2015 Kia Optima

The Kia Optima has been gracing the American streets since it first arrived from the Korean automaker back in 2000. Fifteen years later, the Optima is one of Kia’s best-selling nameplates, and one of the most popular mid-size sedans on the road today.

The first generation model was based off of the Hyundai Sonata, offered with luxury updates and superior exterior styling. The mid-size sedan has received various updates and revisions in it’s fifteen years, even offering consumers a hybrid option in the U.S. market. The Optima Hybrid went on to set a Guinness World Record for “Lowest Fuel Consumption in a Hybrid Gasoline Vehicle,” averaging 64.55 miles on a cross-country roadtrip touring 48 states. 

Aside from impressive efficiency, the Optima has also garnered fame as an official entry in the Pirelli World Challenge in June of 2012, making a name for itself in the racing circuit. 

The 2015 Kia Optima is the last version in the vehicle’s third generation, and arguably, one of the best versions. Featuring a sleek exterior styling, multiple trim level options, a turbo and hybrid option, the 2015 Kia Optima is offering consumers more than ever before.

Saying Goodbye to Bland Sedans

One thing that the 2015 Kia Optima does without fail, is stand out from the crowd. There is no other sedan in its class that exudes the style and jaw-dropping appearance that the 2015 Kia Optima commands. The sedan was given an updated front fascia that gives off a more aggressive look, complemented by a more defined back end.  

The interior of the Optima is just as impressive as the exterior, featuring a next-level degree of comfort, style, and luxury for the price. The interior seating was completely updated for 2015, making for a more comfortable ride, a more spacious cabin, and more available amenities than ever before. The ventilated leather-seating option is just one of the areas that other sedans in its class simply cannot compete with the Optima. 

The 2015 Optima also outdoes the competition in the performance arena, blowing past competitors like the Toyota Camry, and the Hyundai Sonata. 

The 2015 Optima starts at just $21,690, and offers consumers multiple trim levels for maximum customization. The 2015 Kia Optima is the obvious choice for consumers who want to see their money go as far as possible, all while retaining a high level of luxury, performance, and style.

Five Unique and Desirable Trim Levels

For most automotive consumers, having options is important. With the 2015 Optima, drivers have more options than ever before. Five trim levels represent five different levels of price and amenities, without sacrificing performance, style, or safety.

In fact, each one of the trim levels come standard with all of the latest safety features Kia drivers have come to expect.  Exterior features of each trim level are also generally the same.

Check out each one of the unique trim levels and their starting MSRP below.

• LX - Starting at just $21,690, this trim level is the most economical of the five. With a combined fuel economy of 27 MPG, the Optima LX will continue saving drivers money with more time between fill ups. WIth interior features like a six-speaker audio system, auxiliary jack, steering wheel controls, overhead/lower console storage, and a multi-adjustable driver’s seat, all standard - the LX is a great option for those on a budget, that don’t want to sacrifice amenities.

• EX - With a starting MSRP of $24,190, the next level-up on the Optima food chain offers the same level of safety and efficiency as the LX. Drivers will see the major difference in the interior amenities features on the EX version, that include 60/40 split-folding rear seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power heated exterior mirrors.

• SX - Starting at just $25,790, the SX is only slightly higher in price than the EX, and offers even more additional amenities. Exterior styling like body-color bumpers, tinted glass, and power adjustable rearview mirrors all come standard on the SX. 

• SX Turbo - Starting out at $27,700, the SX Turbo comes in at a slightly higher sticker price, but features the best option for a power-performance vehicle. With a 2.0L I4 engine, the SX Turbo gets 274 horsepower at 600 RPM, along with 269 lb.-ft. of torque at 1650 RPM. This impressive turbo-engine comes in far ahead of the other trim levels in terms of power, performance, and prestige. 

• SXL - The Optima Limited trim level has the highest MSRP that starts at $35,500. The higher sticker price definitely means more standard features and amenities, that are sure to impress any driver. Standard front and second-row heated seats, power driver’s seat memory, multi-adjustable passenger’s seat, navigation system, leather seating, and an 8-speaker audio system, are just a few of the features that help the SXL stand out from the rest. The SXL also comes standard with a power sunroof with Tilt, and a rear camera display. If all the bells and whistles are what’s important to you, the 2015 Kia Optima SXL is the only choice.

Going Turbo with the Optima's GDI Engine

If power and performance are important, than the Optima SX Turbo is the perfect choice for you. Featuring an increase in both horsepower and torque by staggering numbers, an engine displacement of 1998, and a 2.0L I4 engine, make that all possible.

The turbocharged GDI engine under the hood of the 2015 Kia Optima SX Turbo and SXL Turbo offers drivers who seek that extra amount of power, an excellent option in a mid-size sedan.

Go Farther for Less with the 2015 Optima Hybrid

If increased fuel economy is on your list of “must-haves” in a new car, than the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid should be at the top of your list to consider buying. Compared to the gas-powered Optima EX, the Hybrid EX comes in about $7,000 more expensive, with a starting MSRP of $32,150. Despite the higher sticker price, the Hybrid Optima more than makes up for it in saved money at the pump.

With a combined fuel economy of 37, that’s a whopping 10 mpgs more than the standard Optima EX. The Hybrid Optima further sets itself apart with the standard rear-view camera, power driver’s seat memory settings, multi-adjustable passenger’s seat, and navigational system. 

For more money saved over time, the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid is the perfect choice for consumers. The cost of ownership is much lower than comparably equipped vehicles, and features even more advanced standard features and technology.