What truly sets the Optima apart from its midsize sedan competitors is a silky smooth ride. Even over pothole-laced roads, Optima’s independent front and rear suspension systems’ reactions mean the driver and passengers feel very little back and forth sway or bumpy up and down chassis shakes. The current Kia Optima launched as an all-new redesign in 2011. The changes for the 2012 model year include standard chrome-accented exterior door handles, fog lights, and heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators. Other new-for-2012 features include a standard 8- speaker Infinity audio system, HD radio and Kia’s UVO-powered by Microsoft voice-activated infotainment system. Optima is sold in three trims: LX, EX, and SX.

The 110-inch wheelbase sedan’s power choices are a 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection 4-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 186 pounds-feet of torque at 4250 rpm, or a 2.0- liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that releases 274 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 269 pounds-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. Standard equipment list on the front wheel drive Optima SX includes 18- inch tires with alloy wheels, push button ignition, USB and auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth wireless technology, hill assist control, and steering wheel paddle shifters. Optima SX with 2.0- liter engine and automatic transmission collects estimated mpg of 22 city and 34 highway and carries a MSRP of $26,500.