MY BRAND NEW PERSPECTIVE OF THE 2016 KIA OPTIMA Wednesday 13 January, 2016
I’m riding around and getting it again! I got a chance to review another Kia! This time the 2016 Kia Optima. Now this was a car review I was truly interested in, because I actually used to own a Kia Optima. For 6 years until I got the car I own and I am not going to lie, it’s a way different perspective than my 2002 Kia Optima. Did you all know my first car was a 1996 Kia Sephia…so it has really came a long way from that as well!
Kia has truly stepped up their game tremendously in the car manufacturing department! They are all now sport and fun, and definitely fuel efficient and user friendly! I owned a 2002 Kia Optima for 6 years before trading it in. It was not as fun as this new one I will tell you that. It was pretty basic, the only thing fun about my 2002 Kia Optima is that it had a sunroof…but that’s about it. I can say for a 2002 version, back then they just didn’t have all the tech features that we depend on now such as Satellite Radio, GPS features, bluetooth, etc…it was more important to have power locks more than anything. Let me tell you the new upgraded specs for the 2016 version!
2016 Kia Optima Features
8-in. touch-screen display on the dashboard (offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay technology)
rearview camera with an available 360° monitor
Advanced Smart Cruise Control
Blind Spot Detection
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Lower-adjustable front seats with new height adjuster for the front passenger’s seat.
Heated and ventilated front seats
Panoramic glass sunroof
LED taillights and automatic high-beam
The ride was a super smooth ride! I felt like I was gliding. For a mid-size vehicle, it actually felt very similar to the Kia Sorento I drove last summer on a road trip with a friend. It’s basically the same specs except it’s a sedan version. So it was a familiar feel but definitely still an UPGRADE from 2002 (but of course). This time I took another road trip but completely solo!
One of the more obvious cosmetic aspects of this car is the designing! It had an amazing diamond criss-cross leather seat upholstery stitching on all the seats! I’ve always wanted to drive and own a car with leather seating. Cool fact: It’s the same designer who creates the interior design work from luxury vehicles such as the Aston Martin’s. Lots of space in the car too…more space that I even expected in the front and back!
Car rode very similar to the 2016 Kia Sorento. Of course it’s a push button start, with lots of USB plus and technology option. Best part is the rear mirrors that you can see a 360 degree view of you car when backing out. That’s fancy!
I really enjoyed the large sunroof!
When I had it I took it on a mini trip to visit a friend. Only 3 hours away…I am getting used to taking road trip by myself now. I won’t lie, in my other Kia I never wanted to drive solo road trips in my 2002 version. Before I would of never did it, I am still kind of a passenger rider. It was something blissful about riding in this car though for the mini trip. Smooth riding and great music, I even turned to Comedy Satellite Radio to pass the time. I don’t think I have ever had so much fun in a Kia Optima before. As a previous owner, I can tell you times has changed and Kia’s got with the program. They have moved with the time and have listened to what the consumers wanted. I once said I wouldn’t want to be a Kia Optima owner again (because I felt it was boring originally), but I have completely changed my mind! I would be a Kia Optima owner in a heartbeat now! As a previous Kia owner, I need to reconsider maybe being an owner for the 3rd time!
Do You Like Taking Solo Road Trips?
About the Blogger - Kiwi the Beauty
Kiwi is the free spirited blogger and content creator of KiwiTheBeauty.com. As a digital influencer, she produces creative inspiration around beauty, lifestyle, media and travel leisure. Her life mantra is to make manifesting fun! When she’s not blogging, she is eating trendy hipster food, carrying crystals, making it rain at her local farmer's market and binge brunching.
Follow her on her blog and social media at kiwithebeauty.com + @kiwithebeauty
I’m not a huge fan of solo road trips but somethings just going on a drive can be so therapeutic so I can definitely see why people enjoy them! The Kia is super cute. I love the interior.
These cars are gorgeous! I test drove the Optima and the Sorento and fell in love. If I decide to purchase another new car it will be a Kia. The quality for the value is Amazing!!!
