Next-Gen 2024 Kia Optima Changes, Specs, Performance – With its unusual and attractive look, the Kia Optima manages to stand out from a sea of ordinary saloons at first glance. After a significant facelift in 2015, the Optima is still going strong, with minor tweaks every year to keep it fresh. However, it will be replaced by an entirely new model called the “K5” next year. Even so, the current model is still a great choice, with a range of engines and a cabin full of the latest technology.
The 2024 Kia Optima is a midsize sedan that competes with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima, some of the best in its class. The Kia Optima is built on the Hyundai Sonata sedan’s architecture and shares many components. Still, Kia has done an outstanding job of distinguishing the Optima with extra features and a distinct look. The Kia Optima is available with three CI powertrains: a 2.4-liter inline-4, a 1.6-liter I-4 turbo gas, and a 2.0-liter I-4 turbo gas.
Next-Gen 2024 Kia Optima
Next-Gen 2024 Kia Optima Redesign
The Optima sedan carries Kia’s signature design character with its gloss black Tiger Nose grille and chrome accents. The grille is highlighted by a black air intake integrated with a black lower air dam, while a functional L-shaped air intake and foglight housing are located on either side of the front fascia. Halogen projector headlights are standard across the series. Except for the LX, which has halogen front fog lights and LED rear combo lamps, the SX is the only one with adaptive LED headlights and LED fog lights. The LX comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, while the S has 18-inch alloy wheels, the EX and EX Premium have 17-inch alloy wheels, and the SX has 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels.
There are seven exterior color options available, depending on your trim. Ebony Black, Sparkling Silver, and Horizon Blue are standard on all trims, with Snow White Pearl costing $495. Passion Red is available for the S and SX grades for $495. Gravity Gray and Sangria are also available except for the S and SX grades. If you can’t get the Passion Red, which is the best color for the sporty look of the Optima, the Snow White Pearl is a great alternative. Both colors look great with the Optima’s black and chrome exterior accents and the black panoramic sunroof glass on the EX Premium, and SX trims.
Next-Gen 2024 Kia Optima interior
Interior
Because it’s a Kia, you’d expect a modern interior with loads of technology, and the Optima delivers. However, the time has caught up with it, and the Optima’s cabin is beginning to look obsolete compared to recent rivals. However, high-quality materials and an ergonomic layout help it recoup some points. The 2024 Kia Optima comes with unique design components depending on the grade level, including an 8-inch central infotainment system that is perfectly incorporated into the dashboard. The rest of the controls are neatly tucked beneath it, out of the driver’s way.
Because it’s a midsize sedan, there’s plenty of room for five passengers in both rows. The highlights are power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, and more. The front chairs can also be heated and ventilated on higher trim levels. The trunk space is also perfect. At 15.9 cubic feet, it is one of the biggest in its class.
Next-Gen 2024 Kia Optima engine
Engine
A 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque is the standard powertrain connected to the FWD system via a six-speed automated transmission. While capable of getting the LX and S versions moving, the 2.4-liter doesn’t feel as refined as the other engine options; its reactions aren’t as consistent, and with more significant throttle inputs, it tends to get noisy and out of sync with the gearbox, faltering and delaying downshifts.
The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which comes standard in the EX and EX Premium and delivers 178 horsepower and 197 pound-feet of torque, is far more enjoyable. It’s supposed to be the most fuel-efficient of the three mills, and the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with which it’s coupled proves to be a better alternative to the CVT. Despite its efficiency, the engine is surprisingly zippy, and despite having fewer horsepower, its 17 additional lb-ft makes acceleration reactions feel significantly more robust throughout driving. Also, when accelerating, the transmission shifts more smoothly and quickly. If powerful acceleration is less critical than smoothness, this could be the best powertrain for the Optima.
Next-Gen 2024 Kia Optima Release Date and Price
The Optima family offers a lot of value, with slightly lower prices than the average midsize sedan. The LX is the entry-level standard in the lineup, with a starting price of $23,190; the Kia Optima S is priced at $24,690, and the EX is priced at $26,990. With an MSRP of $29,990, the EX Premium is less expensive than the top-spec SX, which costs $31,990.
