Just got the 2017 loaded Optima. I appreciate this video. The motorcyclist in me is having a hard time with the driving portion (through the mountain roads). I know driving videos tend to seem faster, but I'm pretty-sure you're not stopping in time for anything that jumps in front of you. I suppose it could be an artifact of video, it looks too-fast for that environment. Besides that, good info.
I subscribed to this channel because of the ruler that pops up at bottom of screen showing the vehicles that are smaller and larger. That tool comes in handy with me being a bigger guy. I wish it was more detailed.
now in 2017, they have this trim with value package, red leather seats, heated fronts and also the steering wheel. But, availability is extremely rare in the east coast. if i could get it i would be very happy!
Good for you. I've test driven different trims of the optima, this trim has the best combination, small rim, softer ride, the turbo I tested came with Michelin all season tires, the ride was quiet and absorbed road imperfections really well, what tires are yours?
dionaeaqi07 I believe mine are the Michelin all-season "Energy" tires. It has a very good ride and it really gets wound up in Sport mode. While Alex does great in-depth reviews, I think he should do an updated one with the 2017 LX Turbo that offers the leather package, etc. to stay relevant.
Kia, if you are reading this, 90% of people here agree with Alex. You need to move this engine though the lineup. I actually would go to the dealer tomorrow if we had this engine on other options and levels. In my case the most missed items are the sunroof and the safety active items, like auto cruise control and land keep assist. Please work the numbers and find a way to do this. You guys got a golden opportunity here if you find a happy medium. you will make up the profit in the volume of sales.
+cassmanio It could probably be that they can't build enough engines for all models. I bet they are wondering how to increase production for that engine
Great video. I'm actually picking up a 2017 LX turbo after work, trading in my 2015 EX with tech package. They have a new package for the LX turbo (value package at $1250) that has the items I use from my current tech package and none of the items that I do not use. with this new package you get dual projector headlights with LED DLR's, leather seating (unfortunately only available in merlot... kind of a light burgundy color which takes some getting used to), LED tail lights, sport trim with gloss black trim... including a rear spoiler that looks really nice, 12 way power drivers seat with 4 way lumbar support previously 2 way, 2 memory positions for the drivers seat, heated front seats and heated steering wheel. The only weird thing is there is no cd player, guess they figure everyone listens to music through their phone apps which is why it has Apple play and Android auto now... or maybe I just did not see a cd slot when I took my test drive Saturday.
Guys, tks for the info about this package... I almost got the SX turbo only for the Merlot interior. Now I'll expend some time thinking about exterior opts.
excellent review like always. This eco model is mainly available to save fuel economy. as you mentioned this eco model Optima was getting excellent fuel milage, but did you get that fuel milage figure from trip computer or actually you measure real driven miles devide by gallon at the fuel pump? Because most car trip computer average fuel economy is more than actual fuel economy...
They have done it like ford and had the 1.6T as a option in all trims but the top one and have a optional sport package for better tires and rims and remove the eco badge for a (Trim)1.6T
Thanks for the ( helpful as usual ) review. I am very attracted to what the Optima 1.6 embodies overall and I share your frustration re the limited option list on the trim especially the lack of leather, heated seats and driver-assist safety items. Although I have yet to drive the 1.8T Passat, it would seem to be a reasonably close substitute for the 1.6 Optima in terms of economy, power train ( except for the trans. ) and handling dynamics. Any chance you will be testing the '16 Passat 1.8? If not, I'd appreciate your thoughts on how the Passat 1.8 might work as an Optima 1.6 alternative.
Ronald Coniglio The 2017 model has an LX Turbo Value Package which adds heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, etc. One more package adds the safety features "autonomous braking, lane departure warning", and so forth.
Great review Alex, when will you review Kia sportage 2017 ? you mentioned that you will do the usual review (not the review you did in sportage launch). and also what about the new Elantra ? Thanks
This is the same powertrain setup as the new Hyundai Tucson. Same engine and transmission. This is tweaked to have 3 more HP, but same torque and power @ RPMs
I liked the review. Only wonder a few things, like with so many other cars and models yet to be reviewed, how can so many of one make be reviewed. There is the MKX, for instance. Secondly is that rear 1/4 window. With that sloped roof line, I think it appropriate to begin telling us what the rear views are like. The rear glances when lane changing are important and in many new designs, although beautiful looking, they suck vision wise. This is one of them. And that ridiculously small window stuck there doesn't look like it will help. Glad to hear that finally we get a turbo that beats expectations on MPGs. Although I get above the Gov estimated numbers, I am growing tired of the expert reviewers and CR complaining about their seemingly heavy footed driving MPG.
+paul pellico Yup...the more I look at that rear 1/4 window the more stupid it gets. It doesn't even go with the flow of the other lines. It just looks like they did it at the last minute.