I’m in sales and travel for work so I may suggest to my company to put this on our list of cars. The sorento is already on our list of cars to choose from. Great Review
OMG Kiwi you look amazing in that car. I know it is a fully loaded beauty but the selling point for me are those beautifully stitched seats. Such a dream!
It’s so cute and sporty! I’m in an SUV now thanks to having a 2 yo and another on the way, but I used to drive the little Lexus IS and I loved zooming around in a small, sporty car.
Love it! And I had a Kia also. It wasn’t my first car, but I loved my Silver Spectra. It had so much speed. I need to test a new one, because I definitely loved the brand. And it’s cute!
This looks like a great car packed with so many useful features! My husband will be looking for another car soon, so I’ll let him know about this model!
The 2016 Kia Optima is an amazing vehicle and looks so sweet. I love Kia vehicles because of how long they last and the styles. The leather seat style in this one is just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I agree that Kia has really stepped up their game. My husband had a 2005 Kia Spectra when we met, and let’s just say that car was less than desirable for him – or me. I have a Kia Sorento now though, and I absolutely love it and all of its features. The Optima is one car I considered, but I decided to go with an SUV rather than a car.
I remember the Kia Sephia’s!! They were all the rage back in the day. We have a Kia Sportage now and we love it, though we are starting to outgrown it. I love the sunroof on this Optima!
I always wanted to check out the Kia but my husband is a Nissan man. I take road trips by myself all the time for blog business, and I love the alone time.
That is an amazing car. Love the rims, the color and the seats. I would never of thought a Kia could look like this. I guess I need to car shop more often!
This is a good looking car, I would change the color of the interior but that is about it. I’ve never driven a KIA, I need to check them out. Babe keeps talking about them.
I love my Kia. I have never taken a solo road trip unless you count taking a 2 year old along for a 3 hour drive, lol. I’m kind of scared of doing it alone.
KIA KIA KIA!
When KIA first was introdude decades ago, it was a points A-B car no style… an upgraded cab basically. KIA and SATURN. SATURN is gone of course, but KIA has evovled greatly.
This car has smooth contours and the leather detailing speaks volumes. You look fresh and vibrant in it, too!
I actually do like traveling solo sometimes. Road trips are a lot of fun and it’s even better when I’m driving a nice car. As long as it has a lot of trunk space, bluetooth, a nice sound system and sunroof…I’m sold.
Car rode very similar to the 2016 Kia Sorento. Of course it’s a push button start, with lots of USB plus and technology option. Best part is the rear mirrors that you can see a 360 degree view of you car when backing out. That’s fancy!
I’m not a huge fan of solo road trips but somethings just going on a drive can be so therapeutic so I can definitely see why people enjoy them! The Kia is super cute. I love the interior.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
These cars are gorgeous! I test drove the Optima and the Sorento and fell in love. If I decide to purchase another new car it will be a Kia. The quality for the value is Amazing!!!
I’m in sales and travel for work so I may suggest to my company to put this on our list of cars. The sorento is already on our list of cars to choose from. Great Review
OMG Kiwi you look amazing in that car. I know it is a fully loaded beauty but the selling point for me are those beautifully stitched seats. Such a dream!
It’s so cute and sporty! I’m in an SUV now thanks to having a 2 yo and another on the way, but I used to drive the little Lexus IS and I loved zooming around in a small, sporty car.
I love the car. It’s adorable! I like to drive short distances alone, but when it comes to road trips, I need someone with me to keep me company!
Love it! And I had a Kia also. It wasn’t my first car, but I loved my Silver Spectra. It had so much speed. I need to test a new one, because I definitely loved the brand. And it’s cute!
While I haven’t ever taken a solo road trip, I wouldn’t mind it in that Kia. The interior is heavenly!
This looks like a great car packed with so many useful features! My husband will be looking for another car soon, so I’ll let him know about this model!
I love the look of those seats – so luxurious. I keep hearing more and more great things about Kia – they have come a long way!
I do like taking solo road trips and fuel efficiency is important to me. I love the new Kia Optima.
