The 2018 Kia Optima is an award-winning mid-size sedan that stands out for its stylish design, a slew of available tech features, and impressive performance. Get the lowdown below on the 2018 Kia Optima, the awards given to this sedan, and the features that led to the Optima receiving such awards.
Stellar Safety
The 2018 Kia Optima received a 5-star crash safety ranking, which is the highest rating available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA. Since 2011, this government body has enforced tougher tests for motor vehicles and made the maximum rating more difficult to achieve. The Optima’s durable build and its plethora of modern safety features combined as the key factors to this sedan receiving such a high safety ranking.
The Optima uses more than 50 percent Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), which drastically improves its ability to withstand strong impacts, such as those that occur during a collision. A comprehensive airbag system comes with dual front, front-seat-mounted side, and full-length side curtain airbags. A series of high-tech sensors can detect the force of a collision and the adjust the airbag inflation according to how severe the impact will be.
Advanced safety features are prominent in the 2018 Kia Optima. You get a suite of active technologies, including electronic stability control and vehicle stability management, as well as a brake-assist system and tire pressure monitoring, to avoid problems associated with under-inflated or over-inflated tires.
Modern Technology
In-car infotainment is important for many drivers who need modern vehicles to offer more than just a radio for entertainment purposes. Kia always delivers when it comes to its available infotainment system, and the 2018 Optima is no exception. A gorgeous 7-inch touchscreen display comes as standard with the Kia Optima. You can avail hands-free voice commands, using the vehicle’s nifty built-in UVO software system.
The free UVO eServices app seamlessly connects your smart phone to your Optima, giving you access to 24-hour roadside assistance and much more. You can receive texts, use Google Maps, and access an array of other applications on your smartphone straight from the touchscreen, using the Android Auto feature. A similar feature is available for Apple customers in the form of Apple CarPlay.
A ten-speaker sound system with 630 watts of power and futuristic Clari-Fi™ audio restoration technology delivers crystal clear sound of a quality that is hard to find in other sedans at this price range.
Super Performance
Whatever trim level you choose for your 2018 Kia Optima, excellent performance is guaranteed. The base LX trim comes with a 2.4 four-cylinder engine that delivers 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, using a six-speed automatic transmission.
Drivers who want more bite in terms of torque can opt for the next-in-line LX 1.6T, which adds a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a dual-clutch transmission, and ups the torque to 195 pound-feet. The final engine choice comes with the range-topping SX, which offers a powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
For its superb performance from several available engines, modern tech inclusions, and amazing safety features, you can’t go wrong in the search for a full-featured sedan with the 2018 Kia Optima.
“Kia Optima” via Flickr by sarahlarson. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 | cropped from original