Great video Dave! I currently own a 2013 Kia Optima SXL and I've raced my SXL against my friends Ford Fusion Titanium, Mitsubishi Lancer EVO, Subaru WRX and Lexus IS350. In a 1 Mile drag race, my Optima wiped the floor with the Fusion, EVO and WRX. I crossed the finish line with about 6 car lengths between us! And, I beat the Lexus on a curvy 3 mile road in the turns due to the Optima's wide wheel base. So turning was quick and allowed me to get the win! Thanks for posting a review of this magnificent car!!! By the way my SXL is High Gloss Black with black tinted windows, and Black interior Nappa Leather! It looks extremely exotic and I always get compliments on it when people see the red brake calipers against the black car and Polished Limited Edition Rims. Kia has definitely come up in the world!!!
I have a 2012 Kia Optima Turbo and anyone that thinks this car is not well made or is not fast is plain stupid. Over the years I have owned and driven many different kinds of cars from performance cars to family sedans. The Turbo Optima SX has a speed limiter that kicks in at 153 miles an hour. What time in automotive history is 153 miles an hour not fast. If the limiter is deactivated it will hit 161 miles an hour. As far as top speed is concerned the Turbo Optima is one of the fastest family sedans in its class if not the fastest. The zero to sixty time of 6.4 is not bad either although the 2012 V6 Camry, V6 Accord, V6 Passat are a little quicker but the Turbo Optima would humilate these cars on the open highway. This is fact not opinion. People need to pay attention to engineering instead of being badge dummies.
I agree we own a 2015 ex and we love everything but the way the psgr side seat sits too low. For the money its hard to beat and its been flawless so far.
So i am no badge dummy, I could care less about ford vs dodge and so on. I do know how reliable Honda is though and i have heard that KIA is actually quite reliable and well made as well. I heard though that there was some engine problems with KIA and recalls made, do you know if that is a prior year to 2014?
Nice review Dave. I have a 2013 SX turbo. Thought I might post a few of the "small" things that are a very common problem for these cars. First is the gas door. A lot of people have had trouble with the gas door not opening when the button is pushed. It seems the spring on the door comes from the factory with a light setting. If you reach in there with your thumb and bend it a little, it creates more tension and, walla, the gas door opens every time. BTW, the dealer did that to my gas door, that's how I know. Also, I'm a taller guy (6'1") and I had my driver's seat power all the way to the bottom for head room. I noticed the seat shifting a little when cornering. A little research lead me to find that when it's bottomed out, the track system is relaxed and allows a slight bit of movement. By barely raising the seat, the track system engages and the shifting stops. All in all I like this car. I drove a 2007 BMW 328xi for a long years prior to trading it for this car. Once I got the little things figured out, the car is very pleasant to drive and the driver's "cockpit" is very nice. Plus, for the price point, you can't beat all the features, plus the warrenty. After 10k miles, I'll be keeping it for a long time. Keep up the good reviews!!
Very good review. I actually just got home from a test driving an Optima SX Turbo. I loved it. Very nice car. Kia is really stepping it up. I can't wait to get one.
Great video Dave. Unfortunately we don't get the KIA Optima SX Turbo here in the Seychelles. So I went for the KIA Optima 2 Litre with the Sports package. Looks exactly like your tester vehicle from the outside. I'm very impressed with the quality and finish of this vehicle and you would never feel that it is a KIA, this car oozes quality like a premium brand. I never thought that one day I will own a KIA, never in a million years, but i'm glad I do. Cheers Dave
I owned a 2014 kia Optima but it's not a turbo. But it is still fast and the handling on the corner is excellent. I smoked a toyota camry and a ford SUV that was trying to race me in a hill climb and I beat them!!
