The experienced team at the Automobile blog took the journey to visit the plant that the Optima and Sorento are manufactured in this past week, about an hour's drive south of the Atlanta metro area. Looking to gain some insight on handling, performance, and elements of consumer appeal, they were eager to get their hands on both of these cars for a thorough testing. When you are first coming into a city after a flight and exiting the baggage claim, it doesn't matter how many brand-new models you have driven as an auto review specialist: that initial post-flight jaunt is all-telling. Suspension, steering attributes, and safety features are all going to be scrutinized heavily by any seasoned veteran weaving their way out from a busy transportation hub.
The fully-loaded 2019 Kia Sorento SX-Limited V-6 was the car of choice for the drive, with 19-inch alloys, rain-sensing windshield wipers, stainless steel pedals, and premium Nappa leather seat trim with ventilated front seats, second-row heated outboard seat cushions, heated steering wheel and LED headlights, as well as daytime running lights. An 8-speed automatic is brand new on V-6 powered '19 Sorentos, with a revised six-speed on the 4-cylinder versions. The team at Automobile appreciated the revised instrument cluster and two-way lumbar support right off the bat, as well as being quick on acceleration for the typical cluster and lane-changing needs on the highway.
The Kia plant in Georgia can build up to 360,000 cars per year in any type of mix, and it is not at all difficult for them to switch between sedan and SUV production. The Automobile staff definitely thought the line workers were friendlier here than many other plants they had visited, and had a sense of amiable and approachable demeanor that was authentic. From the skyscrapers of the Detroit area to other production hubs such as Ohio, there have been ripples of all types of emotion over the last decade, and the workers here in Georgia have a happiness and sense of contentment that is reassuring in a still-somewhat-unstable climate.
The 2019 Kia Optima SX 2.0T was driven by the team in twisty, hilly country roads in western Georgia, and they thought that it was a solid and fun-to-drive mid-size sedan. The 18-inch alloys provided a compliant and smooth ride, and the predictable sense of linear steering was ranked as above satisfactory. Launching out of tight corners with the 245-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four was a cinch, and the amount of existing lag was deemed perfect. Stinger-inspired front-and rear-fascias are also a nice visual plus, and UVO link with navigation can easily come to the rescue. We hope that you visit us at Jim Butler to check out just how awesome both of these rides are: a growing family, young entrepreneur, or anyone moving into a new phase of life will be well-versed and ready for four-lane victory with either of these current models.