Used 2017 Kia Optima SXL Turbo Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Kia Optima SXL Turbo Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
alan,09/03/2017
SXL Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I replaced my 2015 Kia optima sx turbo, with a 2017 Optima sxl.My 2015 sx was a very good overall car.The 2017 sxl has improvements in better quieter ride, better steering and more comfortable seats front and rear.The 2017 sxl also comes with michelin tires that are quiet and have better control and handling in very wet road conditions.The radio performance has also improved, although the 2015 was still very good.Heat lights and other safety features are improved as well.Overall I am again very happy with the 2017 Kia optima sxl, and recommend this car for at least a test ride.
Naser popal,06/01/2017
SXL Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I just upgraded from my 2014 Kia Optima SX / tech package. To the new 2017 Kia Optima SXL I must say Wow what a big Difference. 2014 Optima was not bad for its age but this new one beats it in every way possible. Yes it has less HP but it seems quicker you get 260 hp tourq at very low 1350 rpm compare to previous which came in about 1650rpm . The New sport,eco,normal modes compared to to previous gen are realy,realy good and noticeable. Steering is better interior cabin is much much quieter plus more roomy . Technology in this new Optima is outstanding I love the smart cruise control , Auto hold and atnomuse breaking all these safety tech features have been engaged at some point of my driving since I owned it . Thank god nothing has happen to me or the car . Only thing I don't like about the car very small and very hardly noticeable if you are a picky person like me . That are the Kia kick plates or cup holder they no longer illuminate , the instrument cluster gadeged no longer go all the way to max RPM upon start of the car. Last but not least thier is a bit of engine noise in the cabin when flooring the the car at low rpms not a bad thing sometimes it's kinda annoys me . Other then those little inprofections the car is great!
Jc,09/05/2018
SXL Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
My 3rd optima keep stepping up. Now at the sxl. They are just good cars. No they aren’t Audi’s or the like but what do you expect. Mine listed for 37. Got it for 29 and change admittedly 37 is just to much. 29 however is a steal. I will have had it 2 yrs November and I have that itch. Want a new car for wants sake. Then I get in my car and drive it. It’s great truly. Nice styling. White with Crome package good stereo and all the creature comforts. Is it a sports car. No! But ample power. Even the paddle shifters are a hoot. The trans could be quicker. But it’s a sedan so that’s what you get. Honestly they made this car , for the money; to good. And to step up cost. 40-50. And do I really get that much more ? As of right now. I will say if u do go for an optima make sure you get the 18 inch wheels. Not the 17’s the make a huge difference
Liz P,03/12/2022
SXL Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
This vehicle gives you luxury at a reasonable price.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2017 Kia Optima SXL Turbo Sedan
Pros & Cons
- More features for the money than most rivals provide
- Fairly customizable, with several features packages available per trim
- Plenty of small-item and cargo storage
- Infotainment system is easy to use
- Optional 1.6T powertrain's sleepy responsiveness can get annoying
- Sloping roofline cuts into rear headroom
- Hard to see out the back without a camera
Which Optima does Edmunds recommend?
Although the Optima comes in many variations, three truly stand out. The LX with the Convenience Plus package is inexpensive and gets you pretty much everything you want in a modern sedan such as blind-spot monitoring and an intuitive touchscreen. The middle-ground EX is also desirable. It comes with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats but is still reasonably priced. But if you find those Optimas too bland, go with the SX with Sport Value package. It is only marginally more expensive than the EX and includes most of its features plus a powerful turbocharged engine.
Full Edmunds Review: 2017 Kia Optima Sedan
Driving
3.0Unlike the 2.0 turbo, the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and its unconventional seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission suffer from a disappointing lack of responsiveness when accelerating and driving at low speeds. The brakes can be a bit touchy, but handling is decent for the class.
Comfort
3.0In humble base LX trim, the Optima provides a good amount of comfort, and midlevel trims further benefit from features such as heated and ventilated seats. Long-distance road trips shouldn't be a problem for a variety of body types thanks to the roomy seats and smooth ride quality.
Interior
3.5There isn't a lot of visual excitement inside the Optima, but it is smartly designed for function. The quality of materials and available features make you feel like you're getting just a bit more for your money. The only major drawback is the compromised rear visibility.
Utility
4.5The Optima's carrying capacity is about as good as it gets in this class. The trunk is expansive, with a low load height, tall roof and wide opening. It also opens automatically after a few seconds if you have the key in your pocket. There's ample interior storage as well.
Technology
4.5Our tester's 8-inch touchscreen is bright and attractive, with a legible font and redundant physical buttons that make it easy to find what you need. The only exception is the smartphone interface menu, which is tough to find. The navigation system is slow and can't be programmed while traveling.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2017 Kia Optima in Virginia is:
$73.25 per month*Legal