Kia Optima dimensions

From anonymous also-ran to eye-catching class leader, the 2011 Kia Optima is a must-drive family sedan. Kia Optima Hybrid offers the following pros: Comprehensive and economical engines; good ride/handling balance; handsome cabin; copious features; top security scores; cool value; lengthy warranty. Kia Optima Hybrid drawbacks are: Can be tight on headroom; disappointing real-world fuel efficiency and driving experience for hybrid; numb steering.

The 2011 Kia Optima is a midsize sedan available in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX Turbo, SX and Hybrid.

Traditional equipment on the LX (when fitted with the manual transmission) contains 16-inch metal wheels, keyless entry, full performance accessories, a height-adjustable driver bench with performance lumbar adjustment, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping helm and a audio with a CD player, radio, an optional stereo slot and an Ipod/usb stereo interface. Opting for an LX with the automatic transmission gets you alloy wheels, cruise control and the availability of the Comfort suite, which consists of an eight-way performance driver bench and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The EX comes traditional with the Comfort suite as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, foglights, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic conditioning, back air vents and leather upholstery. The EX Turbo gets a more comprehensive motor, bigger brakes and a various grille layout. The SX is also turbocharged but has a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, LED taillights, a back lip spoiler, original bumper designs, steering-wheel paddle shifters and an updated trip computer.

The Kia Optima Hybrid is equipped similarly to the EX, though it has original 16-inch wheels and cloth upholstery. The Hybrid is the only 2011 Kia Optima that comes with Kia's new Uvo controls interface system.

The Technology suite (offered for all trims except the manual-equipped LX) adds a rearview camera, a navigator, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system and, on the LX, dual-zone conditioning and back air vents. The Luxury suite for the EX and SX adds a panoramic sunroof, a four-way performance passenger bench, driver bench memory, heated and ventilated front seatings, and heated back seatings. On the EX and EX Turbo, this suite also contains a heated helm. The Hybrid's Luxury Technology suite effectively features those two packages and also contains 17-inch wheels, xenon headlights, leather seats and the auto-dimming review mirror. .