 2011 Kia Optima EX. Click image to enlarge |
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Review and photos by Greg Wilson
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2011 Kia Optima
This week, I had expected to pick up the turbocharged 275-hp 2.0-litre Optima SX, so I was surprised when I was handed the keys to the 200-hp 2.4-litre Optima EX Luxury, a car we’ve previously reviewed twice in Autos.ca Rather than repeat many of the same driving impressions described by contributors Chris Chase and James Bergeron, I thought I’d take a closer look at how this Optima EX Luxury + Navi model ($32,095) compares with some of its major competitors, notably its Hyundai stable-mate, the Sonata Limited with Navi ($30,999), Toyota Camry XLE ($31,235), Honda Accord EX-L ($29,790), Mazda6 GT ($30,595), Ford Fusion SEL ($26,199), and Chevrolet Malibu LTZ ($32,995).
Note that all of these top-trim cars have four-cylinder engines. Not too long ago, it was only models with V6 or turbocharged engines that got the full kit list, but now most four-cylinder mid-size sedans can be fully equipped.
 2011 Kia Optima EX. Click image to enlarge |
The Optima EX Luxury + Navi, for example, has the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission that’s available in the base Optima LX and mid-range EX trims, but is equipped with just about everything you’ll find in a luxury car, and more features than you’ll find in many of its competitors.
Included in the 2011 Optima EX Luxury + Navi’s (herein called the Optima EX L + N) base price are 18-inch tires mounted on machined alloys, xenon headlights, leather upholstery and simulated leatherette trim, simulated carbon fibre dash trim, heated and cooled front seats with driver’s power height and lumbar adjustment and front passenger power height adjuster, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and pushbutton ignition, power front sunroof and fixed rear glass sunroof, 530-watt Infinity stereo with eight speakers including front center speaker and rear sub-woofer, Bluetooth audio and telephone, satellite radio, USB and auxiliary ports, a touch-screen with audio, climate and navigation functions, a rearview camera, trip computer, and a 3.5-inch colour LCD info screen between the gauges that can be scrolled between average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption, outside temperature, average speed, and distance to empty.
  2011 Kia Optima EX. Click image to enlarge |
Interestingly, Optimas with the navigation system don’t get the Microsoft-designed UVO hands-free multimedia system that allows drivers to make or answer phone calls, change radio stations, or access music files – it’s similar to Ford’s Sync system. However, with standard Bluetooth, drivers can still make hands-free calls, and they have the advantage of the touch-screen navigation system, audio and climate controls.
The Optima EX L + N’s cabin has a high class feel that makes you sit back and say, “Is this really a Kia?” Leather seats with contrasting stitch colour, simulated leather door panels and armrests, carbon fibre-like trim, a centre console slanted towards the driver with a large touch-screen, dual-zone automatic climate control, a high-end Infinity stereo, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with buttons for phone, audio and cruise, trip info and Eco driving mode, are just some of this car’s premium features. As well, the Optima EX L + N is the only car in its price range with cooled and heated front seats, and the only car in its class with heated rear seats.
Though the Optima’s competitors are also well-equipped, some features are optional rather than standard. The Fusion SEL, for example, comes with standard cloth seats rather than leather; the Fusion SEL and Malibu LTZ don’t include a standard sunroof and the Optima is the only one available with a rear fixed sunroof; the Mazda6 GT and Optima EX Luxury are the only ones with standard xenon HID headlights; and only the Optima EX L + N and the Sonata Limited with Navi have a standard navigation system and rearview camera.
