Kia Launches All-New 2019 Optima at New York International Auto Show

Kia made great waves among us car guys and car gals earlier this year when they unveiled the stunning Kia Stinger, a high-performance, rear-wheel-drive sedan clearly aimed straightaway at the enthusiast driver.

But let's face it: most people who are drooling over a stinger are probably pretty unlikely to buy one. More practical choices, like the Optima, are much more probable.

So is any of that exciting vibe trickling down the lineup from the Stinger, the presumptive flagship of the marque, to spice up the models your average Joe or Jane might buy?

We say "perhaps," if the new 2019 Optima, revealed at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, is an indication. The look of the Optima has improved by leaps and bounds over the last couple of years, and the new look for the 2019 continues down that same trajectory.

Kia's best-selling midsize sedan was unveiled with new design cues inside and out, expanded ADAS technology, a new UVO infotainment strategy and available European-inspired red and black two-tone sport leather-trimmed seats.  Additional available enhancements to the Optima line include new alloy wheel choices, ambient LED interior lighting, and a new Passion Red exterior color.

"The Optima continues to be one of our best-sellers for good reason; its stand-out design sets it apart from other cars in the midsize segment," said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America (KMA).  "The 2019 refresh sharpens the overall design inside and out and we are making a number of ADAS technologies standard across the entire Optima line, which underlies the tremendous value Optima offers. A new approach to our award-winning telematics system, UVO, will make it easier for buyers to understand its features and UVO link includes an embedded modem.  The new two-tone sport seats are for those looking to differentiate their Optima with unique European-inspired design cues."

The 2019 Optima receives a number of redesigned interior and exterior elements.  The LX comes standard with Stinger-inspired LED daytime running lights, a new 16-inch alloy wheel design and matte gray-finish grill.

A long list of enhancements to the affordable S model emphasize sportiness and technology, including: new projection beam fog lamps, LED taillights, dual exhaust, sport side sills with gloss black trim, a gloss-black grill and 18-inch alloy wheels.  Standard push-button start, smart key, smart trunk and power front windows with auto up/down functionality add convenience.

The EX boasts the turbocharged 178-horsepower engine with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission with an adaptive Smart Shift drive mode.  It also adds new leather seating surfaces with front seat heaters.  A new 17-inch alloy wheel design and Smart Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go1 are standard.  Similar to the S, the EX is equipped with standard fog lamps, LED taillights and dual exhaust. Available options include new ambient multicolor interior lighting, and a heated steering wheel.

Redesigned 18-inch wheels are standard on the SX and the SX Limited (SXL) package is available with Michelin 235/45R-18 tires. New LED fog lights, ambient interior lighting, sport steering wheel and Smart Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go functionality are standard on both SX and SXL variants.  The SX features available European-styled red and black two-tone sport leather-trimmed seats, panoramic roof, a Harman Kardon®3 premium audio system with UVO link with Navigation, heated steering wheel, gloss black door pillars and side moldings, and a sport bumper with LED fog lamps.  The SXL is available with a striking new two-tone bronze and black interior with Nappa leather seating surfaces.