could help, Really Ambitious. Thanks for watching!

[@Aegisx5]

As someone who owns a Stinger and an Optima SXL, I love them both, but no they are not even remotely the same lol.

[@AutoAcademics]

Sure aren't. Enjoy your cars and thanks for watching, StingerGT2!

[@roberthuttle]

StingerGT2 I have a 2013 SXL. Love it but, wish it had rear wheel drive, about 300+ horsepower, larger wheels and tires, improved braking, and a steering wheel that telescopes more. Funny, sounds like the stinger, but I'm not crazy about the Stingers looks. Do you have a favorite?

[@Aegisx5]

@@roberthuttle Looks are obviously subjective but I love the way the Stinger looks. I get compliments on it all the time - especially after swapping out for the Korean "E" badge, tinting the windows etc. Red and Blue are definitely my favorites. There's also the Genesis G70 based on the same platform.

[@rfdaone3153]

@@roberthuttle 2013 sxl stock is around 260 hp stinger gt stock is around 365 lol. Quite a big difference. Sxl runs what 15 second 1/4 mil while the stinger runs mid 12s stock. They arent even remotely close except for the grill.

[@jacobreed47]

@@Aegisx5 Sadly today Genesis said they are quitting as a car company. Gonna be called a Hyundai once and for all. Get the G70 while you can! I will.

[@siseesan3147]

Awesome review. This is a good practicality, good technology good enough power and great reliability this car is a great choice.

[@AutoAcademics]

We agree, Sise Esan. Thanks for watching!

[@ashtonbutler8466]

My mom owns a 2015 Kia Optima and no complaints! I like this model even more!

[@trihards_dad]

Like your video clean clear and informative well made thanks

[@AutoAcademics]

We appreciate your comments, Jericho Cochran. Thanks for watching!

[@isaac198428]

4 th year owner of a 2011Hyundai Sonata - literally in the same family. Can’t go wrong with KIA Optimas and Hyundai Sonatas. Real Value for your money.

[@tadeuszlufik]

Great videography and review.

[@ldylkr]

I own a Kia Forte Ex Koup. Not a bad car either. Kia's coming along nicely.

[@julissatorres50]

Love This Video . You Convinced Me To Buy One !!!

[@AutoAcademics]

Happy you enjoyed it, Julissa Torres. Congrats on your car and thanks for watching!

[@marnold624]

I have the 18 version which is called SX-L, I love it.

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks for sharing and for watching, Michael Arnold!

[@johnnydwyer4261]

Owned a 2013 Optima, would have considered another one if not for the STINGER! Currently driving a 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan which I love and will be hard to go down in size, but I'm waiting on the reviews of the 2019 Stinger before deciding between G70 and Stinger.

[@gabrielsirialevario3505]

Excelente diseño, les quedo hermpso este auto, buen trabajo de kia

[@Blue-moon12]

Looks good. Wife has a 2017. I'll stick with the SHO

[@cornbread70s4]

What a great review! Where you been hiding??? You just got another subscriber to this channel!!!

[@AutoAcademics]

We appreciate you, Cornbread 70's!

[@Tarzan91303]

That was a lot of info in 6 mins. Thanks

[@ZambonieDude]

Hey man, decent review ya got here. Keep it up.

[@MrGrandure]

Owner of an OG Korean built 2011 Optima sx Turbo with 165,000 miles. Had absolutely no issues. Driven hard (shifting at redline) and serviced regularly (oil changed every 3,000 miles, xmission fluid and coolant changed every 50,000 miles). I would reccomend Kia to anyone.

[@deep.6228]

This makes me think of the car sell videos they used to show back in the 2000’s lol

[@GTS300Coupe]

I'm currently in a 2019 Optima SX it's the best car I've ever had. Amazing bang for buck and all round best package. I'm surprised the Optima isn't being compared more often to the new Camry and Accord.

[@freestyle-yh8sh]

Hi notice the paddle shifters being a little bit “loose/wiggly” to the touch before fully pressing down? Or is this just normal for these cars? Any help is greatly appreciated!

