2013 Optima SXL provides answer to ‘Why Kia?’

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Updated: December 28, 2012 10:19AM

When one talks about product growth in the auto industry and consumer perceptions of value, Kia is one of the brands that really stands out.

Why Kia?

For that answer you have to go back 17 years to the first year the brand increased its market share year over year. A fledgling Korean brand in a new American market answered “Why Kia?” with “Why not?”

While exterior style has not always been Kia’s strong suit, the last six years have been an impressive run of more sophisticated and sporty appearances anchored by industry-top 100,000-mile warranties and increasingly high-tech upgrades that put it on common ground with the top auto manufacturers in the world.

The 2013 Kia Optima I tested was the SX Limited (aka SXL), the top-end trim level of the Optima lineup. It offers exterior design upgrades, including exclusive colors such as Ebony Black, Titanium Metallic and the Snow White Pearl that made my tester an eye-opener among a sea of vehicles in the office lot.

The base price for the SX is an impressive $26,800. Not hard to see why so many Kia owners cite value as their top reason to buy another Kia. To get to the top-end SXL you have to pony up an additional $3,350. My tester added the upgrade touring package ($2,950) and technology package ($1,400) to bring this Optima to $35,275 (including $775 freight).

Additional exterior styling enhancements for the SXL include much lower front and rear bumpers, high-end chrome 18-inch wheels, red brake calipers, a chrome accent rear spoiler and lower door sills, and bright LED lighting.

Inside the cabin the SXL delivers incredible value by embracing the occupants in Nappa leather seating trim, wood grain accents and audio and safety upgrades such as a rear-camera display and HD radio technology. While the Optima creates a feeling of sophistication in this midsize sedan, the cozy cabin delivers creature comforts such as heated and cooled front seats and heated rear seats.

There is ample glass surround for the cabin occupants, so they feel like they are in a larger sedan, and the huge optional panoramic sunroof added to this openness. Front and rear passengers will find ample legroom and headroom — even with the front eight-way power seats in the furthest back position.

Notable SXL features include the Supervision meter cluster with LCD display, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal-faced pedals, illuminated scuff plates, a navigation system that was intuitive to operate along with SiriusXM Traffic and an upscale Infinity audio system.

Powering the Optima is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo direct-injection engine providing 274 horsepower that is enhanced by a smooth six-speed automatic (with add-on paddle shifters). This Optima is fun to drive and it exhibited no real acceleration lag. I really enjoyed the smooth and predictable acceleration in every circumstance.

My experience driving around town was filled with easy maneuverability and even easier parking in some tight spots. I found the front-wheel-drive Optima to deliver outstanding response to quick demands for acceleration, while the firm steering and independent suspension delivered a real sportiness to the ride.

The midsize sedan segment is a highly competitive class of capable vehicles that deliver value and fun in one package. The 2013 Kia Optima is easy to label a “value” while touting its outstanding performance, good fuel economy at 22 city/34 highway and impressive upgrades in the high-end SXL trim.