Kia Optima 2024 Engine, Redesign, Specs – The 2024 Kia Optima is a midsize sedan that aims to draw buyers away from crossover SUVs with its wide range of fuel-efficient hybrid options and its many standard safety and convenience features.
For 2024, the Kia Optima trim levels will consist of LX, S, EX, EX Premium, and SX. The commute-eliminating Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid are only offered in the EX trim and are mostly restricted to West Coast areas.
2024 Kia Optima Redesign
The 2024 Kia Optima no longer appears as daring as it once was since numerous competitors have adopted similar fastback-style forms, but we still enjoy it. We give it a 7 out of 10, with the interior and exterior receiving above-average marks.
A coupe-like (or perhaps coupe-lite) roofline gives the 2024 Optima a sporty appearance, reflected by huge wheels that fill its wells and a broad range of vibrant hues, even if the models are on dealer lots are more likely to be covered in tans and grays. The Optima S and SX look sporty because their exterior trim is blacked out, and their wheels are more prominent.
The Optima’s interior features a lower, somewhat featureless dashboard than its predecessor. Even though the new Optima looks less flashy, it has easier-to-use controls and better visibility from the outside.
Interior
In the 2024 Kia Optima, front-seat passengers enjoy comfy seats and superb outward visibility. Rear-seat passengers may choose to take off their caps. Overall, the sedan interiors receive a 7 out of 10, with above-average ratings for cargo capacity and internal spaciousness. Standard front seats are supportive and adjustable to a high degree. Driver-side ten-way power adjustment is standard on S and higher trims, while EX Premium and SX trim feature lumbar support. In addition to EX Premium and SX Optimas, EX Premium and SX Optimas also include a power passenger seat. Due to the sloping roof, rear-seat passengers will get 35.6 inches of leg room but only 37.8 inches of headroom.
Additionally, low-cut doorways make entering and departing difficult. The inside materials are adequate for the price. The regular cloth seats in the Optima LX offer a solid feel, but the synthetic leather/cloth trim in the Optima S is an attractive improvement. Leather seating surfaces are standard on the EX and SX versions. Standard Optima trunks contain 15.9 cubic feet of baggage. Hybrids cut this down to 13.4 cubic feet, and the Optima Plug-In Hybrid can hold up to 9.8 cubic feet of cargo.
Engine
The 2024 Kia Optima’s performance narrative is intricate. We give the range a 6 out of 10 based on the likelihood that the LX and S models will be the most frequent on dealer lots. The standard Optimas are equipped with a standard 2.4-liter inline-four engine that transmits 185 horsepower to the front wheels via a 6-speed automated transmission. The machine is quiet and smooth and offers adequate city performance. The Optima EX and EX Premium’s turbo-4 engine has fewer horsepower (178 hp) but greater torque (195 lb-feet), giving it brisk passing power.
Due to its 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which is frequently confused at urban speeds, it is less desirable. The Optima SX’s optional 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine provides 245 horsepower and, as expected, superior acceleration. If you can’t afford the top-of-the-line model, which is admittedly expensive, the 6-speed automatic transmission is a great alternative.
2024 Kia Optima Release Date and Price
The basic Optima LX costs about $23,000 and comes with power features, active safety equipment, alloy wheels, and an infotainment touchscreen that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Optima SX comes on the opposite end of the spectrum, which has a 245-hp turbo-4, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a motorized panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control for around $33,000. The top-of-the-line models have the same infotainment software but have 10 Harman Kardon speakers and built-in navigation.