[@frankfranco7251]

This car is tremendous bang for the buck. Rides nice decent acceleration. You can't find better value.

[@fw6313]

great review. is the head rest adjustable at all? thank you

[@123RISEWITHTHEFALLEN]

Such a cool looking car

[@MoNoK15]

Great review 👍🏽

[@AutoAcademics]

Thank you, MoNo K!

[@Imunderpar4win]

Great review - I have a ‘13 SX that I am in love with but want to upgrade to a car that has adaptive cruise control and driver assist on the highway - I hear the 2020 models will have the ability to see lane markings on the highway and sort of “drive itself”?

[@N7-WAR-HOUND]

Bought the SXL 2019 as my very first car sadly because I couldn’t afford a stinger. But still as a first care this is beyond a great car. I absolutely love it. But most definitely going to bump up to the stinger next time around

[@AutoAcademics]

Congrats on your new car, N7 WAR HOUND. Thanks for watching!

[@freerider604]

Great review - straight up!

[@AutoAcademics]

Thank you, Peter McMullin! We appreciate your comment. Thanks for watching!

[@llewellyn56]

from 2014, 2015 now i drive 2016. Awesome car Kia Optima....2021 That's so cool

[@Acyett]

2012 SX Turbo is still my favorite model. The extra HP is noticeable

[@noellopez9159]

Garrett I agree. I wish they could have stayed with the rear atleast... they totally changed it up...why fix somthing when it's not broken...

[@mikejordan5051]

Facts

[@yunqoi_6304]

I’ve the 2012 SX TGDI , it’s quick

[@jasonhutcherson6224]

I was/am considering getting a 2015 Optima SX turbo with 75,000 miles on it. But reviews I read say they are least reliable of all the Kia's??? Also they want 15,000 for it. Any advice???? Garrett?

[@Acyett]

@@jasonhutcherson6224 they only say it’s the least reliable due to the engine recalls on them. I paid 16k for mine with 110k miles on it and it’s the best car I’ve ever owned! Just keep up on it and you should be fine.

[@subvet3668]

Needs the short throw six speed manual from the Veloster R-Spec.

[@ScribblyPoppo]

Good review, good car. Where did you review? Beautiful countryside.

[@AutoAcademics]

This review was done outside of Atlanta, 123kspencer. We appreciate your support!

[@GR33ZY.A1]

My dream car. This is all I want

[@MrGrandure]

My wife wants the Telluride, I'm getting the Stinger GT next.

[@Denim_Chicken]

I own a Stinger GT and previously had an Optima. While the Optima SX doesn’t hold a candle to the Stinger GT, I would rather opt for an Optima SX before I got a base or premium Stinger, as the base Stinger’s MSRP is 32k, the same price as the Optima SX and the base Stinger only makes 10hp more and has much less features. If I don’t want another Stinger when my lease is up with my current one, I’ll likely end up getting an Optima SX.

[@MrAdrianarellano1]

I have the ‘19 SX Turbo, my brother owns the ‘19 Stinger GT. Performance wise, the Stinger is the one. I am quite surprised the equipment his lacks for the price he paid, no pano sunroof, turn sensitive headlights, heated AND cooled seats, heated steering wheel. Mine has all those. I paid $26k after rebates/discounts and for the money, it performs great! I get an average of 26.2 mpg and I’m an aggressive driver! I’m my opinion, the Sport made really does add a solid kick to the power and on the highway, it’s very aggressive getting from 65 to 90 mph!

[@AutoAcademics]

Nice! Enjoy your car, Adrian Arellano, and thanks for watching!

[@kadenwilliams8849]

Great video.

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks for watching, Kaden Williams!

[@bassistdc]

I have a 2013 Optima ex. Great car. My favorite car companies are Kia, Hyundai and Cadillac.

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks for sharing and for watching, bassistdc!

[@SPxUMADBROYOLO]

lx with coilovers and anti roll bar its a very fun car.

[@samlung2724]

This car only had like 1 refresh and it still looks good for 2019

[@NileshR12]

Exactly! Its design has aged really well

[@matthewbailey8298]

Question, why does my 2012 still have more power then any of the following models? Even this 2019 is shy almost 30 hp but it’s the same?

