The long-anticipated 2011 Kia Optima sedan makes its official U.S. premiere!
Kia today unveiled the long-anticipated 2011 Optima midsize sedan at the New York auto show event. Arriving in showrooms in early fall, the next-gen Optima sedan continues Kia’s design-led transformation while revealing a completely new and stunning design language for Kia, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle.
Kia Optima’s groundbreaking spirit continues under the hood and inside the cabin with the introduction of three new powertrains – including the brand’s first-ever hybrid in the U.S. market (available from 2011) – which deliver class-leading power and fuel economy while the latest technology features and luxury amenities are available at the touch of a button or a simple voice command.
Designed at Kia’s studios in Frankfurt and Irvine, Calif., the all-new 2011 Optima is longer, wider and lower than the vehicle it replaces and is based on an all-new midsize platform that allowed for distinctive dimensions and proportions in the segment1 while also providing a unique canvas for Kia’s global design team to pen a vehicle that stands apart from everything else in the segment.
The 2011 Kia Optima also employs engine management systems like direct injection and turbocharging to help bring performance to the brand without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
Its smooth-flowing lines speak of grace and style and offer a strong hint of European luxury.
2011 Kia Optima image gallery:
2011 Kia Optima exterior design
The 2011 Optima projects a high-performance yet elegant image with its unique silhouette and sleek stance that builds upon Kia Motors’ philosophy of creating high quality and dynamic vehicles that evoke passion.
The striking face of Optima features Kia’s signature bold tabbed grille that is surrounded by projector headlamps. Longer, wider and lower than before, Optima’s coupe-like profile is enhanced by a sweeping chrome arc that flows from the A through C pillars, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further and enhances its proportions.
Optima’s roofline connects with its high and pronounced shoulder line that leads to its sculpted flanks and extended wheelbase. Boldly flared wheel arches and a raked cabin create a sedan with a graceful muscular stance.
Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, the 2011 Optima offers numerous standard features. The LX includes dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and 16-inch steel wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires.
Upgrading to the EX offers standard fog lights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome/body-color door handles along with 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55/R17 tires.
Moving up to the athletic SX adds HID headlights with auto leveling, LED rear combination lights, unique front grille design, rear lip spoiler, sculpted side sills, aero wiper blades, red brake calipers and 18-inch black machined finish alloy wheels furnished with P225/45R18 tires, achieving a true performance look.
Interior info and luxury features of new Kia Optima
From the moment the door opens, the all-new Kia Optima presents an immediate sense of a driver’s car. The instrument panel is contoured toward the driver to suggest a cockpit feel with precise gauges and controls for an overall sport performance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess.
Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel convey that Optima is built for people who are passionate about cars. A high console with a short shifter adds to the cockpit perception while an available panoramic sunroof provides an open-air feeling.
Offering occupants both space and comfort with a number of standard convenience features, the sedan’s chic cabin unifies with the exterior design by welcoming its passengers with lean and ergonomic seat design and effective storage throughout.
Modern standard features such as six-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors and a trip computer further expand the cabin’s luxurious qualities.
In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service.
Also standard on all trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones.
Additional standard interior features include a tilt/telescopic steering column, power door locks, power windows, sun visor extension and an air-conditioned glove box.
Stylishly appointed cloth seats provide comfortable seating while a 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs. Optima LX with automatic transmission features cruise control and an active EcoMinder® indicator for optimal fuel efficient driving.
Optima EX comes well-equipped and offers premium standard features, including the UVO powered by Microsoft® infotainment system with rear-view camera, push button-start ignition with smart key, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink® and compass, auto light control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and eight-way power driver’s seat, lighted glovebox, rear reading lamps, floor mats and chrome door handles.
For consumers looking for even more sporty appeal, the Optima SX adds unique black leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film and metal accent, Supervision™ meter cluster with LCD display, center fascia and meter housing, soft trim with French seams, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals and lighted metal door scuff plates.
