Driving Impressions

More horsepower equals more pleasant riding and driving. The new V6 provides more than adequate torque for city driving and highway cruising, and is a significant improvement over the previous-generation engine's disappointing acceleration. On pavement, the independent front and solid-axle rear suspension provide a firm but overall agreeable ride. However, bumps and sharp impacts can intrude into the cabin. Steering feels good and body roll is minimal around corners. The truck-based frame and low-range transfer case are great for off-road trails.

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    Door locks
    Operating door locks from outside the vehicle • Turn the key toward the rear of the vehicle to unlock and toward the front of the vehicle to lock. • If you lock the door with a key, all veh ...

    By the numbers
    The Kia Optima is a five-seat mid-size segment passenger car that has an interior that the EPA will probably consider a full size interior. Longer, lower and wider than the vehicle it replaces, it ...

    Large Trunk
    The large trunk has a low, wide opening and a lid that raises easily on gas struts. Rear seatbacks can be flipped forward for more cargo space, but they don't sit entirely flat. The pass-through a ...