Roomy New Interior

However, the Optima's quiet new interior is more upscale and will accommodate four tall adults, or five in a pinch.

Front seats are supportive, and the rear-seat area is impressively roomy—although the back seat has a stiff center area. Oversized door handles help allow easy entry.

The instrument panel has a design that curves at the corners and flows on to the door panels. Gauges can be easily read, climate controls are large and radio controls are simple to use. There are a decent number of storage areas for smaller items, and front cupholders are conveniently located on the console. Sun visor vanity mirrors have ceiling lights—an upscale touch. However, some interior surfaces feel rough.

    See also:

    Door locks
    Operating door locks from outside the vehicle • Turn the key toward rear of vehicle to unlock and toward front of vehicle to lock. • Turn the key toward front of vehicle to lock all doors. ...

    Fuses
    A vehicle’s electrical system is protected from electrical overload damage by fuses. This vehicle has 2 fuse panels, one located in the driver’s side panel bolster, the another in the engin ...

    Manual transaxle
    Manual transaxle operation The manual transaxle has five forward gears. Press the clutch pedal down fully while shifting, then release it slowly. The gearshift lever must be returned to the ne ...