Available upgrades for the Optima EX and SX trims include a power panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim, memory driver’s seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel for additional interior refinement.
Luxuriously appointed features, including an Infinity 5.1 surround sound audio system with HD Radio®, and eight speakers delivering in excess of 500-watts of system power and voice-activated navigation system with a seven-inch screen enhance the cabin for audiophiles or those who seek the latest superior quality technology for a modern driving experience.
2011 Kia Optima engines & transmission
The 2011 Optima is available in three all-new and fuel-efficient Theta II powerplants, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine or a 2.4-liter hybrid.
The 2.4-liter GDI engine produces 200 horsepower and upgrading to the available 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine (SX model) delivers V6-type power with a four-cylinder engine that produces 274 horsepower1, while mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
This represents Kia’s first application of GDI technology, while a 2.4-liter hybrid Optima will be introduced in 2011. All automatics feature Sportmatic clutchless shifting.
A single six-speed manual transmission is available only with the LX four-cylinder model.
Dimensions
The 2011 Optima is distinctive, right down to its all-new platform. Optima’s low, lean and powerful stance is assisted through its overall length of 190.7 inches, an increase of 1.7 inches over the previous model.
Optima is built on a platform with an overall width of 72 inches and wheelbase of 110 inches, an increase of 2.9 inches, and has a low ground clearance of 5.3 inches for enhanced aerodynamics.
Optima’s lightweight design uses high-tensile-strength steel to enhance structural strength while also achieving high torsional stiffness, benefiting handling, ride quality and refinement. Additional measures to help ensure good noise vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities are fitted throughout the Optima.
Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Optima utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems. MacPherson struts are used in the front with a multi-link layout in the rear and are both joined with coil springs and front anti-roll bars to engage drivers with responsive handling and provide the utmost comfort whether the road is smooth or less than ideal.
Kia Optima safety equipment
The 2011 Optima is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, as is the rest of the Kia line-up. T
his includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.
2011 Kia Optima Specifications:
Exterior Dimensions
Overall Length: 190.7 inches
Width: 72.0 inches
Height: 57.3 inches
Wheel base: 110.0 inches
Interior Dimensions
Front Headroom: 40.0 inches
Rear Headroom: 37.6 inches
Front Legroom: 45.5 inches
Rear Legroom: 34.6 inches
Powertrain
2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder: 200 hp
2.0-liter GDI turbo four-cylinder (SX): 274 hp1
2.4-liter hybrid (early 2011 availability)
Transmission
6-speed Manual
6-speed Automatic w/ Sportmatic® shifting
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: 16-inch (LX), 17-inch (EX), 18-inch (Optional on EX, standard on SX)
Tires: 205/65R16, P215/55R17, 225/45R18
April 1st, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Started out really considering the 2011 Sonata and now this. More features, same great mchanicals and much better looking . Curious as to how the resale value compares with the Sonata.
April 2nd, 2010 at 12:47 am
It’ll definitely lag behind Sonata for a year or two. I think both will continue to rise and level out over the next 4 years.
April 2nd, 2010 at 1:48 am
MUCH better than the Sonata!
April 2nd, 2010 at 2:37 am
I said it before and I’m going to say it again. This is one he** of a design. One he*l of a design I tell you. I really really dig this. It’s important to get D segment cars to be noticed from any manufactuer and Kia has hit the nail. Heck their designs are better than Hyundai. Even the Forte looks better than the Shrunken Sonata Hyundai calls the Elantra. That’s easy to do. The Forte and Optima look nothing alike and yet they do. Just like the K7, Sorento, Sportage, Forte look nothing alike and yet they do. Hey, I just thought of someting. Ever single Kia has been Scheryerlized exccept for the Rio. Something is up I tell you . Some really big groundbreaking suprised. but until then this Optima is the s**t. Now I can’t wait for Car and Driver, Edmunds, Autoblog, Canadian Driver and who else bring out the reviews. I want to know the 2.4L GDI, 2.0L GDI and espeacially the Hybrid since it’s Hyundai/Kia’s first hybrid made from scrach and isn’t cloned like what Mazda is going to do by 2013. That’s easy to do. Just call Toyota and ask if they can get your already made Hybrids so they can produce them into Mazdas.
