Kia Optima Matures into Refined Mid-size Sedan with 2016 Model Reveal at NYIAS

Five years after a major re-design, the 2016 Kia Optima was revealed at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) last week. In those five years, Kia’s best-selling model has transformed into the mature mid-size sedan that those in New York saw last week.


Five trim levels will be available for the 2016 Kia Optima including one available exclusively in the U.S. (SXL), and the 2016 Optima is expected to be on the lot and in the showroom of Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Exterior changes for the 2016 Optima

The 2016 Optima’s chassis is wider, longer and stiffer and provides a bigger cabin and offers improved handling. The trunk also has more cargo space than the previous generation.

Because the previous generation Optima was a market success for Kia’s, the 2016 Optima designers had to strike a delicate balance — retaining the identity of the vehicle while, at the same time, making a confident move forward to keep the car modern and fresh.

The newest Optima has a bit more aggressive stance in the front fascia. On the SX and SXL trims, Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille is hot stamped and composed into a sophisticated pinpoint design that bears a strong resemblance to Kia’s luxury sedan, the K900.

Three new exteriors colors are available for the 2016 Optima and promote the newer sophisticated style: a vibrant blue inspired by a sparkling ocean underneath a sunny sky; a dynamic grey with olive undertones, and a deep red that gains depth from the use of aluminum pigments.

More luxurious cabin graces the 2016 Optima

Class-up touches and exquisite craftsmanship highlight the interior of the 2016 Optima. The more spacious cabin has been simplified with a cleaner, more unified design than the previous generation, with a stronger horizontal plane and a wider center console that help create a greater sense of space.  By grouping and reducing the number of functional keys and buttons, Kia’s already-superior ergonomics are markedly improved.

The seats have been made even more comfortable with more supportive foam, and heated and ventilated front seats are available with power adjustable driver and front passenger seats.

The UVO system comes standard with four additional eServices not previously available on Optima: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. Additionally, Optima is Kia’s pilot vehicle for the introduction of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (later availability), which allow drivers to access a suite of core functions from their smartphones.

Available on every Optima is a rear-camera display, while SX and SXL trims offer an available 360-degree Around View Monitor.

More choices under the hood

The 2016 Optima will be powered by three different engines across its five trims. These engines provide a balance between efficiency and sportiness. Two engines carry over from the previous Optimas: the 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, available on the LX and EX models and the 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine, available on the SXL and SX Turbo models. New for the 2016 Optima is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine. The 1.6-liter will be offered on the LX trim. Pushing out an estimated 178 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a stout 195 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,500 rpm, the new engine mates to a seven-speed DCT, a first for Kia.

The newest edition for the Optima family is set to hit Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield Valley by the fourth quarter of 2015. Stay tuned to Jim Butler Kia’s blog and social media for more updates on the 2016 Optima and other Kia models!

To learn more about the Optima, call us today at 888-392-6606. As your St. Louis Kia dealer, we invite you to check out the Optima in person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler Kia, you can make your Optima purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, Mo., and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights Kia dealer.

View our 2015 Optimas in-stock!