I love my 2011 kia optima sx turbo. It was a bit uncomfortable at first til I broke the seats in and the ride is a bit harsh but it handles great in the curves. Its fast as heck too. I just raced a 5.0 litre mustang on a curvy road the other day and totally out handled him. Very nimble car. Great passenger room. I'm a big guy and smaller cars usually drive me crazy. I'm a bit claustrophobic thus the reason I had to have the panaramic roof. Honestly....I bought it for the amazing sound system. It totally makes my tunes rock. I love the USB input. All my music is on a 32gb usb memory stick I purchased for about $25. NO need to spend $300+ on an ipod.. My only complaint about the stereo is you have to hit 'random' everytime you restart the car. That is so annoying and then it plays the same few songs everytime until it actually goes into a real random pattern. Now that summer is coming I'm loving the cooled seats. Like sitting on a block of ice. The only problem I've had is the engine was replaced after a spark plug exploded and like a dummy I kept trying to restart it thus scoring the cylinder wall with the fragments. Kia of course replaced the engine under warranty. Gas mileage could be better but I love to floor it too much!LOL my previous car was a mercury sable..so you know i'm loving this car!LOL Is Spicy Red and very sexy!!
I've done the same with my music. Put it all on a USB. The 1 gig jukebox feature (onboard memory) is pretty silly. It also drives me crazy that I have to hit shuffle every time. After a while, some of my USB music gets corrupted. Not sure if it's an issue with the car or USB. I've been through a bunch of cars in the past few years because there is always something that bothers me. Not this car. I love getting in every morning. The power is awesome and smooth. I don't sense any turbo lag, and the power band is very even.
mine doesn't have a jukebox feature. is that new for 2014? the corruption is your memory stick. no turbo lag because of the twin scroll turbo you get your power almost immediately. its well balanced and drives almost like a four wheel drive car. this car had everything on my list excpet all wheel drive so it was a great buy.
TheJackEbrown The Jukebox is simply internal memory to which you can copy music from CD or USB. I have a 2012, so it's been around for a while. Yeah 4WD would be nice.
I noticed that in both this review and in the 0-60 time trials you didn't utilize the drive mode select feature and I was curious as to why you didn't? The drive mode select adjusts the steering weight and transmission shift points which would have a noticeable impact on both 0-60 times and steering feel. I own a 2104 Optima SXL and can tell you from experience that the difference in acceleration and steering response is much improved when in the sport mode. I'd love to see an update to both videos utilizing the sports mode of the drive mode select feature. Keep up the good work!
I am confused, can you help me? I am trying to buy a car but I am so confused. What do you think is better. The ford fusion, kia optima, accord, Malibu, or sonata. I am looking forward to your respond. To be honest, I like the fusion and the Malibu! Any ideas?
Hi Dave, Have You ever noticed that it is Next to Impossible to find a Review / Video on a Base model of Any Vehicle? I just find this slightly odd; since most vehicles purchased are the Base model with an Extra Option or two.
The ride is super rough i can't believe it! But looks better then any BMW with 4 doors so grab 1 asap! Dave review mainstream trims for a change... no1 options their car to 70% mark up so its usually irrelevant. We need more base model videos online and they don't exist.
GiantTurkS I reviewed a BASE model Ford F-150 and someone complained that it wasn't very helpful? A vehicle with FULL options gives people a look at what COULD be available. You can't please everyone, huh? :-)
Hey Dave, I am shopping for a mid size sedan that fuel efficient. I'm seriously considering Honda accord touring and Kia optima SX turbo. Which one do you recommend?
7 years old, but to anybody reading this: Chances are, the more horsepower and torque the thing has, the less fuel efficient to will be. There's also more factors to consider , like the age and mileage of the car. And of course, brands that are known for their fuel efficient vehicles.
Just saw your review......very good and professional. I own a 2011 Optima EXT (turbo) with all the options mentioned except the GPS screen. I'm surprised you did not show the panoramic moon roof in action opening/closing. It is beautiful! This is the best car I've owned (have owned 2 Hyundai Sonatas before this Kia). One thing is the 2011 keyless entry key fob has the sensor when near the car that turns on the interior light when near and allows you to open the car from the hand nub......love this option! Anywho......just wanted to add my two cents. Wish they would offer a convertible.
One noob question. Since it has the panaromic sunroof does rear also has the sliding cover cause I don't want my kids getting the sun all day while I'm driving around.
Since it has 8 speakers where are they located I know 4 are on the doors an I seen one on the rear where are the other 3 located. I'm really thinking hard on getting this vehicle.
Manny 82pr yes, it has 2 sunroofs. I too was concerned about my kids in the back, but I believe it is tinted and the kids really like it. It does not open, just a sunroof.
Not trying to break up your review which was very by the way, but my 2012 EX turbo has the handle buttons that unlock with the FOB in my pocket so not really a new feature. Traded a G35 for the Optima and love it, I will more than likely never buy another Infiniti.
Steering a bit light and throttle response could be better especially off the line? You must have been in economy mode, or perhaps they don't offer different driver modes in the trim level you were testing.
You probably had the setting in economy or whatever it's called instead of normal or sport mode. I know the steering is a little heavier with a few other differences when in sport mode. At least it felt that way when I test drove one a few months ago.
I heard people who drive Kia are likey to crash and die... since its one of the vechile that causes the most crashes.. That particular kia however ... I dont think so.
Great video Dave! I currently own a 2013 Kia Optima SXL and I've raced my SXL against my friends Ford Fusion Titanium, Mitsubishi Lancer EVO, Subaru WRX and Lexus IS350. In a 1 Mile drag race, my Optima wiped the floor with the Fusion, EVO and WRX. I crossed the finish line with about 6 car lengths between us! And, I beat the Lexus on a curvy 3 mile road in the turns due to the Optima's wide wheel base. So turning was quick and allowed me to get the win! Thanks for posting a review of this magnificent car!!! By the way my SXL is High Gloss Black with black tinted windows, and Black interior Nappa Leather! It looks extremely exotic and I always get compliments on it when people see the red brake calipers against the black car and Polished Limited Edition Rims. Kia has definitely come up in the world!!!
I have a 2012 Kia Optima Turbo and anyone that thinks this car is not well made or is not fast is plain stupid. Over the years I have owned and driven many different kinds of cars from performance cars to family sedans. The Turbo Optima SX has a speed limiter that kicks in at 153 miles an hour. What time in automotive history is 153 miles an hour not fast. If the limiter is deactivated it will hit 161 miles an hour. As far as top speed is concerned the Turbo Optima is one of the fastest family sedans in its class if not the fastest. The zero to sixty time of 6.4 is not bad either although the 2012 V6 Camry, V6 Accord, V6 Passat are a little quicker but the Turbo Optima would humilate these cars on the open highway. This is fact not opinion. People need to pay attention to engineering instead of being badge dummies.
I agree we own a 2015 ex and we love everything but the way the psgr side seat sits too low. For the money its hard to beat and its been flawless so far.
So i am no badge dummy, I could care less about ford vs dodge and so on. I do know how reliable Honda is though and i have heard that KIA is actually quite reliable and well made as well.
I heard though that there was some engine problems with KIA and recalls made, do you know if that is a prior year to 2014?
@@galaxytraveler5779 old comment, but everything after 2010. 2011 to 2015 more specifically.
Nice review Dave. I have a 2013 SX turbo. Thought I might post a few of the "small" things that are a very common problem for these cars. First is the gas door. A lot of people have had trouble with the gas door not opening when the button is pushed. It seems the spring on the door comes from the factory with a light setting. If you reach in there with your thumb and bend it a little, it creates more tension and, walla, the gas door opens every time. BTW, the dealer did that to my gas door, that's how I know. Also, I'm a taller guy (6'1") and I had my driver's seat power all the way to the bottom for head room. I noticed the seat shifting a little when cornering. A little research lead me to find that when it's bottomed out, the track system is relaxed and allows a slight bit of movement. By barely raising the seat, the track system engages and the shifting stops. All in all I like this car. I drove a 2007 BMW 328xi for a long years prior to trading it for this car. Once I got the little things figured out, the car is very pleasant to drive and the driver's "cockpit" is very nice. Plus, for the price point, you can't beat all the features, plus the warrenty. After 10k miles, I'll be keeping it for a long time. Keep up the good reviews!!
Very good review. I actually just got home from a test driving an Optima SX Turbo. I loved it. Very nice car. Kia is really stepping it up. I can't wait to get one.
Great video Dave. Unfortunately we don't get the KIA Optima SX Turbo here in the Seychelles. So I went for the KIA Optima 2 Litre with the Sports package. Looks exactly like your tester vehicle from the outside. I'm very impressed with the quality and finish of this vehicle and you would never feel that it is a KIA, this car oozes quality like a premium brand. I never thought that one day I will own a KIA, never in a million years, but i'm glad I do. Cheers Dave
I owned a 2014 kia Optima but it's not a turbo. But it is still fast and the handling on the corner is excellent. I smoked a toyota camry and a ford SUV that was trying to race me in a hill climb and I beat them!!