Hummm...must be using Hyundai's 1.6 Turbo and DCT (now confirmed). It's shameful that Kia did not include the 1.6T in the Sportage EX offerings like in Europe, then things would be perfect!
+Omnis Yes, yes, yes and yes. The rims only need to be large enough to contain the brake rotors. The owner will also save a fortune on tire replacement over the life of the vehicle.
+Elliott Manning The 2.4 has been around for a while and thus is cheaper to produce in large numbers increasing profit margins. I do agree that the 1.6 should be offered on all trims. Ford does it with their 1.5 on the Fusion.
+Elliott Manning fleet sales - they can sell mass volumes at more competitive prices to the buyer, making them a killing. Turbo engines cost more to build and probably have higher warranty fund allocations for things to go wrong with them.
Too bad the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco with tech still doesn't have CarPlay as promised. Love the 1.6L with dct: Fantastic mpg, great acceleration vs fuel efficiently, and a solid 100k mile warranty.
Absolute best car reviewer on UA-cam!
+1
Absolutely agree... Alex's through approach is remarkable!!! Well done Alex...
Lots of value in this car. Thanks for a good review, Alex.
EXCELLENT review! I don't need a car in NYC but your review made me put this car in the possibility bucket
Just got the 2017 loaded Optima. I appreciate this video. The motorcyclist in me is having a hard time with the driving portion (through the mountain roads). I know driving videos tend to seem faster, but I'm pretty-sure you're not stopping in time for anything that jumps in front of you. I suppose it could be an artifact of video, it looks too-fast for that environment. Besides that, good info.
I subscribed to this channel because of the ruler that pops up at bottom of screen showing the vehicles that are smaller and larger. That tool comes in handy with me being a bigger guy. I wish it was more detailed.
ill get the Kia Optima GT next week thanks to your dedicated review, great effort for the info and video production
Your reviews are the best Alex, it will be fair if I say you are on the top of reviews, Keep it up please. thanks.
I'd love used sedans! I might buy this Alex.
7 years ago, I will buy used 2016 Kia Optima.
now in 2017, they have this trim with value package, red leather seats, heated fronts and also the steering wheel. But, availability is extremely rare in the east coast. if i could get it i would be very happy!
dionaeaqi07 just picked one up today here in NC. Platinum Graphite exterior with the red leather interior. Love it so far.
Good for you. I've test driven different trims of the optima, this trim has the best combination, small rim, softer ride, the turbo I tested came with Michelin all season tires, the ride was quiet and absorbed road imperfections really well, what tires are yours?
dionaeaqi07 I believe mine are the Michelin all-season "Energy" tires. It has a very good ride and it really gets wound up in Sport mode. While Alex does great in-depth reviews, I think he should do an updated one with the 2017 LX Turbo that offers the leather package, etc. to stay relevant.
Greatest review as usual, Alex. When will you review the all new 2016 Camaro?
Kia, if you are reading this, 90% of people here agree with Alex. You need to move this engine though the lineup. I actually would go to the dealer tomorrow if we had this engine on other options and levels. In my case the most missed items are the sunroof and the safety active items, like auto cruise control and land keep assist. Please work the numbers and find a way to do this. You guys got a golden opportunity here if you find a happy medium. you will make up the profit in the volume of sales.
+cassmanio It could probably be that they can't build enough engines for all models. I bet they are wondering how to increase production for that engine
Great review Alex, but would you please do a review on the 2016 Lexus ES 350?
Great review Alex!!! Just curious do you have a video on the Toyota Prius V by any chance?
Great video. I'm actually picking up a 2017 LX turbo after work, trading in my 2015 EX with tech package. They have a new package for the LX turbo (value package at $1250) that has the items I use from my current tech package and none of the items that I do not use. with this new package you get dual projector headlights with LED DLR's, leather seating (unfortunately only available in merlot... kind of a light burgundy color which takes some getting used to), LED tail lights, sport trim with gloss black trim... including a rear spoiler that looks really nice, 12 way power drivers seat with 4 way lumbar support previously 2 way, 2 memory positions for the drivers seat, heated front seats and heated steering wheel. The only weird thing is there is no cd player, guess they figure everyone listens to music through their phone apps which is why it has Apple play and Android auto now... or maybe I just did not see a cd slot when I took my test drive Saturday.
fun times with Tom I have this very package in the Platinum Graphite exterior.
Guys, tks for the info about this package... I almost got the SX turbo only for the Merlot interior.
Now I'll expend some time thinking about exterior opts.
I hope you have a chance to review the 2016 Malibu 2.0t soon.
Thanks for the great job Alex. Any plan for a review on the new Malibu?
Great review! Can you review the new Cruze?
