2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo

The 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo is fast, rakish and practical.

Price: $31,900

Don’t tell neighbors that your new car isn’t a costly German sports sedan. Some may initially be fooled until they see it’s a 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo. Not that it’s anything to be ashamed of.

This $31,900 front-drive mid-size sedan has the looks of some expensive German sedans. Moreover, it costs less than its more popular worthy Japanese rivals, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, when you compare its performance and all its features.

Of course, Kia must be very price-competitive when going up against better-known Toyota and Honda. But things are changing fast, with the old Kia so-so economy car image fading fast. Some well-received Kia models, such as its wild Stinger hatchback sedan, can be considered serious threats to models from established rivals.

There are a variety of Optima models, including several hybrids, that cost from approximately $22,600 to $36,315. But the SX Turbo, which is the model I tested, is the bargain of the lot—at least for those who want the most driving fun with it.

The SX Turbo certainly is the best-looking Optima. It has 45-series tires on redesigned 18-inch wheels, new LED fog lights, sport steering wheel, very supportive European-styled red-and-black two-tone sport leather-trimmed seats, panoramic roof, Harman Kardon premium audio system with UVO link with navigation, heated steering wheel and nifty looking dual exhaust outlets.

There also are gloss black door pillars and side moldings and a sport bumper with LED fog lamps. Not to mention “turbo” fender badges.

A smooth  turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder delivers 245 horsepower and and 260 pound/feet of torque. The engine never seems to work hard when moving the car from 65-80 m.p.h. in quick time, with a 0-60 m.p.h. time of 6.8 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on highways.

The engine is hooked to a somewhat old 6-speed automatic transmission, but the “trans” works smoothly and efficiently and can be manually shifted via paddle shifters.

Several drive modes can be easily selected with a console button, but I’d leave the “Sport” model to twisting roads and stick with the “Comfort” mode for most motoring. The sport mode tightens up the steering and provides a firmer ride, although it never gets uncomfortable. You just feels the bumps more.

The precise steering is actually a bit firm in Comfort mode and could transmit more road feel, and the generally smooth ride is also a little stiff. Still, this is a good long-distance car. Handling in the normal driving mode is good on sweeping curves, and the brakes work well. Helping handling are a modified suspension and traction, stability control and vehicle stability systems. The rather long brake pedal travel takes some getting used to, but the anti-lock brakes work with authority.

Safety systems include blind-spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, parking distance warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning and smart cruise control with a stop-and-go feature. There’s also a bunch of air bags, including full-length side curtain air bags.

The SX Turbo’s quiet interior is a pleasant place to be, although the coupe-style roofline causes one to use the power outside power mirrors for the best rear visibility. The D-shaped steering wheel can make it easier to slide in and out, and the heated and ventilated front seats are powered. There’s a push-button start, and the backlit gauges can be quickly read. A good number of clearly marked control buttons are in the dashboard and console areas, making it easy to adjust things without taking eyes off the road. Kudos to Kia for them. All cupholders are within easy reach.

Other standard features include a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade. Keeping one entertained is a Harman Kardon premium audio system.  A UVO link includes a navigation system with an 8-inch touchscreen and rear camera, There’s also Android Auto and Apple CarPay. Thank goodness that the infotainment system is user-friendly, which often isn’t the case these days. The interior is roomy, and there are plenty of storage areas.

The trunk is spacious, and rear seat backs easily flip forward and fold flat to enlarge the cargo area.

The new Optima SX Turbo shows that desirable midsize sedans are far from dead. And the powertrain warranty is good for 100,000 miles.