2019 Kia Optima vs 2019 BMW 3 Series

The 2019 Kia Optima, while not as revolutionary in design as its earlier models, still managed to capture attention with its signature tiger-nose grille, fender-vent trim, and optional black panoramic glass roof. It offered a range of trim levels, allowing buyers to find a style that suited their preferences and budget. However, the availability of interior color options was limited, which could make it challenging to find the perfect combination. The price range for the Optima started at $22,900 for the base LX model and went up to $35,790 for the SX Turbo with the Limited Package. The plug-in hybrid model was the most expensive, exceeding $42,000 with all options included. The SX Turbo trim, without the Limited Package, featured a sleek blacked-out exterior, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a sporty interior with black leather and red inserts. Despite its appeal, the Limited Package was preferred for its luxurious upgrades, including quilted Nappa leather and chrome accents, all for under $37,000.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series maintained its evolutionary design approach, avoiding drastic changes and instead focusing on subtle refinements. The car was slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, yet retained its compact footprint, making it easy to maneuver. The most noticeable design change was the alteration of the Hoffmeister kink on the rear doors, now a piece of black trim. The front of the car was unmistakably BMW, with LED running lamps and a redesigned kidney grille. The rear featured simplified LED lights, though some felt it resembled the Kia Forte. Inside, the 3 Series kept its familiar layout, with a digital instrument panel and an optional wireless charging pad. The interior materials, however, were criticized for being coarse compared to previous models. Despite these minor drawbacks, the fit and finish were top-notch, maintaining the 3 Series' reputation for quality.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered a variety of engine options, including a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder for the base LX and S trims, and a 178-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder for the EX Turbo. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models were also available, with the latter providing up to 28 miles of electric range. The SX Turbo trim, tested with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, delivered 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine provided smooth, linear acceleration, though it lacked the punch of some turbocharged competitors. A 6-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with four driving modes available: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The SX Turbo's unique rack-mounted steering system offered good feedback, though it lacked precision on twisty roads. The sport-tuned suspension provided a firm ride, but excess body motion reduced confidence during spirited driving. Overall, the Optima SX Turbo was enjoyable to drive, but not a true performance sedan.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series, specifically the 330i xDrive, featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was praised for its smoothness and power delivery, though it exhibited some turbo lag at low speeds. The M340i variant, available as a 2020 model, offered a twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 330i's 8-speed automatic transmission provided seamless shifts, and the M Sport package added a firmer suspension, variable-ratio steering, and a widened body kit. The 330i excelled on backroads, with its chassis and brakes offering excellent control. The steering, while improved, was not as direct as older models. Fuel economy for the 330i xDrive was rated at 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined, with the RWD version slightly more efficient. The 3 Series offered a plug-in hybrid variant, though details were not available.

The 2019 Kia Optima was designed with practicality in mind, offering a spacious interior and a 15.9-cubic-foot trunk. The front seats provided various power adjustments, with available heating and ventilation. The standard leather upholstery was stiff, but the Limited Package offered luxurious Nappa leather. Rear-seat legroom was impressive, with good thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. Rear air-conditioning vents and quick-charging USB ports were also included. The Smart Trunk feature automatically opened the trunk lid when standing behind the car with the key fob, though it could be turned off if needed. Overall, the Optima was easy to live with, providing comfort and utility for daily driving.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series offered slightly more rear legroom than before, accommodating four passengers comfortably. The trunk provided 17 cubic feet of space, suitable for luggage. Visibility was good, and the seats, though firm, were supportive on long trips. The controls were well-placed, and the infotainment system was intuitive, with a touchscreen and rotary controller. The climate controls were easy to use, and the car featured USB-C ports. The 3 Series maintained its reputation for practicality and comfort, with a focus on driver-oriented design.

The 2019 Kia Optima came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display featuring UVO technology, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera. The S and EX Turbo trims added satellite radio and UVO eServices, which used the owner's smartphone data plan. The SX Turbo trim included a navigation system, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the font choice was unique. The voice-recognition technology was flexible, though not entirely natural.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series offered extensive technology, though many features required subscription fees. The iDrive system was highly customizable, with live info tiles and over-the-air updates. The navigation system learned driving patterns and adjusted for traffic. The car featured a digital key option, gesture control, and a personal assistant similar to Amazon's Alexa. The Driving Assistance Professional Package offered advanced safety features, though the laser headlights were not fully functional due to U.S. regulations. The 3 Series' technology was advanced, though not without its quirks.

The 2019 Kia Optima was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Rear parking-assist sensors and a driver-monitoring system were also standard. The Optima received top ratings from the IIHS, except for an Acceptable rating for child safety seat LATCH anchor accessibility. The federal government awarded the Optima 5-star ratings in most categories, with a 4-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series was a Top Safety Pick+ according to the IIHS, with top ratings in all crash tests and for its optional laser headlights and standard forward emergency braking. Pedestrian detection was standard, while blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Traffic Jam Assist were optional. The NHTSA had not yet tested the 2019 3 Series.