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2010 Kia Optima Review

There is no more competitive automotive segment than that for midsize sedans, and in that group the Kia Optima is a strong contender for the customer’s dollar. It’s not the segment leader, or the most powerful, or the best-known. But it offers a combination of an attractive price, commendable fuel efficiency, a spacious interior, stylish appearance, more-than-ample performance, and an outstanding array of standard safety features that few others can match. The Optima stands as a very appealing and logical choice for the sensible consumer looking for a lot of value for the money.

The front-wheel-drive Optima offers a choice of a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine, each of which ranks near top of its class for fuel efficiency. We like the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder; rated at 175 horsepower, it’s among the strongest in the class and gets an EPA-rated 22/32 City/Highway miles per gallon with either the manual or automatic transmission. The 2.7-liter V6 is smoother and slightly more powerful with 194 horsepower and earns an EPA-estimated 20/28 mpg; the V6 comes with an automatic.

The Optima’s shape is less rounded than the average sedan so it has plenty of headroom and a light and airy cabin. The high-volume EX model won’t leave you wanting for more features, and every Optima includes six airbags and stability control.

The Optima competes with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant, Chevy Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Mazda6, Subaru Legacy, and Hyundai Sonata.

All the competitors offer more powerful V6 engines. However, only the heavier Altima and Accord have a more powerful four-cylinder engine, only Hyundai matches Kia’s warranty, only Altima can match Optima’s EPA ratings, and the Optima is the least expensive.