The 2016 Kia Optima Makes an Already Reliable Car Even Better

Oct 22, 2015

Since it was introduced in 2000, the Kia Optima has been known as a reliable and affordable sedan that meets all the needs of the average American driver and their family. As with all things, however, there has still been room for improvement. For the 2016 Optima, the automakers at Kia took up the challenge of making the car even better than before, and the result is a midsized sedan that performs well above expectations for the category and which comes with more interior room than ever before, while still being fuel efficient and maintaining its affordable price point. Read on to find out more about the 2016 Kia Optima before you stop by your friendly local Bismarck Kia dealership for a test drive.

New Engine and Transmission

For the 2016 model, Kia retooled the Optima’s engine and transmission and came up with a way to improve the car’s fuel efficiency while also boosting overall performance. The new standard engine for the Optima is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, accompanied by a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The result is a car that’s more than powerful enough to meet the needs of most drivers (generating 178 horsepower) while still being a smooth, easy to handle ride.

Drivers who need a little more can choose one of two upgrades: a 2.4-liter, 185-horsepower engine, and a 2-liter turbo engine. There’s good news for hybrid fans, too: Kia has announced that a hybrid-electric version of the Optima will be introduced in the near future.

More Interior Space than Ever

The 2016 Kia Optima is one of the roomiest midsize sedans on the market. Kia’s designers and engineers made certain to improve the space available for drivers and passengers in the new model, as well as to increase storage space in the trunk. While that means the new Optima is slightly larger than previous models, the changes improve the overall riding experience and don’t compromise the car’s maneuverability or fuel efficiency.

For those who want exact details on the size of the new Optima:

The 2016 Optima is .4 inches longer and 1.2 inches wider than the 2015 version.
The wheelbase is also now .4 inches bigger.
Trunk size for the 2016 model is now 15.9 inches.
Total passenger space has been increased to 104.8 cubic feet.

The result: plenty of room for passenger’s heads, legs, and shoulders, whether they’re riding in the back or the front.

Improved Driving Experience

In addition to the more comfortable interior, the 2016 Kia Optima also provides a smooth driving experience, even over fairly rough road conditions. The chassis and suspension for the 2016 model have both been altered, allowing it to better absorb and isolate bumpy surfaces. On top of that, the 2016 Optima is also remarkably quiet, with the ability to reduce wind noise to negligible amounts under most driving conditions.

Want to try the 2016 Kia Optima for yourself? Stop by Bill Barth Kia for a test drive today! For more information, give us a call at 701-667-9999.