2015 Kia Optima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Optima goes open-source as the 2015 car adds the Kia UVO system as an option for EX/SX trims and as a standard feature in the SXL Turbo. Bringing talk and touch tech to the Korean car manufacturer, the UVO system is compatible with both Android and iPhone smartphones, so you need not pick a side when picking your ride. Other upgrades for the 2015 Optima include some new upholstery and a reworked steering wheel, but otherwise the midsize 4-door sedan rolls into its next model year with little change after getting a slight refresh for 2014.
This only highlights the major strides Kia has made in the industry in the last 10 years. Once a rolling joke, we’re fast approaching a world in which new drivers won’t remember associating Kia with “cheap.” Today it’s more accurate to call Kia a “good value,” especially with one of the stoutest warranties around, but more impressive is the image transformation the company has achieved.
Of course that transformation becomes a lot easier when you hire a designer away from Audi/VW, and the Optima proudly sports Mr. Schreyer’s “Tiger Nose” grille, as well as the rest of his “vaguely European” styling.
In keeping with the European tradition, the Optima is motivated solely by 4-cylinder powerplants, with turbocharging providing the extra oomph for the top-tier engine. At the lower end of the spectrum, the LX and EX trims come with a 200-hp 2.4-liter engine that delivers 186 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels and an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city/34 highway thanks to a 6-speed automatic. Want to try that turbo? You’ll have to move up to the SX Turbo or SXL Turbo trim for that, but you’ll be greeted by a 2.0-liter engine that produces 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Despite the impressive power leap, you won’t get killed at the pump, as the same 6-speed automatic manages to mitigate that power and still return 20/31 mpg.
And it’s not just power you get with the SXs. The LX and EX trims are well-appointed with features like fog lights, 16-inch alloys, heated mirrors with integrated signals, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with auxiliary controls, remote keyless entry and a full power package, including a 6-way power driver’s seat. But the SX adds fun features like Drive Mode Select, which modifies transmission and steering profiles through Comfort, Normal and Sport modes, a sport suspension and leather sport seats. You’ll also get LED running lights and 18-inch alloys and can add heated and cooled front seats as well as heated rear seats, a rare nod to luxury in this price range. But the EX gets its own level of luxury with dual-zone climate controls, push-button start with a smartkey and leather trim. If you feel like adding a bit more to your EX, a sunroof and an upgraded audio system are worthwhile options. If top-tier is your game, the SXL Turbo offers all the fun features of the Premium and Technology packages - the panoramic sunroof, upgraded UVO, heated steering wheel, mirrors and front and rear seats, upgraded Infinity stereo, rearview camera, rear parking sensors with blind-spot monitor, 8-inch touchscreen and navigation - all as standard features.
Seats were recently upgraded and provide comfort and support alike—no compromise needed. However the slick profile and sloping roof that give a sorta-sporty appeal to the Optima mean taller folks will have to ride up front. That's good news for those of us over 6 feet tall, but an annoyance for passengers who think “shotgun” should dictate seating. The LX doesn’t have much to impress with regard to aesthetics, but the EX sports leather and wood trim, and the SX has brushed “aluminum” that works well without overstepping. The Limited trim boasts Nappa leather that is a very pleasant surprise at this level, but the best improvement of late is the acoustic windshield on all trims that isolates the cabin nicely from harsh outside noise.
All this adds up to a respectable option in a midsize sedan. It’s not sporty—it’s sportish. It’s not luxury—it’s luxury-lite. But there’s little to complain about, and it looks good, too. That’s saying a lot for a car you’d have felt compelled to apologize for just 10 years ago. Keep it up, Kia. You’re on the right track.
User reviews for 2015 Kia Optima
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2015 Kia Optima Ex 2.4l AC problems
I have had my 2015 KIA for about four years and the AC has never worked great in it. I took it to four ac technicians and all said the freon was low and the compressor was shot. Bought a new compressor and had the technician install it and worked like a charm for about three months. We have cool fall periods in our area so I did not use the ac at all from Oct to April of this year.....went to turn it on and back to low charge and hot air. The mechanic who installed the compressor did the dye/gas test with Uv light on it and couldn't locate a leak. HELP!!!!!
why wont my kia optima not start
i replaced cat/manifold, crankshaft censor, exhaust side cam shaft censor, all fuses in engine bay car will turn over but no fire sprayed fluid in intake not getting spark or ecm not telling it to fire checked for loose wires and found none bank 2 o2 censor was unplugged and there is a connector in bank 1 o2 censor harness but nothing to plug into it.i even put old converter and manifold back on same thing it started and ran for couple seconds but now no fire its not throwing any codes no check engine light on and it should with bank 2 o2 unplugged it has 140000 miles on body engine was replaced its key start non turbo 2.4 it was low on oil nothing on dipstick. i have tried everything but replace relays.
My car has a new engine in it with a new battery but won't start
Kia replaced my engine, and it started a couple of times. But now it won't start at all. Put a new battery in it, still didn't start. The lights will come on sometimes and the automatic lock works sometime. So what could be the problem with it not starting????
2015 Kia Optima no sound from speakers
I reset my radio and still no sound, will I really have to take it to the dealer and pay out my ears to hear my radio again?
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2015 Kia Optima Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic front side
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic front side
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic front side
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: chrome accents · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic

