The 2015 Kia Optima can have a few different personalities depending on which of its five trim levels you choose. From a more basic sedan with decent driving dynamics to a well-equipped cruiser with a performance-oriented turbocharged engine, the 2015 Optima doesn’t disappoint.
Key Points
- The 2015 Kia Optima comes in five trim levels, including the LX, EX, SX, SX Turbo, and SX Limited. Used pricing per Kelley Blue Book sits between $13,000 and $17,000 or so.
- All trims, from the LX to the SX Turbo and Limited, come with a standard six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Front-wheel drive is also standard, and no AWD option is offered.
- Engine offerings include a base 2.4L four-cylinder in the LX, EX, and SX, followed by a turbocharged 276-hp 2.0L in the SX Turbo and SX Limited, with a 0-60 speed of just 7.3 seconds.
- In terms of value, only $4,000 or so separates the base LX from the top-tier SX Limited, making the latter an exceptional buy with its 101 extra horsepower and lengthy list of standard features.
Base LX Trim, Upgraded EX, and Sporty SX Offer Plenty of Standard Features but Shine with Optional Tech and Performance Add-on Packages
The entry-level LX offers buyers the bare minimum and comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, a cloth interior, and no infotainment system or rear camera. For the latter two features, you have to add the optional LX Convenience Plus package, which also includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 10-way power driver’s seat. Buyers looking for a few more features will enjoy the EX trim, which adds 17-inch alloys, push-button start, and leather-trimmed seats, to name a few. Opt for the performance-inspired SX, and get a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloys, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, LED accent lights, and more.
Both the EX and SX trims are available with optional add-on packages, including the Turbo Premium on EX and SX, which adds a UVO eServices infotainment system, a heated steering wheel (EX only), heated front and rear seats, an Infinity sound system, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Turbo Technology package is also offered on EX and SX trims and requires the Premium package in addition, adding features like a backup warning system, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and a voice-operated navigation system. Unique to the SX, the Premium Technology package is identical to the Turbo Premium but swaps the panoramic sunroof with a heated steering wheel.
Regardless of which of these three trims you choose, under the hood will be a 2.4L four-cylinder engine with 192 hp and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. This unit delivers satisfactory performance while retaining decent fuel mileage of 23 miles per gallon during city driving and 34 on the highway.
SX Turbo and SX Limited Trims Introduce 274-hp 2.0L Engine, Adds Most Features as Standard, no Available Add-on Packages
For those seeking a bit more pushback when pressing the gas pedal, the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine is only found in SX Turbo and SX Limited trims. This small-displacement engine delivers considerable power and exciting performance thanks to modern technology. With 274 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2015 Kia Optima can reach 60 mph in a respectable 7.3 seconds.
Even though the performance potential of this engine is substantial, the fuel economy figures aren’t bad, returning 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway.
As for options, no add-on packages are offered as most options are standard. Both trims feature a sport-tuned suspension, unique 18-inch alloys, HID headlights with auto-leveling, a black glass chrome front grille, and metal pedals. The SX Turbo comes with less standard features but still offers most as optional, including a panoramic sunroof, Infinity sound system, power-folding side mirrors, a rear camera, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic, a backup warning system, ventilated/heated front seats, driver’s seat memory, and a four-way power passenger’s seat.
The SX Limited comes with the full gambit of creature comforts, safety features, and performance improvements, and several unique features not found on other trims, like an electronic parking brake, premium Nappa leather, front LED fog lights, chrome side sills, and cloth headliner and pillar trim.
The 2015 Kia Optima is a Good Value no Matter the Trim, but the SX Limited Stands out with its Minimum Price Difference
The 2015 Kia Optima had a starting MSRP of $21,840 for the base LX model, but the top-of-the-line SX Limited version ran significantly more at $35,500.
However, today you can find clean examples for $13,000 to $17,000 on the used car market. Interestingly, since the price difference between lower and upper trim levels is so small, we suggest looking for a clean SX Limited. Not only will you get all features and convenience options, but you will also get unique exterior paint colors, a more potent engine, bigger wheels, and more, which make this already elegant sedan even better.
While the lack of an all-wheel-drive option could be a deal-breaker for some customers, the 2015 Kia Optima is more than enough for the everyday duties of most buyers.
Photos: Kia