[@jessem.9527]

We have the exact same model we love it

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks for sharing, Jesse M. Enjoy your car and thanks for watching, too!

[@freestyle-yh8sh]

Hi notice the paddle shifters being a little bit “loose/wiggly” to the touch before fully pressing down? Or is this just normal for these cars? Any help is greatly appreciated!

[@vKashiv]

I want this carrrrrrrr 😩

[@stackzdollaz9508]

Just got 1 n I luv it

[@jonathanmarquez2148]

stackz dollaz me too Great choice

[@stackzdollaz9508]

Jonathan Marquez yes it is. It’s not slow it got a gud look. And it got good technology

[@jonathanmarquez2148]

stackz dollaz no it isn’t slow at all What color you’d get I got the white with two tone black and red

[@stackzdollaz9508]

Jonathan Marquez I got the grey. N red n blk seats

[@DissidiaGamer]

I really want to compare the 2019 SX Limited Turbo to the 2018/19 (basically the same) Accord Touring 2.0t. They're both so amazing but I just need the info to make that definitive choice.

[@cecilotto504]

Accord touring has the 10 speed automatic, Kia cant compete with that

[@carlosmartinezz3022]

@@cecilotto504 and VTech Bro

[@marcusandersonsrevenge]

My 15 optima has a lot of these things.. except your back seats aren't heated and mine are

[@daeladub]

Kia has come such a long way

[@freestyle-yh8sh]

Hi does anyone notice the paddle shifters being a little bit “loose/wiggly” to the touch before fully pressing down? Or is this just normal for these cars? Any help is greatly appreciated!

[@jarrettwoolfolk2169]

Did you mess around with the audio settings? Set the mid and treble as high as they can go. That’s how you get the best sound out of those systems. I had a 2012 SX and I loved the infinity system.

[@AutoAcademics]

Chris loves music so adjusting the audio settings is one of the first things he does in each car we get to review. Unfortunately, the system in this car didn't meet his approval. We appreciate your comments, Jarrett Woolfolk. Thanks for watching!

[@Lifted420haze]

Nothing noticeab6when you put it in sport mode?? When I puy my 2016 SX Turbo in sport, it takes off.

[@ItsLuwee]

Really? I am interested in buying one. How is your car doing?

[@andre26261095]

Optima is a nice car but the stinger is a Beast!

[@AutoAcademics]

We agree, the Stinger is nice, andre s. Have you seen our review of it? If not, here ya go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGjOkoh8bNCUiZI Thanks for watching!

[@ebbebb91]

Short answer no. but buy what you can afford. GT2 for me been loving it ever since.

[@fofokahn1310]

Look out Honda and Toyota here comes Kia

[@drivecfl]

Toyota and Honda don't have much to worry about. The Stinger GT that's at a higher premium price but even there they're undercutting the competition. They throw in more features because buyer confidence is still not fully there yet for KIA. This is naturally to lure new potential customers , though you have to wonder where they're cutting quality underneath it all to offer more options at a value price. The old saying you get what you pay for will never change. Yes Kia has come a long way and seem to be evolving in the right direction, however they still have lots to prove. They only started selling in the U.S. in 1995.

[@georgesampara1074]

The best car in the segment:-)

[@canomalo3662]

Own a 2018 sxl and its a lil sleeper its quick and has a lot of tech more then my wifes 2018 c300 and daughters 2018 A5 and it cost around 15k less

[@ItsLuwee]

Really? I am interested in buying either a 2018 or a 2019 SX. How is your car doing?

[@canomalo3662]

@@ItsLuwee Funny you ask,I just got rid of it .I got rid of it with 18k miles on it and it was a 2018.I would have sold it to you it was in mint condition.Snow white pearl with aubergine Nappa leather interior,pano roof adaptive cruise control,360 degree surround view monitor,chrome rims,heated rear seats,heated and ventilated front seats ,auto leveling and cornering lights,full interior and exterior led lights,255 hp,turbo,680 watts Harmon kardon speakers and amp.Auto hold,auto high beams.

