Used 2019 Kia Optima S Sedan Review

For 2019, the Kia Optima continues to offer some of the most feature-packed models you can buy in the midsize sedan segment. This year's updates are minor yet subtle styling tweaks that will help differentiate it from the outgoing model. Kia has also made its suite of driver aids standard across all trim levels.

From the base LX to the top-of-the-line SX, wheels, headlights, taillights and trim pieces have been updated. Inside, there's new interior lighting, an improved telematics system and new two-tone leather options for the SX. And the standard suite of driver aids includes a forward collision warning system, lane keeping assist, a driver-attention monitoring system to combat drowsy and distracted driving, and lane departure warning.

But the Optima has a few drawbacks that aren't likely to change soon because they revolve around the car's sleek styling. Headroom is a bit tight, even for front passengers, and it gets even tighter if a sunroof is present. Rear-seat access and rear visibility also suffer due to the car's attractive sweeping roofline. And while the top-of-the-line turbocharged SX is fun to drive, the rest of the model range, though competent, can be a bit dull. That said, we still think the 2019 Kia Optima offers great value for the price and is definitely worth a look.

What's it like to live with?

To learn more about the Kia Optima of this generation, read about our experiences from a full year of living with a 2016 Kia Optima. We owned and tested the Optima for a full year, driving it 20,000 miles and covering all the features from cargo space to real-world fuel economy. Notable differences in the 2019 Optima include updates to standard and optional equipment, a refreshed exterior look, and revised infotainment options. But the 2019 comes from the same generation as the 2016 we tested, so most of our observations still apply.

The 2019 Kia Optima is available in four trim levels. The base LX comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 16-inch alloy wheels. The S is a sport-themed version of the LX with slightly different styling and tech features, while the EX gets its own unique powertrain. Commendably, Kia has kept the pricing close across these trims. The SX is more expensive, but its powerful turbocharged engine and additional tech and luxury features are enticing.

Under the hood of the entry-level front-wheel-drive Optima LX is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (185 horsepower, 178 pound-feet of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, cruise control, a driver information display, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable front seats (with two-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver), and a 60/40-split rear seat.

Also standard for the LX are Bluetooth, an 8-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and HD and satellite radio. Standard advanced safety equipment includes a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Lane keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, lane departure warning and forward collision warning are made standard for 2019 models.

The optional Premium package adds 17-inch wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting, some gloss-black exterior trim, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with two-way power lumbar adjustment.

The S adds to the features of the LX with 18-inch wheels, foglights, LED taillights, a rear spoiler, push-button start, and cloth and faux leather upholstery. The optional Panoramic Sunroof package includes a panoramic sunroof and gloss-black exterior accents.

The EX gets its own powertrain, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (178 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque) and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It loses the spoiler but receives acoustic front door windows, power-folding mirrors, illuminated door handles, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, a hands-free unlocking trunk, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, heated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, interior wood accents, an electronic parking brake, and leather upholstery. Front passengers have two rapid-charging USB ports at their disposal, while rear-seat passengers get one USB port and one power port.

One package is available on the EX. The Premium package adds a 12-way-adjustable driver's seat with a four-way power lumbar, a 10-way passenger seat with a two-way power lumbar, ventilated front seats, the panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, and a navigation system.

The range-topping SX is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (245 hp, 260 lb-ft) with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is equipped similarly to the EX outfitted with a Premium package, plus additional upgrades including 18-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, LED foglights, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust tips, a sport-tuned suspension, red brake calipers, a flat-bottom steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles, ambient interior lighting, metal interior trim, and a larger driver information display. It also adds a temporary spare tire compared to the tire repair kit on other trims.

A choice of three SX Limited packages is available (Aubergine, Black and Bronze), which differ mainly with interior color selection. The rest of the package includes 18-inch black wheels, a black headliner, upgraded door trim and higher-quality leather upholstery, heated outboard rear seats, perforated leather on the steering wheel, body-colored mirrors, rear side window sunshades, and a surround-view camera system.