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 $19,195. At that price, with the quantity of features, quality of the package, as well as class leading fuel economy and power, the Optima has leapfrogged much of the competition to establish itself as a front-runner in the mid-size sedan category. And that’s before you even begin to consider the emotional side of the equation – something that’s never really been much of a factor before when purchasing a mid-size sedan.

Targeted at Generation X, the Optima was built to out-do its competitors when it comes to sensible family-sedan characteristics, making it a car you should buy. And by packaging it in dramatic sheetmetal it’s also something you’ll want to own. Kia then tosses in some class-exclusive options and is certain to slap a sticker price on the window that won’t leave much room for argument.

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    Overview
    Kia Motors America (KMA) announced the official North American debut of the all-new Kia Sorento crossover utility vehicle (CUV) during a press conference at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The fir ...

    Automatic transaxle
    Automatic transaxle operation All normal forward driving is done with the shift lever in the D (Drive) position. To move the shift lever from the P (Park) position, the brake pedal must be depr ...

    Fuel requirements
    Gasoline engine (unleaded) Your new Kia vehicle is designed to use only unleaded fuel with a minimum Octane Rating of 87 Anti-Knock Index (AKI). NOTICE NEVER USE LEADED FUEL. The use of leaded ...