Review: 2013 Kia Optima EX

If you read my inaugural blog post, "Welcome", then thank you! In the blog, I declared Kia as one of my winners for 2012, due in large part to the success of the Optima sedan. To back up my statements, I thought it appropriate that I offer up a review of the car. I chose the EX because its price (pricing begins at $23,500)  and powertrain are likely to be more appealing to a broader audience.

The car comes nicely equipped with leather, power driver seat, and keyless start/stop standard on the car. For those inclined for a more luxurious family-hauler, heated & cooled front seats (including heated rear seats), dual-panoramic sunroof, navigation with back-up cameras, and more are available in option packages.

The Engine

The Optima EX comes with a 2.4L inline-4 featuring Hyundai/Kia's proprietary gasoline direct injection (GDI), paired with a 6-speed automatic.The engine produces an average-for-the-segment 200 hp and 186 lb-ft torque. Kia claims a very optimistic 24/35/26 fuel economy. For what it's worth, I haven't been able to get much more than 30 or 31 mpg on the freeway with an average of about 23 mpg in mixed driving.

The engine feels quick, if not overly strong. Acceleration off the line is very good, and if you bury the pedal it will keep pulling for you. Officially, the 0-60 time is 8.9 seconds, but for a car like this, those numbers are really pretty meaningless, as nobody will be drag racing an Accord. For the record, the Optima would probably win against a 2012 Accord with 4-cylinder (0-60 in 9.1 seconds).

The Drive

Around town, the Optima feels like a typical family sedan. It's a big car, but it doesn't feel too big. As noted, the engine provides enough oomph that you never feel concerned merging into traffic. Where I was suddenly aware of the car's size was in braking. The brakes are strong enough, but getting full effect required a little more effort than I would have liked.

Push the car a bit more through some turns and the car definitely tries. It hangs in there with you as far as it can, although it doesn't take too long before you are reminded that it's a big car that was never intended to be athletic. My experience in the more upscale SX version showed that car to be much more lithe,  but the upgraded suspension and wheels will cost, and do sacrifice some ride comfort.

The ride is well-controlled, threading the needle between Honda's occasionally harsh ride and Toyota's isolationist attitude. At freeway speeds, the noise levels get just high enough to raise the volume on the stereo, but never intrusive or unpleasant. The suspension absorbs most bumps quite well, transmitting the worst as muted kicks or jiggles.

The Cabin

The cabin was actually one my favorite parts of the car. If I didn't know better, I would have sworn I was getting into a much more expensive car. The leather-clad seats are soft and supportive. Again, not as firm as what you would expect in a Honda, but not soft enough to let you start sinking in. My biggest gripe is the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The designers were going for soft, but managed to make it slippery and very artificial-feeling.

I thought that the center console was very well laid out. I've read descriptions that say how similar it is to Audi. Frankly, I don't buy it. But it is handsome. Interestingly, the designers decided that it made sense to keep the console clutter-free while making the steering wheel buttons confusing. Where most cars have one set on the left and one set of buttons on the right, Kia adds a second set on both sides, meaning that my thumbs are always busy, and not often finding the right buttons.

The cabin feels all-around roomy. I'm six feet tall and can easily get comfortable in the driver's seat, and the back seat is still comfortable. We've used the car for longer, family trips and with two car-seats and enough gear to keep two small kids happy, the car never felt cramped. The trunk also, while about average for the segment at 15 cubic feet, was able to comfortably hold luggage and a stroller - key for traveling parents!

Recommendation

In case you hadn't already figured it out, I wound up buying the Optima. So, naturally, I think the car is worth consideration. It's not going to be perfect for everyone. But, if you need space, but aren't ready to sacrifice style, this could be the car for you. If you're a die-hard European car driver, this is not going to make you change your ways. It's also a great car for people who don't want to be driving the same thing as everyone else. But you'll have to move quickly. With sales numbers rising steadily, you'll be seeing a lot more Optimas over the next few months.

Welcome!

I've been observing the U.S. automotive market for years, so naturally, I have a lot of opinions. The trick for me now is to decide where to start. Given that we are coming to the end of the calendar year, I think it makes sense to look at the year's winners and losers. Maybe you'll agree. Maybe you'll disagree. But if you're like me, you'll definitely have your own opinions.

WINNERS

Kia Optima SX

Kia - If you first watched Kia's entry into the U.S. market a few years ago, you may have dismissed them as the latest Korean flop. And, perhaps if not for a couple key events, you'd probably be right. During 2012, with guidance from parent company, Hyundai, and vision from former Audi chief designer, Peter Schreyer, Kia has established itself as a brand with an identity and a bright future. In fact, sales figures early in 2012, led by the hot Optima sedan, reached all-time highs for the manufacturer and showed some of the highest growth in the market.

Fiat - I get it. I do. It's small, it's cute, and it's European. What's not to love? In fact, perhaps the only real mistake Fiat and it's American partner, Chrysler, made was to misjudge the demand for this Italian transplant. With the 500, and sportier 500 Abarth, Fiat has brought a little bit of Italian charm to a small car segment that is loaded with dull, stodgy cars. Mini has ruled this roost with an iron fist since BMW re-introduced this throwback in the early 2000's. Now, Fiat brings a car that is smaller, cheaper, and fresher. Will I still be calling Fiat a winner next year? Time will tell. Rumors of a Fiat sedan have me doubtful, and management needs to have a better assessment of the market to keep sales flowing.

LOSERS

Photo Credit: Dodge.com

Chrysler/Dodge - I hate Chrysler/Dodge. But I realize that I don't hate their cars. The 2013 Dart looks pretty cool, and I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel. They have some good engines, and the designs aren't awful. But, it's because their cars are pretty good that I'm so disappointed. The problem? Their BRANDING. Who are they? Who is buying their cars? I bet a lot of people would say that Dodge builds tough-guy, muscle cars. So what tough guy is buying a Caravan? Is Chrysler a luxury car maker? Ummm...no, they aren't. But as a parent, I don't see the 300 as being a family car, either. If they can figure out who they are and if their consumers agree with that identity, I could see Chrysler coming back. But that would be quite a feat.

Nissan - Nissan was showing promise just a few years ago. They were a solid number three to Honda and Toyota, and were predicting big things for themselves. But, checking the headlines, you may have seen that the big doings for them all revolve around the near-exotic GT-R. Their brand new Altima? Hardly a whisper. In fact, I have a hard time spotting it on the streets. The Maxima, famously once compared to the 911 as a track car, sells about as many units as the $100K iconic sports car. And the Cube? Well, it's basically a square. Nissan may still be a top 3 Japanese name. But with the rise of the Koreans, and the renewed strength of Ford, that's no longer good enough to keep them relevant.