It sounds like a great car. I have always heard such great things about Kias.
I really like Kias. I wasn’t a fan until my daughter got one. It’s been really nice.
That is such a gorgeous car! I absolutely love Kia. We’re looking into getting a new car, and Kia is the front runner.
What a beautiful interior! I am amazed by the great Kia features
The 2016 Kia Optima is an amazing vehicle and looks so sweet. I love Kia vehicles because of how long they last and the styles. The leather seat style in this one is just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your experience.
What sporty seat stitching. A fashionable throwback! And yes, I agree. The car’s perks and features have come so far in 10 years!
I agree that Kia has really stepped up their game. My husband had a 2005 Kia Spectra when we met, and let’s just say that car was less than desirable for him – or me. I have a Kia Sorento now though, and I absolutely love it and all of its features. The Optima is one car I considered, but I decided to go with an SUV rather than a car.
It is great that you were able to truly see the changes that have been made over the years. This looks like a really nice car!
Proud Kia owner for the past four years here and I absolutely love everything my Sorento has to offer. The new Optima is so hot!
I am not a fan of solo road trips, but that car does look pretty nice – great features. I would take hubby along 😉
I just tried one for the first time too. I really liked it. Now Kia is on my radar.
I remember the Kia Sephia’s!! They were all the rage back in the day. We have a Kia Sportage now and we love it, though we are starting to outgrown it. I love the sunroof on this Optima!
Kia is definitely an amazing car. I would love to take it on a test drive.
The Kia has come a long way from back in the day. What a stylish car and I love the interior.
Siobhan
http://www.befreeproject.com
I have not taken a solo road trip for some time but I like them. Love hearing about the Optima. I love Kia’s commercials.
Nice review, espcially since you have had a Kia before. My next car needs to have heated seats and blind spot detection.
What a car. Awesome features and great design. Love it!
I love Kia! I’ve owned a few automobiles from them. I really like the optima. Looks perfect for my family.
Wow your new car look so classy, I wish I have my own car too.
i’m so in love with kia now!!! i’m whipping the sorento now!
This is a very nice looking car! As a mom of three I have to live vicariously with sedans like this now 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
What a fantastic looking car! I would love to tool about town in this vehicle!
I love all the features this Kia offers! I am in the market for a new car and I definitely plan on checking out this car. Thank you for sharing.
What a great looking car! Kia has completely changed their look since I first took notice of them. I’m always down for a solo or girlfriend road trip.
Nice car – My good friend has a Kia and she loves it. Great warranty
Cute car! Love the way the seats look. Not what I would picture or expect from Kia. Love it actually!
I had this car for my birthday and it was so fabulous to drive around. I love Kia cars!
I always wanted to check out the Kia but my husband is a Nissan man. I take road trips by myself all the time for blog business, and I love the alone time.
I am actually not a fan of huge cars, like SUV’s. I like how this one is compact and sporty!
That is an amazing car. Love the rims, the color and the seats. I would never of thought a Kia could look like this. I guess I need to car shop more often!
This is a good looking car, I would change the color of the interior but that is about it. I’ve never driven a KIA, I need to check them out. Babe keeps talking about them.
I’ve never been into Kia’s but this car is pretty nice, I’m really feeling the body of the car, very stylish.
I love my Kia. I have never taken a solo road trip unless you count taking a 2 year old along for a 3 hour drive, lol. I’m kind of scared of doing it alone.
Love the insides. Kia has gotten me everytime and they are stepping it up big time.
KIA KIA KIA!
When KIA first was introdude decades ago, it was a points A-B car no style… an upgraded cab basically. KIA and SATURN. SATURN is gone of course, but KIA has evovled greatly.
This car has smooth contours and the leather detailing speaks volumes. You look fresh and vibrant in it, too!
I actually do like traveling solo sometimes. Road trips are a lot of fun and it’s even better when I’m driving a nice car. As long as it has a lot of trunk space, bluetooth, a nice sound system and sunroof…I’m sold.
Kia really has stepped it up! I actually considered getting one while car hunting. The designs just keep getting better!