April 2nd, 2010 at 3:13 am
=O Just keeps looking better and better =O
April 2nd, 2010 at 4:28 am
I’m curious as to whether the hybrid is going to be a lot different than the other powertrains like in the Sonata. Regardless, hopefully this powertrain will come much closer to its estimates in the real world. There’d be no reason whatsoever to consider a Camry hybrid and little to consider a Fusion hybrid if so with these two alternatives available.
April 2nd, 2010 at 4:46 am
“Curious as to how the resale value compares with the Sonata”
Me too! However I’d buy the Optima over the Sonata. The loaded Sonata Limited is about $28,600 MSRP. The loaded Optima EX hopefully will be around $26,500.
I used to own a 2003 Kia Sorento EX I traded (unfortunately) for my POS 2007 Hyundai Entourage Limited that I bought for $32,400 back in 2006. The 2006 Kia Sedona EX fully loaded was around $28,400. That is a $4,000 difference and to this day I still kick myself for not getting the Sedona. $4000. is the actual diiference right now of my payoff amount and what it’s worth also. I always tell my wife if I got the Sedona, I’d break even right now.
Moral of the story….gimme the sporty Kia version anyday over the overpriced Hyundai version.
April 2nd, 2010 at 5:49 am
This…. this is just a masterpiece right here. Never in my wildest dream did I ever consider the Optima to be a legitimate player in the family sedan market, but with this introduction, they have catapulted the Optima to the top of many peoples list.
By far, the BEST designed mid size sedan on the market right now. Even better than the Sonata in my opinion. However, the Sonata still looks great though but a different great if you know what I mean.
April 2nd, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Will be curious to see what the .cd is on the Optima as the Sonata, at .28, is really good. Sonata’s been out longer, obviously, so the reviews keep coming in. Major sticking points seem to be that some find the electric steering a bit disconnected, there’s wind noise around the wipers and above 70 and, steering again, some state they are constantly correcting the path.
I’ll be honest. Economic circumstances, like for a lot of us, have changed. I’m used to German driving dynamics, well Swedish as I have a SAAB 9-5 in addition to M-B C320 4Matic. While I don’t expect the same interior standard, the Optima and KIA, in general, appear to have high qauality materials and good assembly. The Optima’s center console looks “Teutonic” which, considering the designer, is understandable.
Bottom line for me is this car is winner and while I’ll drive both the Sonata and Optima before replacing my SAAB, the KIA looks better, has more of what I want and will be incredible value with that “out of the park” warranty. This is the decade that Korean automakers come into their own.
April 2nd, 2010 at 2:58 pm
GOT THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA ALREADY DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE KIA,ITS GOOD THEY ARE USING THERE ENGINE NOW,,,,THIS WAS MY TURN OFF WITH MY KIA(RUBBER BELT) ON MY V6 2006.5……
April 2nd, 2010 at 5:25 pm
JWM1 – the Optima and KIA, in general, appear to have high qauality materials and good assembly
.
Kia in general use cheap hard plastics that scratches easily and thats probably the biggest let down in many of HKAG’s [otherwise, promising] cars. Exceptions of course are the more premium cars like cadenza, Genesis and Equus.
I do agree though, that assembly is done well, and panel gaps are sufficiently tight.
April 2nd, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Hyundai Sonata is sleek looking.
But, Its evil front face is Love it/hate it design.
But, Kia’s design direction is flawless.
It is neither fancy style nor sleek. just Timeless and Natural looking.
Overall, top class sedan in its class.
Schryer Design + Hyundai’s PowerTrain
April 2nd, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Bravo!!! Good job on the design!!