[@ItsLuwee]

@@canomalo3662 Really? It sounds like a fast and awesome car to own. Why did you get rid of it? Should I buy the 2019 model?

[@canomalo3662]

@@ItsLuweeIt was fast... I got tested daily and I kept up.I got rid of it because I get tired of cars fast and three years is a long time to keep a car for me. You do know it has a new model already out for 2021?Right now used cars a way too high priced.It depends on what you want.My 2018 did not have lane keep assist as do the 2019.

[@ItsLuwee]

@@canomalo3662 Thank u for your replies. Interesting. Really? My budget is under 19,000 so I hope to find an Optima with low mileage and a turbo engine.

[@MARKB150]

Great vid bro

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks, Random Sh!t.

[@jameskyle2238]

what do you mean by "dynamic lights"??

[@DaBrowns33]

Step 1. Liked and subscribed. Step 2. Called local Kia dealer to setup a test drive.

[@AutoAcademics]

We appreciate your support, Direct Yo Feetza!

[@WildWarrior26]

Do you know what the last year model for the Optima sx turbo where the engine wasnt the eco friendly one

[@AutoAcademics]

Unfortunately, we do not, Ray Crespin. But possibly someone else in this comment section can help you out. Thanks for watching!

[@MusiciLoveYouuu]

I’m looking to get a Kia Optima SX

[@AutoAcademics]

Sounds good, Kabuto. Thanks for watching!

[@freestyle-yh8sh]

does anyone know if this car has tow hooks like the previous models?

[@azhaelalce3316]

Which one do you choose? Btw Mazda 6 touring plus or Kia Optima sxl? 2019 both

[@AutoAcademics]

That's tough, Eduardo Azhael Alderete Cerna. The Mazda6 drives great, but the Optima has better tech, in our opinion. Which do you prefer?

[@FDany93]

Honestly think 13 Kia Optima sxl is the best looking, mpg and power overall. Great car

[@coxman23]

The 2013 is also faster than the newer ones

[@FDany93]

@@coxman23 for real lol that why I still have mine .

[@noellopez9159]

Daniel Santiago I agree...I wish they could of at least kept the rear...I dont know why people fix things when they're not broken...

[@andybub45]

What a nice car.

[@pantherdagger3460]

Always get the SXL.... Way better.. More bells and whistles.

[@Jesus-eb8yk]

No remote start?

[@gmb12philly88]

Beautiful car but damn, what is up with that spoiler? It looks like they just painted a black stripe along the trunk and called it a spoiler.

[@vadim7590]

Is this a Tide ad?

[@MySCSStory]

When your significant other won’t let you get a stinger 😬 diddo 😂😂😂 mine wouldn’t let me get a stinger either so I settled for the new Optima 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@submnl450]

My2Cents Now Same

[@jameskyle2238]

no remote start?

[@jasonhutcherson6224]

I'm considering getting 1. Till I read there riddled with mechanical problems.

[@freestyle-yh8sh]

great car but the head-rest is unbearably awful...the kia optima Manual states headrest are adjustable up/down AND forward/back. tried everything but seems like it's impossible. is it false-advertised or is there a way to move it? forums say its impossible...

[@lynnnabors4608]

does this have the 360 surround view cam ??

[@gpoop]

yes with the limited package

[@ramivalencia]

Is Kia planning on doing a refresh on the optima anytime soon? I mean, it's been almost 7 years and the car looks the same.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Yup. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWWZpZJteZ14bK8

[@marfigue777]

I want to put that engine on a miata or a mr2

[@mariosroom8023]

Next video : 2001 civic base coup .. is it as good as the BMW m6 ?

[@normanrivera3836]

I have exactly the same car. The only difference is that my leather seats are all black instead of red.

[@AutoAcademics]

Nice! Enjoy your car and thanks for watching!

[@DanRichter]

Damn, this makes my 2017 Optima look like ass. But I guess that's all part of the plan, after all.

[@rudysaucedo6659]

are these cars reliable? idk if they last long and i dont want to put alot of money into something that wont survive Long..