45 on highway is impressive...
excellent review like always. This eco model is mainly available to save fuel economy. as you mentioned this eco model Optima was getting excellent fuel milage, but did you get that fuel milage figure from trip computer or actually you measure real driven miles devide by gallon at the fuel pump? Because most car trip computer average fuel economy is more than actual fuel economy...
Great review and im looking forward for the KIA Optima 2017
Do you think the poor score you gave the breaks makes it unsafe compared to the competition?
Any update on the DCT Transmission? Known issues?
Hopefully you review the 17 fusion sport and platinum
They have done it like ford and had the 1.6T as a option in all trims but the top one and have a optional sport package for better tires and rims and remove the eco badge for a (Trim)1.6T
Can you make a review of Mercedes s63 AMG Coupe ?
Please review the 2019 Kia optima ex tech package the 178 turbo motor puzzles me
Could you make review of KIA RIO 2016 please?
Thanks for the ( helpful as usual ) review. I am very attracted to what the Optima 1.6 embodies overall and I share your frustration re the limited option list on the trim especially the lack of leather, heated seats and driver-assist safety items. Although I have yet to drive the 1.8T Passat, it would seem to be a reasonably close substitute for the 1.6 Optima in terms of economy, power train ( except for the trans. ) and handling dynamics. Any chance you will be testing the '16 Passat 1.8? If not, I'd appreciate your thoughts on how the Passat 1.8 might work as an Optima 1.6 alternative.
Ronald Coniglio The 2017 model has an LX Turbo Value Package which adds heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, etc. One more package adds the safety features "autonomous braking, lane departure warning", and so forth.
Damn. This is more efficient than my 2012 optima hybrid.... Not offered in Canada though. Damn you Canada, and Justin truduae.
Great review Alex, when will you review Kia sportage 2017 ? you mentioned that you will do the usual review (not the review you did in sportage launch). and also what about the new Elantra ? Thanks
+SuperCortisone We are working on both but I don't have any firm dates yet.
+Alex on Autos why you make 8 for the passenger seat whareas the kia optima sxl you make 7
Get the LX Turbo Eco. I'm only paying $275 monthly for lease and without downpayment
love that steering wheel
Could you do the Model S
Great review, as always. Thanks.
This is the same powertrain setup as the new Hyundai Tucson. Same engine and transmission. This is tweaked to have 3 more HP, but same torque and power @ RPMs
I liked the review.
Only wonder a few things, like with so many other cars and models yet to be reviewed, how can so many of one make be reviewed.
There is the MKX, for instance.
Secondly is that rear 1/4 window. With that sloped roof line, I think it appropriate to begin telling us what the rear views are like.
The rear glances when lane changing are important and in many new designs, although beautiful looking, they suck vision wise.
This is one of them.
And that ridiculously small window stuck there doesn't look like it will help.
Glad to hear that finally we get a turbo that beats expectations on MPGs. Although I get above the Gov estimated numbers, I am growing tired of the expert reviewers and CR complaining about their seemingly heavy footed driving MPG.
+paul pellico
Yup...the more I look at that rear 1/4 window the more stupid it gets. It doesn't even go with the flow of the other lines. It just looks like they did it at the last minute.
Great review.
Hummm...must be using Hyundai's 1.6 Turbo and DCT (now confirmed). It's shameful that Kia did not include the 1.6T in the Sportage EX offerings like in Europe, then things would be perfect!
Finally they made a car with big chunky tires. Huge wheels were totally unnecessary on this car.
+Omnis Yes, yes, yes and yes. The rims only need to be large enough to contain the brake rotors. The owner will also save a fortune on tire replacement over the life of the vehicle.
+Skiballas the Great Your name is truly justified.
better than gla??Mygosh..how far Korean cars go
Less rear headroom ??? It is time people over six feet are recognized as the oppressed minority we are.
I wonder why Kia even offers the 2.4 Liter, when the 1.6 Liter turbo is faster, and gets better gas mileage?
+Elliott Manning The 2.4 has been around for a while and thus is cheaper to produce in large numbers increasing profit margins. I do agree that the 1.6 should be offered on all trims. Ford does it with their 1.5 on the Fusion.
+Elliott Manning fleet sales - they can sell mass volumes at more competitive prices to the buyer, making them a killing. Turbo engines cost more to build and probably have higher warranty fund allocations for things to go wrong with them.
Volvo s90/XC90
Too bad the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco with tech still doesn't have CarPlay as promised. Love the 1.6L with dct: Fantastic mpg, great acceleration vs fuel efficiently, and a solid 100k mile warranty.
the front looks so mean while the rest looks so bland.
Great review as usual but too bad KIA turned the Optima into a boring ho hum family sedan. It was on my list but not anymore.
still rather have a Ford Fusion
The ultra high profile tires ruins the looks