Strengths

Good handling; roomy interior with lots of trunk space; great fuel economy

 

Changes

Not much is new for the Optima in 2010. The exterior sees a minor facelift, and keyless entry and ignition is now standard on the SX.

 

Value

With a starting price well below $20,000, the 4-cylinder engine's 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway is like icing on the value cake. The V6 engine costs a bit more and has a bit more in the way of performance, but for the money, the 4-cylinder delivers on all fronts. Not to mention that 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

 

Overview

There are three variants of the Optima, the LX, EX and SX, which come standard with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder making 175 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque. The EX and SX are also available with a 2.7-liter 6-cylinder making 194 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. All models come with a 5-speed Sportmatic automatic transmission, though the LX can be had with a 5-speed manual.

The list of standard safety features is substantial and includes dual front and side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, tire pressure monitoring and an impact-absorbing steering column. Fog lights are standard on all but the LX. The Optima sits on 16-inch wheels, but 17-inch wheels are available for the EX and standard on the SX.

An 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar support and a leather gearshift knob and steering wheel are standard on the EX and SX, and heated front seats are optional for all models. Leather seat trim is standard on the EX, while the SX features sport cloth and leather seats along with aluminum interior trim. All Optimas have keyless entry, cruise control and a 60/40 split folding rear seat.

Power windows and door locks are standard across the lineup. The audio system is a 6-speaker stereo with CD, MP3, USB/auxiliary jacks and Sirius satellite radio, though an upgraded system with navigation is available for all but the base model LX. The EX adds auto temperature control and optional power adjustable pedals. The SX has paddle shifters and a Smart Key with push-button start as standard equipment. The SX Premium package adds heated seats, a sunroof, and a subwoofer.