Crossovers, SUVs, and trucks have been wildly
dominating the marketplace for quite some time now, but as was shown over the
past year, reviewers and consumers alike still have lots of love for aggressive
sedans such as the Stinger. As spotted testing in Death Valley by the Motor1.com
staff over the past week, the 2021 Kia Optima will borrow a few cues from
the track-ready and polished Stinger,
emphasizing wider proportions and a sleek roofline. Much like the 2020 Hyundai
Sonata, it will grow in width and wheelbase.
You can check out the spy shots here, and once you look inside, the Optima will feature abundant technology that was introduced on
the 2020 Sonata, while also offering up more interior space for comfort. A
completely redesigned dash and materials are expected as well, and higher-trim
features would likely include NFC capability, wireless charging, parking
assist, and blind-spot monitor view in the instrument panel. It's a bit early
to know which engine options will be placed in the 2021 Optima, but it's
expected to be new or revised 4-cylinder variants both with and without
turbocharging. Hybrid and PHEV variants should also be on the arrival docket,
perhaps launching a year after the gas-powered models' debut.
All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis
hope to see you this fall to check out current and next-year offerings as well:
the refreshed 2019 Optima made its debut last year at the New York
International Auto Show with a completely revamped multimedia system,
additional standard safety features, and four trim models to select from. There
are a new 16-inch alloy wheel design and matte-gray grille, and the SX model
now has sportier trim like gloss-black door pillars and side moldings, as well
as a sport bumper with LED fog lamps.
On base models, the UVO Play system is now
standard, which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Now offered
as standard on SX models and sedans with the SXL package is the top-tier UVO
Link with navigation system. It includes all the features found in the first
two UVO tires, plus extra navigation functionality. We understand the
importance of safety during every single drive and are proud of Kia's practical
and high-tech features such as the driver attention warning system: it closely
monitors the driver's behavior and will alert the driver with visual and
audible cues if it senses the driver's level of attention has been
reduced. Lane departure warning with
lane keep assist alerts the driver if the car shifts out of the lane, and will
even jump in and automatically correct the steering to safely get you back on
track!
