Powertrains and Performance
The standard engine on the LX is a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine. It generates 140 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque and is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic with automanual-shift capability (2WD only). Optional on the LX and standard on the EX is a 2.7-liter V6 that produces 173 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is available with the four-speed automatic only. Buyers can get front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (4WD) with either engine.
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Overloading
CAUTION - Vehicle weight
The gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle
are on the manufacturer's label
attached to the driver's door.
Exceeding ...
THE VERDICT
Kia won’t release pricing for the Optima for another few weeks, but we’re
assured it will come in at under $20,000 to start and we expect it to undercut
(slightly) the Sonata, which starts at ...
Parking brake
Checking the parking brake
Check the stroke of the parking brake by
counting the number of “clicks’’ heard
while fully applying it from the released
position. Also, the parking brake alone ...


