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2006.5 Kia Optima Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006.5 Kia Optima Review:
2006.5 Kia Optima Review
Kia's redesigned midsize sedan bowed as a 2006.5 model with new styling, more power, and added safety features. Optima is based on the 2006 Sonata produced by Kia's corporate-parent Hyundai. The new Optima is similar in size to the 2001-2006 version it replaces, and offers LX and EX models. Each is available with a 161-hp 4-cyl engine or a 185-hp V6; up from 138 and 170 hp, respectively. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the 4-cyl LX. A 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate is optional on that model and standard on other Optimas. Front side airbags are standard and are joined by newly standard curtain side airbags. ABS and traction/antiskid control are available for LX V6 and EX models. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are available for EXs, as are power-adjustable pedals.
News
Because it's just redesigned, Optima should make little news for the next few years. A possible exception: adding sister Sonata's 3.3-liter V6 to the options list.
2006.5 Kia Optima Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride | Automatic-transmission performance |
| Instruments/controls | Small trunk opening |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Four-cyl matches V6 in around-town driving--test automatic-transmission 4-cyl did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph--but strains to provide highway passing power. Four-cyl well-mated with automatic, though throttle response touchy from a stop. V6 furnishes adequate go, though automatic transmission's upshifts are occasionally lazy, downshifts tardy.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 5.6 |
Four-cyl matches V6 in around-town driving--test automatic-transmission 4-cyl did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph--but strains to provide highway passing power. Four-cyl well-mated with automatic, though throttle response touchy from a stop. V6 furnishes adequate go, though automatic transmission's upshifts are occasionally lazy, downshifts tardy.
Fuel Economy
With manual transmission, test LX 4-cyl averaged 19.5 mpg; with automatic, test example also averaged 19.5, including gas-eating acceleration runs. Test EX V6 averaged 24.8 mpg in mostly highway driving, 19.7 in even mix of city and highway driving.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.2 |
With manual transmission, test LX 4-cyl averaged 19.5 mpg; with automatic, test example also averaged 19.5, including gas-eating acceleration runs. Test EX V6 averaged 24.8 mpg in mostly highway driving, 19.7 in even mix of city and highway driving.
Ride Quality
Ably absorbs most road imperfections, though sharp bumps trigger some float, wallow. Slight ride penalty with Appearance Package's 17-inch tires.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Ably absorbs most road imperfections, though sharp bumps trigger some float, wallow. Slight ride penalty with Appearance Package's 17-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
No sports sedan, but a bit more athletic than Hyundai Sonata. Mostly composed in quick changes of direction, with some body roll. Steering responsive, though feels numb on-center, and some drivers might find it overboosted. Appearance Package's 17-inch tires give slightly sharper moves than standard 16s. Tight turning circle enhances parking lot maneuverability.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.1 |
No sports sedan, but a bit more athletic than Hyundai Sonata. Mostly composed in quick changes of direction, with some body roll. Steering responsive, though feels numb on-center, and some drivers might find it overboosted. Appearance Package's 17-inch tires give slightly sharper moves than standard 16s. Tight turning circle enhances parking lot maneuverability.
Quietness
Wind rush well-muffled. Tire roar becomes intrusive over rough surfaces at highway speeds. Four-cyl emits thrashy groan in fast acceleration; V6 noticeably quieter though not as refined at Toyota Camry's V6. Both engines subdued at cruise.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
Wind rush well-muffled. Tire roar becomes intrusive over rough surfaces at highway speeds. Four-cyl emits thrashy groan in fast acceleration; V6 noticeably quieter though not as refined at Toyota Camry's V6. Both engines subdued at cruise.
