2015 kia optima lx review

Overview

The 2020 Kia Optima has attractive styling and compelling content, but it struggles to stand out among more desirable classmates. The flashy family sedan offers a smorgasbord of distinct engines and hybrid powertrains, but neither its performance nor fuel economy rise above average. The Kia has an unrivaled powertrain warranty and excellent safety ratings, but its back seat is smaller than some rivals and hybrid models have reduced trunk space. On the other hand, it has a well-built interior and plenty of standard driver-assistance technology. Still, the 2020 Optima is a sufficient option for families that want a sedan and that don't care about driving verve.

What's New for 2020?

The 2020 Kia Optima receives several newly standard and optional features as well as a new S model. The latter slots between the base LX and EX trim levels and starts at $25,615. The Optima hybrid and plug-in hybrid now have standard driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Both also add LED fog lights and customizable ambient interior lighting. The other updates include standard wireless phone charging on all but the bottom two models, but every Optima now has pedestrian detection.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We'd recommend the gas-powered Kia Optima EX, with its peppy turbocharged engine and responsive automatic transmission. It also has a slew of desirable standard features that include adaptive cruise control, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and more charging ports for all the devices in your life. That content can be enhanced with the EX Premium package, which adds a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, upgraded audio system, ventilated front seats, and more. However, it pushes the price above $30,000 and that's about the same as our preferred versions of the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The base powertrain is a non-turbocharged four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission; it's quick but sometimes slow to react to inputs and sounds a little rough when coaxed into its upper ranges. We much prefer the smoother, sharper, and quicker combination of the turbo 1.6-liter four and the seven-speed automatic transmission that represents the second rung in the Optima's powertrain ladder. The range-topping turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder is refined and pleasing but less powerful and significantly slower from zero to 60 mph than its direct competitors. Drivers who are concerned about fossil-fuel consumption will be glad to learn of the Optima's two hybrid powertrains—one a conventional hybrid, the other a plug-in with an EPA-quoted 29 miles of EV range. Kia does an excellent job of making both hybrids drive like normal cars, so the unobservant passenger might never notice a difference between an Optima with an electric motor and one without. The Optima's ride is comfortable and controlled, even driving over challenging pavement. While we expect few drivers of mid-size sedans to take their cars anywhere near their handling limits, it's worth noting that the Optima loses its composure a few ticks before the valedictorians in this class, including the Accord and Camry.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Of the Optima's five separate powertrains, all are passably efficient, and a few are real standouts. However, the hybrid powertrain we tested on our highway fuel-economy test route failed to impress in real-world conditions. In our highway testing, the plug-in Optima delivered 41 mpg, underperforming its EPA highway estimate by 2 mpg. An Optima with the larger turbocharged engine earned 35 mpg, an impressive result that beat its EPA estimate by 4 mpg and tied a similarly equipped Accord.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Optima's interior can be very nice, but it can also be very spartan. Likewise, prices ramp up steeply for the better-outfitted trim levels. There's a wide gulf between the top and bottom offerings, but many drivers will probably find an affordable happy medium after a careful perusal of the order sheet. The Kia family sedan feels roomy and spacious, especially up front, where it has significantly more legroom than competitors. The Optima's worthiness as a cargo hauler depends entirely on which model you choose. While the regular model is as good a pack animal as any sedan in this class, the hybrid variants sacrifice cargo space to their bulky battery packs—and in the case of the plug-in model, most of it. We fit seven of our carry-on suitcases in the trunk of the nonhybrid but only four in the plug-in hybrid.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Kia's infotainment system is simple and easy to use, and there are plenty of power ports to go around. An 8.0-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard. Desirable upgrades include a powerful Harman/Kardon audio system, built-in navigation, and wireless charging but no mobile hotspot. Overall, the infotainment system provides an intuitive, if not exactly impressive, interface.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 Optima earned excellent ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but the hybrid models haven't been crash-tested. The Optima was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, too. The lineup also boasts copious standard driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia's powertrain warranty is a legend in car showrooms across the nation, but some of the competition is starting to put up a fight. Toyota and Chevrolet each offer complimentary scheduled maintenance as part of their warranty packages, for instance.

• Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Kia's hybrid system has its issues, but the Optima is excellent otherwise and feels more expensive than its price suggests

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Thank high fuel prices and stricter government-mandated fuel economy ratings for today’s variety of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. Once limited to being quirky little cars when they arrived in the late 1990s (think first-gen Toyota Prius or Honda Insight), hybrids now come in all shapes and sizes, including family sedans like this 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid.

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When it was introduced for 2011, the mid-size, five-passenger, front-wheel-drive Optima sedan was one of the first signals that Kia was becoming a serious contender to more established automakers. Stylish, feature-laden, and well made with excellent road manners, topline gas-engine Optimas have become legitimate alternatives to low-end versions of the entry-level luxury/sport sedans like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

The hybrid version of the Optima arrived in late 2011, and it quickly found favour with buyers. Combined with sales of its Hyundai Sonata Hybrid platform-mate, the two family sedans ranked only behind the Toyota Prius in the hybrid sales race for 2011 in the U.S.

In 2013, a new electric motor added more horsepower. Combined with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder gas engine, output rose to 199 horsepower, and a higher-capacity lithium-polymer battery pack pumped the torque rating up to 235 pound-feet. The bigger battery also allowed for the Optima Hybrid to be driven up to 100 kilometres per hour in full electric mode via its six-speed automatic transmission. Then, for 2014, the Kia hybrid sedan received a slight design update, with new LED running lights and tail lights and front-end styling that was said to improve aerodynamics.

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As you might expect, Kia has priced its 2015 Optima Hybrid competitively with rivals like its Sonata partner as well as hybrid versions of the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion sedans. Well-equipped (highlighted by a multi-functional, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver’s seat, heated front seats and side mirrors, rear-view camera and Kia’s UVO infotainment system) base model Optima Hybrids start at $31,630 (all prices include freight and pre-delivery inspection fees). My Optima Hybrid tester was the topline, $38,230 EX Premium model. Going that route adds a bunch of goodies including a larger infotainment touchscreen, navigation, leather seats (that can be cooled and heated up front), rear parking sensors, plus a full suite of safety kit including blind-spot detection.

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All of that ongoing engineering work has resulted in the Optima Hybrid posting fuel economy estimates of 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.7 on the highway. During my week in the Kia sedan, at the tail end of a long and cold winter, I saw an indicated 7.4 L/100 km. But in a previous test in warmer weather, I recorded a 6.5 L/100 km average, which is pretty respectable for a mid-sized sedan.

Compared to the $26,190 Optima LX’s 192-hp naturally aspirated 2.4L gas engine (10.2 L/100 km city; 6.9 highway) and $36,290 SX Turbo’s 274-hp, 2.0L turbocharged gas-four (11.7 city; 7.7 highway) the Hybrid is obviously the Optima to buy if you want to burn less fossil fuel. But with gas versions of the new, second-generation 2016 Optima set to go on sale later this fall, we don’t expect the hybrid versions until well into 2016. So if you’re in the market for a hybrid family sedan, should you wait until then or consider a 2015 model now?

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The answer to this depends on what your priorities are.

From what I saw of the pre-production 2016 models at the New York Auto Show, the interior of the forthcoming 2016 Optima is more about refinement than revolution. I’ve always liked the current Optima’s driver-oriented interior design and ergonomics. My top-rung EX Premium model saw leather applied thoughtfully to all the surfaces the driver touches on a regular basis. And the stitched, padded dashboard and massive UVO touchscreen infotainment make the family sedan feel more luxurious than its price suggests.

However, where I am hoping Kia will make more progress with the next Optima Hybrid is with its limited cargo capacity (caused by the battery pack in the trunk) compared to the gas versions, and how its gas-electric system behaves on the road.

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The interaction between the Kia’s hybrid bits — toggling between the electric and gas modes and the regenerative braking system — show the automaker’s lack of hybrid powertrain experience. Starting off from a stop, there’s a slight hesitation from the Optima Hybrid’s engine department. And once underway, the engine revs up then down a bit, without any indication of a change from the speedometer. Weird.

