2018 Kia Optima Review

The midsize sedan segment has become one of the toughest market segments to crack, especially with long-standing class leaders such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry now in their eighth and tenth generations respectively. Nevertheless, since the Kia Optima's first introduction to the market, it has been growing from strength to strength. Now, as it rides into 2018 as the third model year of the fourth Optima generation equipped with new standard safety features, advanced driver-assists, and contemporary styling, Kia has seemingly managed to catch up to those rivals as a competitive and compelling choice. Boasting three engine options, ranging from a 185 horsepower naturally aspirated 2.4-liter in the lower-end trims, to a 245 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter in the sportier SX model, the Optima offers something for everyone. A six-speed automatic transmission directs outputs to the front-wheel-drivetrain by default for most models while a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic services the LX turbo.

What's the Price of the 2018 Kia Optima?

For the base Optima LX model, buyers can expect an MSRP of $22,600, while for the sportier Optima S, the price increases to $23,600. The turbocharged LX is priced at $24,400, and the naturally aspirated EX at $25,700. Moving onto the top-tier Optima SX will see a sticker price of $30,600. Those prices are excluding Kia's destination charge of $895 as well as any tax, registration, and licensing fees.

Handling and Driving Impressions

Though the exterior boasts a sportier appeal than before, the Optima ranks pretty low on the fun-to-drive scale with the Accord and Camry offering far more enjoyable drive capabilities and handling dynamics all-round. Nevertheless, the Optima handles capably, provided you don't expect sport-sedan levels of engagement. The steering is accurately responsive to inputs and easy to predict, however, it's not very communicative. That is a common thread for electronically power-assisted steering setups on non-performance vehicles, though.

Corners are met with surprising prowess in the Optima, the chassis remaining comfortably composed - but there's a fair amount of body-roll thanks to the default suspension's softer inclination. The Optima impresses more in terms of comfort than outright dynamism, even with the sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels on the SX. Most road imperfections and small undulations are handled with poise, and while larger ones do cause some jostling, the extent to which they reach the cabin is within an acceptable range. The brakes can be overly grabby at times but the pedal weight and responses are calibrated suitably for daily drivability.

Verdict: Is the 2018 Kia Optima A Good car?

The 2018 Kia Optima is a quintessential family commuter offering ideal passenger comfort and convenience, along with frugality, appreciable practicality, and plenty of tech. The lineup also offers two satisfactory, but bland, turbocharged engines alongside the standard naturally aspirated motor featured in the base trims. It might not be the most enjoyable and involving sedan to drive, but the Optima offers an exceptionally comfortable ride which is augmented by its plush seating and high-quality interior elements that are shared across the lineup. In terms of its position within the segment, the Optima stands out in its tech functionality with Android Auto and Apple Carplay included as standard on an easy-to-use touchscreen system; an upgraded eight-inch infotainment system inclusive of navigation, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system is optional for the higher-tier trims, adding to the already impressive suite. Although the exceptional safety ratings primarily relate to higher trims with optional equipment, there's a fair amount of safety equipment and driver assistance systems across the range. From the inside out, the Optima gives off the impression that you've received just a little more than your money's worth. It may not be the driver's sedan you want on the weekend, but it's the luxury sedan you crave on your daily commute.

What Kia Optima Model Should I Buy?

With the Optima EX slotting just below the line-topping SX trim, it's offered as one of the more comprehensively outfitted options while its pricing remains relatively reasonable at only $2,500 more than the base trim - which is considerably less equipped. Above the lower-end trims, the EX offers dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and heated front seats with a twelve-way power-adjustable driver's seat. It also gets the availability of advanced assistance features that give the Optima the Superior front crash prevention rating from the IIHS. We recommend adding the EX Technology Package, which equips the larger eight-inch infotainment system, larger front brakes, as well as autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.

2018 Kia Optima Comparisons

2018 Kia Optima vs Hyundai Sonata

The Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata share a lot, being corporate siblings and riding on the same platform with much of the same hardware common to both; this includes all three available engine options. With so much mechanical similarity, both are similarly priced and equipped, and both drive in much the same manner, favoring comfort over outright dynamism; but the Kia is marginally sportier in higher trims. The Hyundai is a little more practical, offering up 16.3 cubic feet of trunk space to the Optima's 15.9. Buyers will be happy with either option, but we marginally prefer the Optima for the slightly sportier handling balance it offers.

2018 Kia Optima vs Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has held this segment's center podium as the class-leader for generations, marking itself as the Optima's greatest opposition. Not only are the two powertrain options of the Accord more powerful than all three of the Optimas, but they're a lot more frugal as well. The Accord is a more enjoyable car to drive too, with its engaging chassis and refined automatic and manual gearbox options catering to the enthusiasts. There are more features in the Accord, with dual-zone automatic climate control as standard across the lineup, which is only found in the upper-level trims of the Optima. But, the Optima claws back with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, only found on higher Accord trims, and on an infotainment system not nearly as intuitive as Kia's. Despite minor faults, the 2018 redesign of the Accord has firmly cemented its status as the best in the segment, with a higher quality interior, more interior space, greater trunk volume, impressive safety standards, and an engaging chassis. The Optima simply isn't as good an all-rounder, nor is it truly exceptional in any one aspect.