[@justmy2cents208]

ive had a 2007 kia spectra since 2009 and literally nothing has ever happened to it besides normal wear and tear like brakes tires oil changes etc. no major repairs and no brake downs. Im looking to upgrade to this exact car this year but in white.

[@sellyaconsole9316]

2013 Sxl Gang

[@r0gu353]

is the an optima sx without the turbo

[@AutoAcademics]

Yes. The LX, S, and Special Edition all come with the naturally-aspirated 2.4L 4-cylinder, Rogue. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@JusZard]

Why is it that the 2012 ,2013 optima turbo was faster sexier nicer interior ect

[@Granked]

Holy cra this car is premuim but i hate the engine it makes hella noices after couple miles

[@Trout2054]

I had a 2013 Optima and the steering was junk! There are thousands upon thousands of posts online about how the fly by wire steering is a mess. You could never get a center line and constantly fought the car to go straight. I have a 2017 Sorento and it does not have the issue. Unless Kia ditched that system, I would never recommend another Optima. We are in SW FL so long straight steering issues are very noticeable vs mountain and hill driving.

[@navi_exl]

I said this 100 times before. Those styled rims are just a copy of the Ford Focus SEL. My mom has the 2017 model with fully loaded without the cold weather package and has 27,000 miles and bought it new with 14 miles. And owned it for about a year now. And has the 2.0L GDI 160HP engine with a back up cam and rear sensing. Sunroof, LED lighting, fog lights, 17” black machine finished rims. Sync 3 touchscreen with satelite radio and voice activated navigation and has center display and cruise control and has turn signal indicators and blind spot built into the mirrors. All of that for 22,445.00 and we got it for 17,000$ for incentives and discounts. Also has ambient mood lighting with color changers into the front part of the car and has a Sony audio system with a sunroof speaker into the trunk.

[@jaredshelton4718]

Yes but it's a Ford. And it's the Focus. I wouldn't be bragging. I owned a 2012 Focus Titanium sedan last year (MK3) which shares a platform, engine, most body panels, and transmission with yours (MK4). There was a clutch recall on that car for the DCT trans, I had the clutches changed 3 times, until the transmission completely failed at 68k miles, the car was a total loss and was not worth fixing. After that I owned a 2012 Kia Rio SX Hatchback, I loved it but it was too small and underpowered for me. Since about 2 weeks ago, I'm driving a 2014 Kia Cadenza SXL with 72,000 miles on the odemeter, best car I've owned so far, not a single thing wrong with it, lots of power (293 HP) and everyone looks at you, in shock. Is that a Kia?? Yes, yes it is :). I'm 18 btw.

[@iranvolley9971]

KIA IS THE BEST

[@ep6026]

He's wrong about the sport mode. It's the only mode to drive the car in! The car shows balls while in sport mode.

[@forcelegend4526]

That's a lot of car for the money.

[@pickles9774]

The older model had 30+ hp more. The new one has a much smaller turbo.

[@snotellekS]

yeah and the engine doesn't blow up like the older one.

[@Bloomamba94]

My sx turbo runs just as good

[@lollol-mc8js]

Buy a Cadenza v6 290 hp

[@giofromtexas2679]

This car is a fucking bargain! All of that for $32k yes I'll take it please and thank you! Kia has flipped the script again!

[@oscaralberto3899]

The optima SX has the same power output as the Base Stinger. So it may or may not be as good, depending On your own opinion.

[@denisc.1282]

Reliability?

[@AutoAcademics]

Unfortunately, we don't have any info on reliability right now, Denis C., but Kia has a fantastic new car warranty - 2:06 Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@blastofo]

2021 Optima GT will be almost as good, for over $10k less dough.

[@billjohnsonseattle]

25 mpg average is nothing to write home about. Sure, it may have lots of power, but a Civic Turbo will get 37-42 mpg average, which will save you huge money over the Kia, not only with a much cheaper price, but also with 12-18 miles further per gallon. If you buy this car over a Civic, you’re either wealthy enough not to care about the extra cost, or just plain crazy.

[@SmKnJays]

JustMe you dont know how averages work do you...

[@snotellekS]

civic has a CVT no thank you lol