2013 Kia Optima SX Limited

By Kenda - September, 17th 2012

Since 2010 Kia has been dazzling drivers with the Kia Optima sedan. Now, with the 2013 Optima SX Limited, Kia proves once again that they understand luxury. 

The Optima SX has been generating a lot of conversation online and I can see why. The sedan offers top of the line convenience features, fuel economy and comfort – all in one beautifully wrapped package.

The Kia Optima SX Limited is a sleek machine that says, “I”m chic…but I have power.”  The body (available in Ebony Black, Titanium Metallic and Snow White Pearl) is worth showing off with LED running lights, chrome accented spoiler, extended headlights and sporty red break calipers. I admit, I just stood and stared for a while. It’s the perfect blend of  beauty and brawn. Once you get into the car, however, the real amazement begins. Not only are the seats soft, nappa leather – but so are the dash and interior trim; both blending well with the dark, polished wood steering wheel, gear shift and door accents. My favorite time to drive was after dark; it was as if the car wrapped around me like a VIP booth at the poshest club.

My Top 5 Features of the Kia Optima SX Limited

 

1.  Back View Camera with Safety Guides
Automatic, wide view access to your back surroundings any time you place the car into reverse. There is also a color coded guide that lets you know what areas are safe, which to be careful of and which to avoid.

2. Panoramic Dual Sun/Moon Roof
The panoramic feature of the Optima offers you a fully adjustable sunroof/moonroof in the front and a wide moon roof in the back. This is especially appealing if you have children who get ‘antsy’ on long trips or carsick. The sunlight and view is extended to all passengers and makes the car feel more open and less restrictive.

3. Electronic Parking Brake
Imagine a parking break that knows when it’s needed. That’s exactly what you get with the Optima SX electronic, one push parking break. Turn it on and if you begin to roll during a stop – the parking break automatically engages. When you’re ready to go simply tap the gas to disengage the brake.

4. Seat Temperature Control
Many sedans have heated driver’s seats. Still others offer a toasty place for both the driver and the front passenger. The Optima SX Limited offers those and goes one step further: cooling. Each seat is perforated with tiny holes that, when activated, provide an adjustable, steady stream of air to keep you cool on hot days.

 5. Convenience at Your Fingertips
The Optima SX offers a feature loaded steering wheel with access to volume control, cruise control, Bluetooth,  Trip/Reset and the Eco button for switching to most fuel effective settings while driving.

 

 My Least Favorite Feature of the Kia Optima SX Limited

 

As much as I enjoyed my driving trial with the Kia Optima SX, there was one feature I did not like: the narrow range of view through the back window.

The back window is narrow to begin with, but it’s also tilted – creating even more restriction in your range of view. As you can see from the photo above, when there are adults sitting in the back seat, their heads would block at least 50% of your rear mirror view. While this isn’t a problem when reversing due to the rear view camera, I found that it made me nervous when in heavy traffic and checking behind me when braking or preparing to change lanes. I don’t believe I should have to shout “Heads Down!” in a luxury vehicle that is designed to be catered to the driver.

 

Other Features

• Up to 34 MPG on a Turbo Gas Direct Injection 4-cyl engine – you don’t have to give up economy mileage to get full size power.
• 274 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque with 6-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted either by the main stick or paddle shifters at the steering wheel.
• Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Assist Control, and Vehicle Stability Management
• Airbags: dual front, front side mount, full-length side curtain
• HID headlights and LED rear lights
• Front fog lights
• 18″ Luxury Design wheels
• Heated exterior mirrors with turn signal indicators

 More Info

• Government 5-Star Safety Ratings
  Overall Score – 5 Stars
  Front Crash / Driver – 5 Stars
  Front Crash / Passenger – 5 Stars
  Side Crash / Front Seat – 3 Stars
  Side Crash / Rear Seat – 5 Stars
  Rollover – 5 Stars
• MPG –  City: 22  Highway: 34
• Fuel Economy – 3.8 Gallons Per 100 Miles (estimated savings over 5 years – $1350 *compared to average new vehicle)
• Greenhouse Gas Rating – 7 out of 10 Stars

MSRP – with all options – $35,275

 

I was loaned this vehicle for 7 days at no cost from STI in exchange for my honest opinions. I was not monetarily compensated.