What we did like was the Optima’s suspension: the ‘sport-tuned’ springs and shocks of the SX and SXL are (for a change) not overly firm, while the softer setup in LX and EX models never felt wishy-washy, as was once the habit of Korean cars. Elsewhere in the chassis, SX and SXL cars get larger front brakes (12.6 inches, versus 12-inchers in lesser-trimmed models), and red painted calipers are a sharp-looking touch.

We found the Optima’s interior comfortable, but we’ll wait till we’ve spent a full week in the car to pass judgement on long-haul comfort.

Typically for Kia, the Optima comes with a long list of standard kit the company says makes the car a stronger value than its competitors. The base LX package isn’t too interesting, with the 2.4L engine, the usual power windows/locks/mirrors/air conditioning, plus heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, Bluetooth, windshield wiper de-icer, cruise, and keyless entry.

LX+ trim is more appealing, adding 17-inch wheels, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 12-way power driver’s seat, backup camera, intelligent keyless with auto-open trunk, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power-folding side mirrors.

LX TechLX ECO Turbo is the sole trim that comes with the 1.6L engine and seven-speed automatic, and it arrives equipped similarly to the LX+, but reverts to 16-inch wheels with low rolling resistance tires, and adds rain-sensing wipers, LED running lights and taillights, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The 2.4L-powered EX trim builds not on LX Tech, but on LX+, adding a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, rear cross traffic alert and parking sensors, interior mood lighting, leather seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear seat air vents, and pull-up sunshades in the rear doors.

Confusingly, there’s a second trim with a ‘Tech’ suffix: where Kia says the LX Tech is all about what’s under the hood, EX Tech’s extras are inside the car, where you get navigation, upgraded 10-speaker stereo, ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.

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