Stopping the Kia hybrid is also a touchy affair. The regenerative braking system (which sends energy back to charge the batteries), grabs too much when the brakes are initially applied at lower spends. Once again, areas of refinement Toyota and Ford have already nailed down. Once up to speed, though, the Optima offers a fine highway ride, with an eerily quiet cabin.

As much as I like the 2015 Optima Hybrid’s exterior and interior styling, and its relatively parsimonious fuel economy, drivers may find its unrefined hybrid bits off-putting. But knowing Kia’s relentless pursuit of improving, I’m expecting big improvements with the next-gen Optima Hybrid.

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Even before the Genesis brand started taking off, Kia was starting to change American attitudes on Korean cars. That was through stylish andsafe models like the Optima sedan. The Kia Optima is also a great choice for back-pain sufferers and has been named a KBB Best Buy. But, while the latest model is incredibly reliable, some used Kia Optimas should definitely be avoided.

Worst Kia Optima model years

Kia redesigned the Optima for the 2011 model year. And, as is often the case, the redesign had its teething issues. CarComplaints ranks the 2011 Kia Optima as the worst model year to buy. And by far the most prevalent issue is engine failure.

Multiple owner reports talk about engines seizing, often on the highway. There have also been numerous reports of cars bursting into flame. The issue was so serious and prevalent, Forbes reports, that there was a class-action lawsuit against Kia. Eventually, the automaker recalled, among other vehicles, 2011-2014 Optimas equipped with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines. However, CarComplaints reports engine failure was still occurring in some 2015 Optimas.

The seizing issue was caused by metal debris that had been left from the manufacturing process. Over time, that debris would get mixed up with the oil, and clog the oil lines. These issues are why Consumer Reports gave the 2012 Optima its worst reliability score.

CarComplaints also considers the 2013 Optima to be one to avoid. Although Motor Trend reported no issues with its long-term 2013 Kia Optima, the 2013 model actually has more complaints than the 2011 model. In addition to the engine issues, 2013 Optimas are known to experience steering problems, with the cars pulling to one side or the steering failing completely.

According to CR owner reports, the steering problems also appear in 2011 and 2012 Optimas. There are numerous reports of the cars pulling to one side, clicking sounds coming from the steering column, and the wheel feeling ‘notchy’ or difficult to turn. It appears, based on one CarComplaints report, that most of these issues relate to the steering column itself.

Other known Kia Optima issues

2013 and 2014 Optimas have also had their share of problems.

There’s currently a recall out for 2013-2014 models equipped with both the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The engines’ low-pressure fuel lines can crack and leak, which poses a fire risk. Kia claims only 1% of vehicles are affected. Still, that’s about 164,000 Optimas. It’s not clear exactly what’s causing the cracking, but engine bay heat appears to be the main culprit.

There’s another fuel-line-related recall, this time affecting 2011-2017 Optimas. However, this only affects Optimas that have already had their engines replaced, or had their knock-detection sensors upgraded. The high-pressure fuel pipe leading from the fuel pump may have been damaged or installed incorrectly, which could lead to a fuel leak.

The Kia Optima was redesigned in 2016, and although it received fewer complaints than previous model years, some issues did crop up. Some 2.4-liter models had to be recalled due to cracking front driveshafts. CarComplaints also reports some owners experienced window regulator failure, although this appears to be a rare occurrence. Finally, CR reports sunroof-equipped models have had issues with their sunroofs failing to close, the tracks warping, or simply rattling due to worn seals.

Recommended model years

Ultimately, the newest Optimas are the ones with the fewest issues.

CarComplaints reports almost no issues with 2017-2019 Optimas. And, with a redesign coming up for the 2021 model year, these will likely be offered at a discounted price soon. That being said, none of the 2016 Optima’s flaws are necessarily deal-breakers, provided proper recall work has been performed.

However, some 2017 and 2018 Optimas have been recalled, but this only applies to the hybrid models. And some 2019 models have also been recalled, due to a software error with their front-collision warning systems. Of these, the 2019 Kia Optima has the highest CR reliability score.

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