2012 Kia Optima Trims and Specs

The entry-level trim in Kia’s value-laden 2012 Optima lineup is the well-equipped Optima LX. This classy 5-passenger midsize sedan sports an efficient inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant, a choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, a surprising wealth of standard creature comforts and some head-turning moves.

The combination of the variable-valve-timed (VVT) I4 and the 6-speed stick-shift or the 6-speed automatic results in 200 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, not to mention mileage estimates of 24 mpg city/35 highway.

When equipped with the 6-speed stick, the Optima LX sports 16-inch steel wheels, while an LX boasting the 6-speed shiftable automatic is delivered with 16-inch alloy wheels and cruise control.

Otherwise, each version of Kia’s decently wrought Optima LX sedan carries standard cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated power-adjustable mirrors, power windows and door locks and telescoping tilt-wheel steering. Look for a cooled glovebox to be standard in all LX editions, as well as air conditioning, Bluetooth hands-free communications, and an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers, satellite radio and a USB connection.

Options packages in this base trim include the LX Convenience Package with Kia’s Uvo infotainment system, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a universal remote garage door opener, while the LX Technology Package boasts hard-drive-based navigation, upgraded Infinity audio with 8 speakers and dual-zone auto climate control. Some of the above features are available as standalone options, while SiriusXM NavTraffic and a rear-view camera can be added to the navigation suite.

Standard safety features aboard the 2012 Optima LX, meanwhile, include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Some additional standard safety equipment includes front fog/driving lights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors.

Up one step in Kia’s primo sedan lineup is the 2012 Optima EX. Equipped with a standard variable-valve-timed (VVT) inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine and delivered with the 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, this 5-seat midsize sedan puts out 200 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 24 mpg city/35 highway.

Look for 17-inch alloy wheels to tote 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, while occupants are swaddled in leather-trimmed upholstery, and drivers can get comfy with the 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Then, too, this midlevel trim comes with remote power door locks, power windows and heated power-adjustable mirrors, simulated wood cabin accents and a leather-wrapped shifter knob, along with dual-zone automatic climate control. Cruise control is, of course, standard, as is a universal remote garage door opener, Bluetooth hands-free calling and a cooled glovebox storage bin.

Finally an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers comes standard, bolstered by Kia’s Uvo infotainment system, satellite radio and USB port.

Standalone options include power-folding outside mirrors, a power sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and memory for driver's settings. The available EX Premium Package, meantime, includes Infinity premium audio with 8 speakers, a rear-view camera, a heated steering wheel and a power-adjustable front passenger seat, as well as a number of the above standalone options.

Standard safety equipment aboard Kia’s 2012 Optima EX includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Finally, this midlevel trim additionally sports standard front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a remote antitheft alarm, while LED daytime running lights and an electronic parking brake are optional safety items with the Premium Package.

Should the prospective 2012 Kia Optima buyer want a bit more oomph in his or her midlevel EX, there’s the Optima EX Turbo to consider. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant mates with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 274 hp, 269 lb-ft of torque and gas mileage estimated at 22 mpg city/34 highway… at least in a perfect world.

Standard amenities complementing the EX Turbo's 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space include 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed upholstery, simulated wood cabin accents and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Remote power door locks, power windows and heated power-adjustable outside mirrors are standard aboard this midlevel 4-door, as are cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering.

Further amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control, a cooled glovebox, a universal remote garage door opener, Bluetooth hands-free communications, a single-CD player with 6 speakers, Kia’s UVO infotainment system, satellite radio and a USB port.

Additionally, this spiffy midsize 4-door can be equipped with a power sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, upgraded Infinity audio with 8 premium speakers, hard-drive-based navigation with SiriusXM NavTraffic, memory for driver's settings and a rear-view camera, all sold separately. Owners who want front power-adjustable seats and a heated steering wheel can select the available EX Premium Package.

Finally, standard safety features aboard the 2012 Optima EX Turbo include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Additionally, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a remote antitheft alarm come standard, while optional safety equipment includes LED daytime running lights and an electronic parking brake.

Turbocharged and agile, classy and well-equipped, the 2012 Kia Optima SX represents the flagship edition of this midsize sedan. Adorned with a sport-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels and heated power-adjustable mirrors outside, this turbocharged 5-seater boasts paddle shifters gracing the leather-wrapped steering wheel and simulated carbon fiber accents inside. Then there’s the power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped shifter knob and dual-zone automatic climate control to pamper folks, as well as remote power door locks, power windows, a universal remote garage door opener, cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering.

Look for 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space to hump stuff in the SX and a cooled glovebox to keep cold drinks drinkable. Finally, this sporty sedan is delivered with Bluetooth hands-free communications and a 6-speaker, MP3-capable single-CD player that’s bolstered by satellite radio and a USB connection.

One of the more popular options packages for Kia’s flagship sedan is the Limited Package, which effectively turns the SX into the SX L sub-trim. Included in this hefty bundle are goodies like hard-drive-based navigation, nappa leather seat trim, upgraded interior accents and upgraded exterior chrome. A number of Premium packages, including the Premium Touring and Premium Technology packages add such niceties as a power sunroof, hard-drive-based navigation, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front passenger seat, memory for driver's settings, front and second-row heated seats, rear-view camera, 8-speaker Infinity audio and power-folding outside mirrors. Lastly, the SX Chrome Limited Package throws red-painted brake calipers and even more exterior chrome and badges into the SX L sub-trim.

The heart of the 2012 Optima SX, meanwhile, is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, while the brain remains a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This matchup puts out 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, and mileage stays in the vicinity of 22 mpg city/34 highway with this blown four-banger.

Finally, occupant safety is provided for via standard 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Turn-signal-integrated mirrors, front fog/driving lights, self-leveling high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights and a remote antitheft alarm also come standard, while LED daytime running lights and an electronic parking brake are optional.