April 2nd, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Wow, this thing looks great in design and function. I could imagine myself behind the wheel of this 2011 Kia Optima. This will provide great competition to my love of the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi. The Kizashi runs over bumps and smoothes them out for you and it handles like a dream. But this Optima for 2011 rocks the house big time.
April 2nd, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Striking design – interior ergonomics look spot on – really nice to see Kia creating such an interesting niche in this segment. ‘Can’t wait to test drive the turbo. ‘Looks as if my 2009 Sonata may not be part of the family that much longer. Still may have to wait and get a look at the Sonata 2.0T, but other than the rims on the Optima, the Kia design speaks to me more – and I can’t figure out why, since the Sonata has a more aggressive shape. Interesting dilemma, this one!
‘Just glad to see Kia/Hyundai coming up with these great designs and technology and being able to tell your friends “I told you so!”
Congrats Peter on a job EXTREMELY WELL DONE! (Cue in sounds of enormous crowd cheering)
April 2nd, 2010 at 11:51 pm
I’m going to be the first to get one in my city!!!! Ill post pics for you guys!
April 3rd, 2010 at 2:22 am
Wow, the Kia Optima has more features than the Sonata. There is no doubt to me it will be built at Hyundai plant in Alabama USA.
April 3rd, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Anybody have any idea when this new model will actually hit the dealers?
April 3rd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
I hear Hyunda/Kia stole the new york autoshow. Also, I see 2011 Kia sorentos on the road 3 or 4 times a week. I see Souls everyday and I see Forte’s at least twice a month.
April 3rd, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Yeah, I sat in it in New York today. I’d post pictures on the forum, but not only does it not work right, but no one ever goes on there. I have interior pics of the Forte 5-door – something you WILL NOT find on the internet, because I am the only non-Kia official who has sat in the Forte 5-door. I have tons of interior shots of the 2011 Sportage – as well as its engine, but why bother posting them. No one would read it.
April 4th, 2010 at 12:18 am
Ooo Please post! If you post now I will go and check the forum LOL
April 4th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I’m putting them up.
April 4th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Both Sonata and Optima look equally hot in their own way, and will be great money makers for Big Momma HKAG.
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They need to offer a V6 or do a 2.4 GDi Turbo. A 2.4 GDI turbo would make 3.8 Lambda Obsolete. I think Optima should have more power than Sonata, and I think Sonata should be more fuel efficient.
April 4th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
lets hope they get the forums fixed as its not indicating any new postings from March 31 in the thread headings
April 4th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
I thought you said it would have a V6 HS. LOL. Anyway, I won’t be surprised if it turns out the Optima is geared for more performance than the Sonata, just like with the previous versions. And I think that they’ll both probably be well set by not offering a V6 in this segment. Not only will it help their CAFE, but it’ll help them sell more Cadenzas and Azeras. Plus it puts a stop to some of the silly copying claims. Now they’re the leader instead of the follower with powertrain development.
Has anyone heard anything officially about where production will be? Last the Korean press was reporting, it was still that this would be made in West Point and Elantra would go to Montgomery once Santa Fe moved to West Point.
April 5th, 2010 at 12:43 am
It only seems fitting that the Optima would be built in Montgomery, since they share alot of the same parts.
April 5th, 2010 at 12:45 am
West Point does need a car at some point to offset CUV production. I think I read somewhere West Point could handle 3 cars or cuvs with their current setup.
April 5th, 2010 at 3:23 am
If you go to the Forte thread on the forum, I have 5 door interior photos posted.
April 5th, 2010 at 4:41 am
West Point is the bigger plant. So Optima, Santa Fe, and Sorento would make 3. I’d assume they’re expecting Elantra sales to grow quite a bit after the redesign, so they’d need more capacity. As it is, I think they’re pretty much at their limit in Korea.
April 5th, 2010 at 5:32 am
@Derrick G
Korean worker complains that products go to US. Korean worker hate West Point and Alabama.
It is same as GM product line move to mexico.