Controls
Unobstructed, easy-to-read gauges. Large, well-marked controls fall readily to hand. Optional leather feels much more upscale than standard cloth seats. Other interior materials serviceable, attractive, but not as rich-feeling as class leaders.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
Unobstructed, easy-to-read gauges. Large, well-marked controls fall readily to hand. Optional leather feels much more upscale than standard cloth seats. Other interior materials serviceable, attractive, but not as rich-feeling as class leaders.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Sufficient leg room, adequate head room for tall drivers. Seats comfortable, but offer little lateral support in turns. Pleasant, upright driving position, though a telescopic feature for the steering column would be a welcome addition. Fine visibility in all directions.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Sufficient leg room, adequate head room for tall drivers. Seats comfortable, but offer little lateral support in turns. Pleasant, upright driving position, though a telescopic feature for the steering column would be a welcome addition. Fine visibility in all directions.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Adequate room and comfort for two adults. Knee room grows tight if front seats are more than halfway back. Mediocre head room diminished further by optional sunroof's housing.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Adequate room and comfort for two adults. Knee room grows tight if front seats are more than halfway back. Mediocre head room diminished further by optional sunroof's housing.
Cargo Room
Decent-size trunk has hinges that don't intrude into cargo space. Split folding rear seats operate via trunk-mounted handles. Sufficient cabin storage; with ample glovebox, door map pockets, and armrest console.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Decent-size trunk has hinges that don't intrude into cargo space. Split folding rear seats operate via trunk-mounted handles. Sufficient cabin storage; with ample glovebox, door map pockets, and armrest console.
Value within Class
Like the Hyundai Sonata with which it shares its basic design, Kia's Optima delivers a high level of features per dollar, but comes up short in overall refinement vs. Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Optima has a more sporting character and lower starting prices than Sonata. However, ABS and traction/antiskid control--important safety features we strongly recommend--are standard on Sonata, optional here.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Like the Hyundai Sonata with which it shares its basic design, Kia's Optima delivers a high level of features per dollar, but comes up short in overall refinement vs. Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Optima has a more sporting character and lower starting prices than Sonata. However, ABS and traction/antiskid control--important safety features we strongly recommend--are standard on Sonata, optional here.
Total Score
| LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appearance Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 58 | 58 | 61 | 58.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 44 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 70 |
2006.5 Kia Optima Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/10/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual | $16,355 | $15,435 | $600 |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic | $17,650 | $16,500 | $600 |
|
|
|||
| LX V6 4-door sedan, automatic | $19,345 | $17,995 | $600 |
|
|
|||
| EX 4-cylinder automatic | $19,395 | $18,045 | $600 |
|
|
|||
| EX V6 | $20,400 | $18,890 | $600 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX 4-cylinder manual
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
205/60R16 tires, wheel covers.
LX 4-cylinder automatic adds to LX 4-cylinder manual:
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt/telescope steering wheel w/radio controls, remote keyless entry, floormats.
LX V6 adds to LX 4-cylinder automatic:
Powertrain
2.7-liter V6 engine.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
EX 4-cylinder adds to LX 4-cylinder automatic:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat, Infinity AM/FM/cassette/MP3 player w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, trip computer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
EX V6 adds to EX 4-cylinder:
Powertrain
2.7-liter V6 engine.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
EX
|
$1,500
|
$1,340
|
|
Leather upholstery, aluminum interior trim, luminescent instrument cluster, unique interior and exterior trim, 215/50VR17 tires. NA w/Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
EX
|
$1,300
|
$1,160
|
|
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, manual rear sunshade. NA w/Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
Electronic Stability Pkg.
|
||
|
LX V6, EX
|
$300
|
$265
|
|
Traction control, antiskid system, brake assist. Requires antilock brakes.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Antilock brakes
|
||
|
LX V6, EX
|
$300
|
$265
|
|
Requires Electronic Stability Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
EX
|
$800
|
$715
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
LX manual
|
$85
|
$65
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Rear spoiler
|
||
|
EX 4-cylinder, EX V6, LX 4-cylinder automatic, LX 4-cylinder manual, LX V6
|
$200
|
$160
|
|
|
||
2006.5 Kia Optima Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Kia Optima 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 186.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3142 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 | 2.7 /163 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 161 @ 5800 | 185 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 163 @ 4250 | 182 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 24/34 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | 24/34 | 22/30 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Kia Optima 4-door sedan |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
South Korea
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2006.5 Kia Optima Review:
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