2006 Kia Optima Trims and Specs

The 2006 Kia Optima LX is the 4-cylinder base offering for this mid-size sedan. There is both a 2006 and 2006.5 model this year. The early Optima LX features a 2.4-liter, 138-hp DOHC I4 engine, while the 2006.5 ups the horsepower to 161. The old 4-speed manumatic is replaced with a 5-speed manumatic, while the 5-speed manual carries over. Both models of the Optima LX come with full power features, cruise control, split-folding rear seats, a CD player, tachometer, and dual front-side airbags. The 2006.5 Optima LX upgrades to larger 16-inch wheels, a security system, adds front and rear head airbags, puts audio controls on the steering wheel, and adds a tire monitor and heated mirrors.

The front-wheel drive Optima LX is equipped with an independent suspension and front and rear disc brakes. While a rear spoiler is the only option on the 2006 Optima LX, the 2006.5 offers 17-inch wheels, leather trim, automatic headlights, foglights, and a trip computer. Owners feel both the 2006 and 2006.5 Optima LX is a good value for the money, considering the long list of features. They do wish ABS was at least an option, and there are some complaints about an uncomfortable steering wheel.

There are two incarnations of the 2006 Kia Optima EX, the early 2006 and the mid-year 2006.5 replacement, that features a bigger engine and more standard equipment. The 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder EX hits 138-hp in the 2006 model and 161-hp in the later version. The previous 4-speed shiftable automatic is replaced with a 5-speed automatic, and the 15-inch alloy wheels are replaced with 16-inch alloys. Both models feature a CD player, leather and wood trim, wheel-mounted cruise control, heated mirrors, and a power driver's seat. For safety, dual front-side airbags, foglights, auto-dimming mirrors, front and rear stabilizer bar, and security system are standard.

The 2006.5 Optima EX adds rear side airbags and a tire monitor. Inside, the updated sedan gets wheel-mounted audio controls and a CD changer. ABS brakes, traction, and stability control are all optional, along with 17-inch wheels, heated leather seats, a sunroof, power passenger seat, and a rear spoiler. Rear seats split-fold 60/40 for more trunk space, and the 2006 Optima EX gets a respectable 24/34 mpg. The high fuel economy and low price tag of the Optima make are highlights for drivers, along with the long list of standard equipment.

Similar to its 4-cylinder counterpart, the 2006 and 2006.5 Kia Optima LX V6 packs more power in its 2.7-liter DOHC V6 which hits 170-hp in the earlier version and 185-hp in the mid-year replacement. The older model comes only with a 4-speed shiftable automatic, while the 2006.5 has a 5-speed version. In other aspects, it is similar to the base LX. The 2006 has dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch wheels, split-fold rear seat, cruise control mounted on the steering wheel, power features, CD player, and a power outlet. The V6 adds wood trim on the interior. The mid-year 2006.5 Kia Optima LX V6 adds a tire monitor, front and rear head airbags, an alarm, audio controls on the steering wheel, and heated mirrors.

Where the older LX V6 was not available with ABS brakes, the 2006.5 Optima LX V6 does offer ABS as an option. The longer option list for 2006.5 includes a rear spoiler, 17-inch wheels, leather trim, and a trip computer. Safety extras come in the form of stability and traction control, automatic headlights, and foglights. Highlights of 2006 Optima LX V6 ownership include its low price compared to competitors, style, and long list of features. Drivers do complain that the reported 20/30 mpg is an overestimate. Crash test ratings score in the four and five-star range.

The 2006 Kia Optima EX V6 features a 2.7-liter DOHC V6 that hits 170-hp with a 4-speed shiftable automatic. The 2006.5 EX V6 ups the horsepower to 185 with the same engine and an improved 5-speed automatic. The newer EX V6 also adds traction and stability control to its options list, along with ABS brakes. Standard additions include a CD changer with MP3 capability, a tire monitor, rear side airbags to go with the dual front and side bags, and steering-wheel mounted audio controls alongside the existing cruise controls.

The 2006/2006.5 Optima EX V6 packs in a lot of features for the low initial cost. You get a power driver's seat, tachometer, full power features, foglights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, and a security system. A little extra will get you a sunroof, rear spoiler, 17-inch wheels, and heated leather seats. The extra V6 power, combined with a stiffer suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars gives the impression of a slightly sportier ride than the base Optima LX. Drivers love the styling and comfortable ride, and say this mid-size sedan is a great value for the money.