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2007 Kia Optima Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2007 Kia Optima Review:
2007 Kia Optima Review
Kia's midsize sedan is virtually unchanged for 2007. Recently redesigned for what Kia tabbed a "2006.5" model year, Optima shares its basic design with the Sonata produced by Kia's corporate-parent, Hyundai. Optima comes in LX and uplevel EX models with a choice of a 161-hp 4-cyl engine or a 185-hp V6. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the 4-cyl LX. A 5-speed automatic is optional for that model, standard otherwise. All Optimas include front side airbags and curtain side airbags. ABS and traction/antiskid control are available for automatic-transmission models. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are optional for EXs, as are power-adjustable pedals.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
News
This just-redesigned Kia should see few near-term changes of note. A possible exception: adding sister Sonata's 3.3-liter V6 to the options list.
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2007 Kia Optima Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride | Automatic-transmission performance |
| Instruments/controls | Small trunk opening |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Four-cyl matches feel of V6 in around-town driving, but strains to provide highway passing power. Test 4-cyl with automatic transmission did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity to time V6 version, which has stronger passing power. With either engine, automatic transmission's upshifts are occasionally lazy, downshifts tardy.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 5.9 |
Four-cyl matches feel of V6 in around-town driving, but strains to provide highway passing power. Test 4-cyl with automatic transmission did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity to time V6 version, which has stronger passing power. With either engine, automatic transmission's upshifts are occasionally lazy, downshifts tardy.
Fuel Economy
Test 4-cyl LXs averaged 19.5 mpg with either transmission. Test EX V6 averaged 19.7 mpg overall, 24.8 mpg in mostly highway driving.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Test 4-cyl LXs averaged 19.5 mpg with either transmission. Test EX V6 averaged 19.7 mpg overall, 24.8 mpg in mostly highway driving.
Ride Quality
Ably absorbs most road imperfections, though sharp bumps trigger some float, wallow. Slight ride penalty with 17-inch tires in optional Appearance Package.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appr. 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 17-inch tires in optional Appearance Package.
Steering/Handling/Braking
No sports sedan, but a bit more athletic than Hyundai Sonata. Mostly composed in quick direction changes, though some body roll. Steering responsive, but feels numb on-center and, to some testers, overboosted. Available 17-inch tires give slightly sharper moves than standard 16s. Tight turning circle enhances parking-lot maneuverability.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
No sports sedan, but a bit more athletic than Hyundai Sonata. Mostly composed in quick direction changes, though some body roll. Steering responsive, but feels numb on-center and, to some testers, overboosted. Available 17-inch tires give slightly sharper moves than standard 16s. Tight turning circle enhances parking-lot maneuverability.
Quietness
Wind rush well-muffled, but intrusive rough-surface tire roar at highway speeds. Four-cyl emits thrashy groan at full throttle; V6 noticeably quieter, but less refined than Toyota Camry's V6. Both engines subdued at cruise.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
Wind rush well-muffled, but intrusive rough-surface tire roar at highway speeds. Four-cyl emits thrashy groan at full throttle; V6 noticeably quieter, but less refined than Toyota Camry's V6. Both engines subdued at cruise.
Controls
Gauges legible, unobstructed. Large, well-marked controls fall readily to hand. Optional leather lacks richness, but looks nicer than standard cloth. Other interior materials serviceable, attractive, but no more.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
Gauges legible, unobstructed. Large, well-marked controls fall readily to hand. Optional leather lacks richness, but looks nicer than standard cloth. Other interior materials serviceable, attractive, but no more.
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. Available tilt/telescope steering wheel a comfort plus. Fine visibility in all directions.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Sufficient leg room, adequate head room for tall drivers. Seats comfortable, but offer little lateral support in turns. Pleasant, upright driving position. Available tilt/telescope steering wheel a comfort plus. Fine visibility in all directions.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Adequate room and comfort for two adults. Knee room grows tight if front seats are far back. Mediocre head room diminished further by optional sunroof's housing.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Adequate room and comfort for two adults. Knee room grows tight if front seats are far 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 release via trunk-mounted handles. Sufficient cabin storage with ample glovebox, door map pockets, armrest console.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Decent-size trunk has hinges that don't intrude into cargo space. Split folding rear seats release via trunk-mounted handles. Sufficient cabin storage with ample glovebox, door map pockets, armrest console.
Value within Class
Like the related Hyundai Sonata, Optima delivers a high level of features per dollar, but comes up short in overall refinement vs. such class benchmarks as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Optima has a more sporting character and lower starting prices than Sonata, but charges extra for ABS and traction/antiskid control, important safety features we strongly recommend.
| LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
Like the related Hyundai Sonata, Optima delivers a high level of features per dollar, but comes up short in overall refinement vs. such class benchmarks as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Optima has a more sporting character and lower starting prices than Sonata, but charges extra for ABS and traction/antiskid control, important safety features we strongly recommend.
Total Score
| LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg, man. | LX 4-cyl w/Appr. Pkg., auto. | EX V6 | Class Average |
| 58 | 58 | 61 | 59.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 47 | |
| Average Score | 59 | |
| High Score | 69 |
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2007 Kia Optima Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/12/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual | $16,355 | $15,435 | $600 |
|
|
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| LX 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic | $17,650 | $16,500 | $600 |
|
|
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| LX V6 4-door sedan, automatic | $19,345 | $17,995 | $600 |
|
|
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| EX 4-cylinder automatic | $19,395 | $18,045 | $600 |
|
|
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| 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, 4-wheel disc brakes, 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, variable-intermittent wipers, 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, alloy wheels.
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.
|
||
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Leather Pkg.
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||
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EX
|
$1,300
|
$1,160
|
|
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, manual rear sunshade. NA w/Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
Convenience Pkg.
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||
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EX
|
$700
|
$625
|
|
Heated front seats, power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, manual rear sunshade.
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Electronic Stability Pkg.
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LX, EX
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$600
|
$530
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Traction control, antilock brakes, antiskid system, brake assist. NA w/manual transmission.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Power sunroof
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EX
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$800
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$715
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Floormats
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LX manual
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$85
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$65
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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EX 4-cylinder, EX V6, LX 4-cylinder automatic, LX 4-cylinder manual, LX V6
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$200
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$160
|
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 10/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
South Korea
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Also in the 2007 Kia Optima Review:
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