TestDriveNow Auto Critic Steve Hammes Puts The 2016 Kia Optima To The Test (Video)

The midsized Optima is the vehicle that’s largely responsible for Kia’s U.S. sales breakthrough, proving yet again how important captivating design is to selling cars. For 2016 it gets redesigned.

All week long I would find myself parked next to other Optimas and I would visually examine the design differences to see exactly what Kia changed here. This is far and away their best-selling vehicle and it’s obvious they didn’t want to tinker too much with their blue chip car. Making it look even less new, my tester arrived in this nondescript Platinum Graphite paint riding on little 16” wheels finished in an equally dull light gray. And because it’s the base LX trim there’s no distinguished exterior lighting either, unless you count these optional LED tail lights. The original Optima is a great looking car; a compliment I’m not willing to pay here.

Marginally longer, taller and wider the Optima’s growth bestows more head room, shoulder room and rear seat leg room while allowing a little more luggage space. A stiffer overall structure allowed engineers to focus on improving ride and handling and this car steps up its maturity level with a newfound smoothness and far better steering feel. But it’s the models equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo that strive for greater driver engagement. This car is happier letting its Michelin Energy Saver tires and fortified suspension components keep things soft, quiet and refined.

Three engines are available and 2 of them are carry overs, but this base LX trim can be specified with a new efficiency minded 1.6 liter turbo that’s rated at 28mpg city 39mpg highway…which is why my 26mpg average is a bit disappointing.

This 178 horsepower motor uses a twin scroll turbo to generate 195 pound-feet of torque and works through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission – that’s a manual gearbox that shifts automatically. Its benefit if efficiency but it can’t match the traditional shift feel and smoothness of the company’s 6-speed auto.