Still got it? If so how many miles and how's it holding up?
I love my 2011 kia optima sx turbo. It was a bit uncomfortable at first til I broke the seats in and the ride is a bit harsh but it handles great in the curves. Its fast as heck too. I just raced a 5.0 litre mustang on a curvy road the other day and totally out handled him. Very nimble car. Great passenger room. I'm a big guy and smaller cars usually drive me crazy. I'm a bit claustrophobic thus the reason I had to have the panaramic roof. Honestly....I bought it for the amazing sound system. It totally makes my tunes rock. I love the USB input. All my music is on a 32gb usb memory stick I purchased for about $25. NO need to spend $300+ on an ipod.. My only complaint about the stereo is you have to hit 'random' everytime you restart the car. That is so annoying and then it plays the same few songs everytime until it actually goes into a real random pattern. Now that summer is coming I'm loving the cooled seats. Like sitting on a block of ice. The only problem I've had is the engine was replaced after a spark plug exploded and like a dummy I kept trying to restart it thus scoring the cylinder wall with the fragments. Kia of course replaced the engine under warranty. Gas mileage could be better but I love to floor it too much!LOL my previous car was a mercury sable..so you know i'm loving this car!LOL Is Spicy Red and very sexy!!
I've done the same with my music. Put it all on a USB. The 1 gig jukebox feature (onboard memory) is pretty silly. It also drives me crazy that I have to hit shuffle every time. After a while, some of my USB music gets corrupted. Not sure if it's an issue with the car or USB. I've been through a bunch of cars in the past few years because there is always something that bothers me. Not this car. I love getting in every morning. The power is awesome and smooth. I don't sense any turbo lag, and the power band is very even.
mine doesn't have a jukebox feature. is that new for 2014? the corruption is your memory stick. no turbo lag because of the twin scroll turbo you get your power almost immediately. its well balanced and drives almost like a four wheel drive car. this car had everything on my list excpet all wheel drive so it was a great buy.
TheJackEbrown
The Jukebox is simply internal memory to which you can copy music from CD or USB. I have a 2012, so it's been around for a while. Yeah 4WD would be nice.
hmm. i wonder if i have that. where do i look to check?
TheJackEbrown
One of the options (physical buttons) beside the display screen (I have the SX version) says Jukebox on it.
I noticed that in both this review and in the 0-60 time trials you didn't utilize the drive mode select feature and I was curious as to why you didn't? The drive mode select adjusts the steering weight and transmission shift points which would have a noticeable impact on both 0-60 times and steering feel. I own a 2104 Optima SXL and can tell you from experience that the difference in acceleration and steering response is much improved when in the sport mode. I'd love to see an update to both videos utilizing the sports mode of the drive mode select feature. Keep up the good work!
If you choose a camry over this... I don't what to say about you....
I am confused, can you help me? I am trying to buy a car but I am so confused. What do you think is better. The ford fusion, kia optima, accord, Malibu, or sonata. I am looking forward to your respond. To be honest, I like the fusion and the Malibu! Any ideas?
Did you even find that go pro from the 4runner video?
Chimeng Yang I checked last week and the water is still too muddy and deep. I'll be checking again soon.
Fantastic job bro, the car is nice for the price. Not to sue about the turbo badge on the side of the car.
Hi Dave, Have You ever noticed that it is Next to Impossible to find a Review / Video on a Base model of Any Vehicle? I just find this slightly odd; since most vehicles purchased are the Base model with an Extra Option or two.
Sorry dave but im pretty sure the keyless entry feature is not a new feature on this vehicle, it has been available from the refresh since 2011.
Govin Jodha I misspoke, thank you for the correction.
The ride is super rough i can't believe it! But looks better then any BMW with 4 doors so grab 1 asap!
Dave review mainstream trims for a change... no1 options their car to 70% mark up so its usually irrelevant. We need more base model videos online and they don't exist.
GiantTurkS I reviewed a BASE model Ford F-150 and someone complained that it wasn't very helpful? A vehicle with FULL options gives people a look at what COULD be available. You can't please everyone, huh? :-)
Hey Dave, I am shopping for a mid size sedan that fuel efficient. I'm seriously considering Honda accord touring and Kia optima SX turbo. Which one do you recommend?
