Kia completely redesigned the Optima for 2011 with an aggressive look, more luxurious interior, and added muscle in the form of an optional turbocharged 2.0L engine for SX models. Plus, a new hybrid option offered more fuel savings.
Key Points
- The 2011 Kia Optima moved the model decidedly upmarket with new engines, features, and a sporty SX trim.
- Upper trims brought luxuries not found on previous Optimas, such as rain-sensing windshield wipers and a panoramic sunroof.
- Trim levels include the LX as the entry-level trim, the EX as the mid-tier, and the SX as the top-of-the-range. Another option for 2011 was the EX Luxury trim, which featured SX’s interior enhancements but retained the LX/EX’s powertrain.
- The 2.4L inline-four was the only available engine for the LX, EX, and EX Luxury models.
- The 2017 Optima’s SX trim came standard with a 2.0L turbo-four good for 274 hp. The SX also netted a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch sport alloy wheels.
2011 Optima’s Three Trims Range from Base LX’s 2.4L I4, to Top-trim SX’s 2.0L Turbocharged Motor, Plus EX’s More Fuel-efficient Hybrid Edition
The 2011 Optima was an important milestone for Kia. The redesign of the brand’s competent but bland midsize sedan marked the company’s transition from a purveyor of value-oriented vehicles to a serious contender to the likes of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
The redesigned Optima shared a platform and powertrains with the Hyundai Sonata and offered a long list of standard features as well as upmarket packages for higher trims. The Optima also looked to out-muscle its competition by offering a new turbocharged engine. The 2011 Kia Optima’s trim levels were retained from the previous model year and included the base LX, mid-tier EX, and sporty SX trims.
2011 Kia Optima LX Features 2.4L Inline-four and Automatic Headlights
Offering numerous standard features from the ground up, the LX trim includes dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators, and 16-inch steel wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires. Serving as the entry-level model, the LX came standard with a 2.4L inline-four, six-speed manual transmission, and a four-wheel independent suspension with anti-lock disc brakes.
A six-speed automatic transmission was optional and featured cruise control and an active system for optimal fuel-efficient driving. A panoramic sunroof was also available on LX models.
Additional safety and convenience features include:
- Automatic headlights
- Heated cloth front seats
- Climate-controlled glove box
- Tilting/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls
- Bluetooth connectivity with AUX and USB inputs
2011 Kia Optima EX Trim is Ready for any Weather with Rain-sensing Windshield Wipers and High-intensity Headlights
Upgrading to the EX offers standard fog lights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome/body-color door handles, and 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55/R17 tires. (The EX Turbo adds a unique front grille design.)
The EX trim also features:
- Push-button ignition
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Heated leather front seats
- Rearview camera
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
The EX Luxury package builds on the EX’s standard features with 18-inch wheels, high-intensity headlights, LED tail lights, cooled front seats, eight-speaker Infinity audio system, and heated rear seats and steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof, an option for EX models, was also a standard feature for EX Luxury models, and a navigation system was optional.
There is also a hybrid version of the EX, which has all of the same features as the EX trim level with a more fuel-efficient hybrid engine.
Optima EX comes well-equipped and offers premium standard features, including the UVO powered by Microsoft4 hands-free in-car entertainment and communication system with rear-view camera, push-button start with smart key, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink5 and compass, auto light control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and an eight-way power driver’s seat, illuminated glovebox, rear reading lamps, floor mats and chrome door handles.
Moving to the EX Turbo also adds wood interior trim with metal accents for a more luxurious feel.
Top-range 2011 Kia Optima SX Gets Powerful 2.0L Turbocharged Engine, Sport-tuned Suspension
The top-of-the-range SX trim netted a powerful 2.0L turbocharged motor as well as a sport-tuned suspension with higher front and rear spring rates and larger anti-roll bars. Also, the EX Luxury’s optional navigation system was a standard feature on the SX trim.
The high-end trim level also included:
- 18-inch sport alloy wheels with P225/45R18 tires
- Rear lip spoiler
- Signature sport grille
- Black leather seats with sport cloth trim
- Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters
- LED rear combination lights
Three Trims, Specialty Packages, and a Reputation for Reliability Make 2011 Kia Optima a Solid, Customizable Daily Driver
The 2011 Kia Optima hit the mark for almost any driver. Buyers who wanted to row their own gears and didn’t care for a lot of bells and whistles could buy the basic LX model, or opt for the automatic transmission if they didn’t care to shift for themselves. The EX and EX Luxury trims represented an amazing value, with features that other manufacturers would often charge thousands for already included.
Finally, the SX model added a sporty flavor to a previously bland sedan thanks to its powerful turbocharged engine. Whatever your priorities were, Kia made sure that they made an Optima to meet virtually any driver’s tastes.
Photos: Kia
