The Redesigned 2016 Kia Optima is Coming Soon to Classic Kia

Apr 10, 2015

For car fans, a major highlight of April is the New York Auto Show. Automakers come out to show off both current models at dealerships, as well as concepts and upcoming cars. At the 2015 New York Auto Show, Kia came out to debut the redesigned 2016 Kia Optima sedan. Here are a few of the major changes.

A big change this year will be the introduction of a new 1.6L four-cylinder engine turbocharged to produce 178 hp. It’s paired with an also new seven-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L four-cylinder and the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engines will also make a return.

Attached to a six-speed automatic transmission, Kia says both returning engines have been retuned for higher efficiency. No matter which engine you pick, handling will be easier and the steering will feel more fluid thanks to a lightened chassis that’s also a bit stiffer.

The exterior of the new Kia sedan is larger and wider than the current 2015 Kia Optima, which is still available at our Kia dealer serving Libertyville. This change will provide more room for passengers, especially in the back seat. The interior has been reinforced to provide increased sound deadening against road noise. In the front, the center console has been altered with a simpler, cleaner look with less button clutter.

The 2016 Kia Optima will boast a number of new features as well such as a full 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control. This will also be the first vehicle in the Kia lineup to feature both Android and Apple CarPlay. This makes it easier to connect and use smartphone functions, no matter which operating system you use.

Classic Kia should have the new model sometime in the fourth quarter of 2015. In the meantime, feel free to check out the 2015 Kia Optima near Libertyville and take a test drive.