He's not listening. So which did you wind up buying?
7 years old, but to anybody reading this: Chances are, the more horsepower and torque the thing has, the less fuel efficient to will be. There's also more factors to consider , like the age and mileage of the car. And of course, brands that are known for their fuel efficient vehicles.
u do some good reviews love it
Just saw your review......very good and professional. I own a 2011 Optima EXT (turbo) with all the options mentioned except the GPS screen. I'm surprised you did not show the panoramic moon roof in action opening/closing. It is beautiful! This is the best car I've owned (have owned 2 Hyundai Sonatas before this Kia). One thing is the 2011 keyless entry key fob has the sensor when near the car that turns on the interior light when near and allows you to open the car from the hand nub......love this option! Anywho......just wanted to add my two cents. Wish they would offer a convertible.
One noob question. Since it has the panaromic sunroof does rear also has the sliding cover cause I don't want my kids getting the sun all day while I'm driving around.
Since it has 8 speakers where are they located I know 4 are on the doors an I seen one on the rear where are the other 3 located. I'm really thinking hard on getting this vehicle.
Manny 82pr yes, it has 2 sunroofs. I too was concerned about my kids in the back, but I believe it is tinted and the kids really like it. It does not open, just a sunroof.
Christopher LaPointe thanks for the reply man.
Hey Christopher, how about a long term take on your Optima. Has it been reliable? Any mechanical problems? Does it still feel solid and well built?
What was the average gas mileage in the city? I don't drive much on the highway so i wanted to know what you were averaging in the city, thanks
Not trying to break up your review which was very by the way, but my 2012 EX turbo has the handle buttons that unlock with the FOB in my pocket so not really a new feature. Traded a G35 for the Optima and love it, I will more than likely never buy another Infiniti.
Im curious what car do you drive Dave?
Han Lin I drive whatever car they send me. I don't own a car anymore.
Everyman Driver Dave, Kia optima or Chevrolet Cruze 2015 what do you recommend?
Good review. It's possible im getting a 2015 EX this week.
looks like Kia and Hyundai both are having great progression lately...
Favorite car reviewer for sure!! Ironman💪🏼
Steering a bit light and throttle response could be better especially off the line? You must have been in economy mode, or perhaps they don't offer different driver modes in the trim level you were testing.
You probably had the setting in economy or whatever it's called instead of normal or sport mode. I know the steering is a little heavier with a few other differences when in sport mode. At least it felt that way when I test drove one a few months ago.
Dave why didn't kia send the sxL turbo?
Tech Defender luck of the draw I guess.
This was my favorite Optima
how is the ride when you have it in Sportmatic?
Wow this is actually a great review
DJ BJUJ why are you surprised?
Everyman Driver idk it was just really well done compared to other reviews I've seen
for those of you with the turbo how much do you average for mpg? i have a 2014 lx and i do about 19mpg
Great voice bro
best reviewer on youtube tnx
In 2013 the keyless entry system is available
Nice review
Beautiful car
This car is gorgeous
3:44 how to pull the seats down
Why are golf clubs always used as a standard for trunk space?
Scray1 I'm not sure why other reviewers use golf clubs. I mostly use luggage - Dave
Because they take up a lot of space.
you forgot to signal at 5:15 when you made that turn and also you have a rip on your sleeve by your wrist on the left arm
haha Pat thats not a rip its a thumb hole, for when you go jogging, its an athletic long sleeve pull over
Who cares you fuckwad
i expected a red optima
My kia didn't come with a spare tire
Mine either or navigation system
nice review
Is that your real voice?
kia icon lol, it's called an emblem
Shaida Abbas Do you think people were confused on what I meant? Probably not but thank you for the clarification - Dave
I heard people who drive Kia are likey to crash and die... since its one of the vechile that causes the most crashes.. That particular kia however ... I dont think so.
+TheShotokanWarrior that is a bunch of horseshit
The driver causes a crash no vehicle causes more crashes than another
I had one it was fast and fun...100 cm
Kinda just bought this car lol
Kinda?
How is it? Still got it?
Can anyone give me reason why one wouldn't buy this car that he may have left out? :)
How do you get a job like this? Ha very cool.
These cars depreciate too fast. Buy off a 3 year lease
I love KIA
🤩🤩🤩🤩