2015 Kia Optima Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision
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The Kia Optima is a mid-size sedan that’s been a strong seller for years and is one of the notable examples of the intersection between affordable price, good resale value, and a solid factory warranty. The 2015 Kia Optima specifically boasts a long list of standard as well as optional features, making it essential to have a list of the 2015 Kia Optima pros and cons handy before going out hunting for a vehicle.
In this breakdown of the 2015 Kia Optima pros and cons, we’ll see how the model has been improved and enhanced by a range of options and amenities over previous releases. We’ll look into its cabin, engine, electronics, and more. In the end, you should know everything you need to know to help you make the best decision about whether or not a used 2015 Kia Optima is right for you. Start your engines.
What We Love: 2015 Kia Optima Pros
Here we go, no list of 2015 Kia Optima pros and cons would be complete without the former. Here are some of the most commonly referenced pros for the 2015 Optima.
Well-Designed Cabin
One of the most notable pros of the 2015 Kia Optima is the cabin interior. From the classy, European-style layout, to the surprisingly massive legroom even in the back, it’s clear this cabin was designed for the ultimate comfort of the driver and passengers. Occupants enjoy a delicate balance between practicality and luxury, with soft yet durable materials everywhere.
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Trim Options
The 2015 Kia Optima comes in a range of trim options, with each one offering a different assortment of features. The base LX version offers 16-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, and numerous power accessories. The EX adds keyless ignition on top of those features, as well as dual-zone climate control, while the SX trim builds on the EX with LED taillights and a better gauge cluster. Finally, the top-tier SLX trim upgrades to xenon headlights and exterior accent pieces.
Technology Packages
Another great thing about the 2015 Optima is the number of technology upgrades on higher tech-focused trims. Some of the upgrades you might see while shopping include rear parking sensors, cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot alerts, and an even bigger touchscreen. These packages not only add tons of convenience but also a significant bit of safety.
Uvo Electronics Interface System
The Uvo electronics interface system in the 2015 Kia Optima is known in the industry for being super-user-friendly. If you find a 2015 Optima with this system, you’ll be able to set up voice control on your cell phone or media device. The system also has built-in navigation and preloaded POIs, which puts this OEM system on par with a lot of expensive aftermarket competitors.
Safety Features
Another big upside to owning a 2015 Kia Optima is how incredibly safe they are. They have a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, and just 4 recalls since 2015. They come with some of the most advanced safety equipment available for the production year, and while they include common measures like ABS, and front airbags, they also include additional equipment. Front and rear occupants are protected by side-impact and curtain airbags, and rearview cameras allow safer reversing in all environments.
What We Don’t Like: 2015 Kia Optima Cons
Well, we had to get here eventually. We’ve run out of things that people love about the 2015 Kia Optima, and now it’s time to look at the other side of the coin. Here are some of the things people commonly complain about in their 2015 Optima.
Fuel Efficiency
A massive drawback for the budget-conscious is how poorly the 2015 Kia Optima does in mileage comparisons. In the mid-size category, the 2015 Kia Optima only gets an average of about 27 MPG, which is somewhat lower than other similar mid-size sedans. This is particualrly true for the turbocharged version, which sees an even lower economy, and as a result, a higher ongoing cost of operation.
Body Styling
While the Optima has been a wildly popular model, it’s seen very little change in its appearance over the years. This has led to many feeling that the body style is stale, and Kia is slowing down in adapting to the more modern look of many competitors.
Steering Feel
Another common complaint about the 2015 Kia Optima is that the steering can sometimes feel relatively tight, particularly on roads where there is a lot of back-and-forth steering, such as winding country roads.
This is a characteristic of the steering system and how it’s designed, which can require more effort in some situations. The overall comfort of the operation and handling is good, but it may take some drivers more time than others to get used to the feel of the steering.
THE KIA OPTIMA YEARS TO AVOID
While popular, the Optima does have its fair share of issues and has a few specific years you should be on the lookout for. Here are the Kia Optima years to avoid.
Should You Buy a 2015 Kia Optima?
There you have it, a full rundown of the 2015 Kia Optima pros and cons. If you’re considering getting one for you or your family, it’s important to have all of the information possible before making a significant financial decision like buying a car. We hope that we’ve helped you to grow your knowledge of the Kia Optima line.
Overall the 2015 Optima is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, and well-equipped sedan that’s big enough for a family. It successfully blends comfort, safety, and performance to create a practical and fun mid-size SUV. Additionally, the extensive safety features may help to drive down the cost of insurance coverage, which is a great way to save money when changing vehicles.
However, if you are considering getting one, it’s equally important to be aware of the potential drawbacks, hiccups, and speedbumps of actually owning one. In this case, it’s critical to understand how the lower fuel efficiency will affect your ongoing gas or vehicle maintenance budget.
If you balance all these factors, however, you still end up with a mid-size SUV that’s packed with more value than similar competitors.
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