Trims and Mechanical Features

This model year’s Optima features four available trim configurations: LX, S, EX, and SX. The LX and S come standard with a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that delivers 185 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque; it is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The EX receives a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 178 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque; it is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The top-trim SX comes standard with a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 245 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and a six-speed automatic transmission provides the shifting. The base 2.4-liter engine is rated by the EPA to get 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine achieves 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, and the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

The base LX comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors, automatic headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth audio, a USB port, and rear parking sensors. The S trim adds a rear spoiler, push-button start, and an upgraded cloth and faux leather interior. Next, the EX receives adaptive cruise control, a hands-free unlocking trunk, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. The most loaded trim, the SX, comes standard with 18-inch wheels, LED foglights and headlights, dual exhaust tips, a sport-tuned suspension, and an upgraded driver information display. The SX also features three optional Limited packages that include 18-inch black wheels, upgraded leather upholstery, body-colored mirrors, a surround-view camera, and additional interior color choices.

Safety

The 2019 Optima boasts a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Even the base Optima comes standardly equipped with exceptional advanced safety features, such as a rear parking camera, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring system with rear-cross traffic alert, lane keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.

Technology

Through its user-friendly interface and standard voice controls, the Optima makes it easy to send and receive text messages, make phone calls, and change music on the road. The base-model Optima comes equipped with some great technology such as a 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Siri Eyes Free, and HD and satellite radio. The Premium package, which comes standard on the SX, includes a 630-watt, ten-speaker Harman Kardon QuantumLogic premium surround-sound system with Clari-Fi.