If you’ve read my prior reviews, you’ll remember what a fan I am of the Kia Optima. I drove the regular, hybrid and turbo versions of the 2012 Optima, and I’m already out of the gate with my tester this week — the 2013 Kia Optima SX.
This turbo-injected version has many of the same qualities I enjoyed on the previous model year — looks, sportiness, amenities and driveability.
It is this top-of-the-line SX trim that is new for the 2013 Optima. Otherwise, Kia keeps everything else the same for this model year.
Subtle, sporty nuances differentiate the SX from the other two trims (EX and LX). Clearly,
the Kia engineers intended to target the enthusiast crowd with this more aggressive-looking trim. It’s evident in the styling of the front bumper, rear lip spoiler and the rear LED lamps.
And what’s more impressive than the looks is the 2.0-liter,
4-cylinder engine. This smaller engine is unique to the SX trim (the other trims have a 4-cylinder, 2.4-liter non-turbo variety). The engine may be smaller, but thanks to a gas direct-injected turbo, the Optima SX produces an impressive 274 HP and
269 lb./ft. of torque.
Fast off the line, the turbo
makes its presence known immediately. Mated with a six-speed
automatic transmission, with paddle shifters, the Optima throws aggressive shifts that maximizes the throttling of the turbo.
The sport-tuned suspension brings a more aggressive (i.e. firm) driving feel to the Optima.
One of the reasons I’ve enjoyed every Optima so much is the quality of the interior cabin.
Soft, high-quality materials remind me of European sedans. That’s certainly the case for this year’s Optima SX as all seats are trimmed with leather, as is the steering wheel and shift knob. Racing pedals and metal door sills add to the luxury.
A panoramic sunroof is part of a premium package that includes heated and cooled front seats and heated rear seats, as well as 18-inch chrome wheels (which just puts the cherry on top of the sporty exterior).
Headroom and legroom are ample for all passengers. And cargo space is adequate with 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space.
Fuel economy for the Optima SX is what makes it worthy of consideration. You would expect to lose some fuel economy with a turbo, but with the smaller engine, the Optima SX is rated at 22 city and 34 highway. In a week’s worth of mostly highway driving, where I put the turbo to good use, I averaged 25 MPG. EPA tests have this Optima averaging 26 MPG for this type of driving, so my week with it was about on par.
Being the top-of-the-line trim comes with a more top-of-the-line price tag. The SX starts at $26,800.
With two different packages added on to the bottom line, my tester came in with a final MSRP of $35,525. This does put the Optima SX near the top of the non-luxury sedan segment. But considering all the nice touchpoints, and the turbo, it’s worthy of consideration.
Kia raised the bar in the midsize sedan market with last year’s Optima. With the 2013 Kia Optima SX, the bar moves up even higher.
Jimmy Dinsmore is the Wheels editor for Cox Media Group Ohio and may be reached at (937) 225-2115. Follow him on Twitter @wheelseditor