So, Don’t pushing HKAG move to their product line to US. if they have same product line in everywhere, It is nonsense. HKAG is not a ‘santa caluse’. They use limited resource effectively for limited place.
April 5th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
GUESS WHAT!!! I FOUND KIA K9 SPY SHOTS. I sure did I did I did!!!! And you know what? The size is about the size of the Kia Forte. It’s greenhouse is like a BMW. at first, I thought it was the next Accent but Hyundai is using that traditional However what I can’t understand is why on earth is it that I’m justing finding K9 spy shots and it’s been 3 month ago back in January. Here is the website with out that www don’t want to mess up the blog or nothing like that. Anyway it looks good and all nothing like the Optima’s greenhouse. But I’m sure it will have nice RWD and all that other really high tech luxury stuff coming from the Koreans. I graduate from College this May and when I get my new career, I will want to check in on some of these new Kias. And I don’t want to trade in my Forte for it neither ohhhh no my Forte ain’t going nowhere you hear? autoinfection.com/2012-kia-k9-2/ That’s the website for it. Himi get ready Kia is going to be the next BMW.
April 5th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
size of a forte? I thought K9 would be bigger than optima. It does look big in the spy shots actually.
April 5th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
doesnt really look like a kia. it doesnt have the kia windshield or grille
April 5th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
The car in those spy-shots looks like a 2001 Daewoo. That is certainly not a Kia. Maybe a Ssangyong, but not a Kia.
April 5th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
@jtz
That car is not K9.
That car is next gen. Hyundai Azera.
April 5th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Oh so what’s that car on Autoblog that they have mistaken for the new Optima?
April 6th, 2010 at 12:19 am
jtz that is the new Cadenza which is the amanti replacement.
April 6th, 2010 at 12:54 am
Wait you guess are confusing me. What the heck is leftlane news and autoblog taking about?!!! How on earth is autoblog saying the supposly Azera is the new Optima and it’s greenhouse is totally different than what we saw at the NY auto show. Plus travis says that car is the Amanti replacemnt. How can that be? We saw the Cadenza already back in November. It’s greenhouse is totally different from that car on spy shots on leftlane news. Then back in January I searched for the K9 and didn’t see nothing on google and yet today I searched for the K9 and I see that car on spy shots popped up and yet it was taken in January. What on earth is going on here?
April 6th, 2010 at 3:22 am
Koreans are sneaky.
April 6th, 2010 at 3:54 am
jtz,
What Autoblog called the Optima is indeed the Azera. The car on the Auto Infection site is too bland to be a HKAG product. It’s really the Renault Samsung Motors SM5, which is already on sale.
April 6th, 2010 at 4:04 am
Wow, blandness is now proof a car ISN’T a Hyundai or a Kia. Welcome to the new world order. BTW, jtz, the R. Samsung pics were posted on Leftlane news back in Nov. of last year, before the SM5 went on sale. They were just posted to the other site in Jan.
April 6th, 2010 at 11:41 am
Wow Thanks for clearing that up for me. I did not know it was that old. K9 is gonna look a million times better.
April 9th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
So:
K1=Rio
K3=Forte
K5=Optima
K7=Cadenza
K9=Genesis based sport sedan
Is that correct?
May 24th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Darius so where abouts would the Magentis seat with those models, with the K5?????
Thanks
May 24th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
K5 = Optima = Magentis
May 25th, 2010 at 1:46 am
Kia is not going to use the “Magentis” name anymore. In all markets it will be either K5 or Optima.
January 31st, 2011 at 3:38 pm
how do you check 2011 optima transmission oil level?
Would really like to know!
February 1st, 2011 at 3:05 am
Kia’s new 6 speed transmission is sealed. The fluid can’t come out, and it can’t go in. Supposedly it is supposed to last the life of the transmission, but I’m not buying it.
June 18th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
I just bought the 2011 Optima. Looks great, a real head turner. I love the feel . It,s tight and hugs the road. Also, like the media controls on the steering wheel. Powers seats has a lot of positions, plus lower back.