The third-generation Kia Optima is one of our favorite automotive surprises from the past couple of years. After a decade of me-too family sedan boredom, Kia revitalized the Optima with a visually striking exterior, good build quality and a killer 274-horsepower, 2-liter turbo that's capable of 34 miles per gallon on the highway.
There are still some inexpensive components inside, but the majority of the interior is targeting VW or even BMW customers and leaving behind the lackluster interiors of more recent Honda and Toyota products. Plus, you still get the 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, a nice confidence boost considering the car's no-joke turbo boost. Unfortunately, a manual transmission isn't available with the turbocharged engine.
Our SX test example came with the $1400 Technology Package (including nav) plus the $2950 SX Premium Package with a sunroof, power folding mirrors, Kia's UVO Infotainment System, a backup camera, heated and cooled front seats, and heated outboard rear seats.
If you're shopping for a family sedan, or if you've got friends who come to you for advice on all things automotive, make sure they test drive the turbocharged Optima. It really is an exciting family hauler.
