Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Wow to Thrilling & Pet-Friendly 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo #DriveKia

For my recent trip to Orlando for Global Pet Expo, I was given the opportunity to review the fully redesigned 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo and Wow!  It was a fun car to drive.  The Optima was Snow White Pearl with a Black and Merlot Leather interior.

Kia Optima SX 2.0L Turbo

One of the first things I noticed about the 2016 Optima SX Turbo was its Smart Welcome.  When the car detects your Smart Key, it automatically unfolds the outside mirrors and turns on the door pocket lights.  It was very convenient for getting in and out of the car in the evenings.

Kia Optima SX Turbo Smart Welcome feature

Upon entering the vehicle, I knew this would be a great car for my 2.5 hour trip to Orlando.  The interior is very spacious and the heated/cooled front seats with power lumbar support were quite comfortable.  The SX comes with leather seat trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 8-inch touchscreen display for the Navigation System, SIRIUSXM Radio, Bluetooth connectivity and the Rear-Camera.

Spacious interior of 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo

The 2016 Optima SX Turbo came with Kia’s UVO Infotainment and Connectivity Platform that has advanced voice-recognition technology so you can make hands-free calls, manage your music and get directions via the navigation system.  Smartphone integration comes in the form of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Despite not having Oz with me on this trip, I loved the fact that the Kia Optima SX has a rear center console that allows backseat passengers to control air flow as well as charge electronics via USB or 12 volt outlets.  The back seat was quite spacious as well with plenty of legroom and headroom.

Rear console with air control and USB outlets in Kia Optima SX

The real “wow” came when driving.  The 2016 Kia Optima SX comes with a 2.0L Turbo Four-Cylinder Engine and 6-speed automatic transmission that can really pack a punch!  With an average 30 miles per gallon on the highway, the Optima gets fairly good gas mileage for a car that can zip past traffic with ease.  I also liked that the Optima SX is quiet on the inside – road noise and wind were barely heard while driving on both back roads and the highway.

Despite its turbo-charged style, the 2016 Kia Optima SX is a very safe vehicle for family and pets.  Standard safety features include anti-lock braking system, traction control system, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, tire pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist, dual front airbags, side airbags, driver’s knee airbag and full-length side curtain airbags.  Additional equipment on the Optima SX include the Blind Spot Detection System, Rear Cross Traffic System and the Rear Parking Assist System.

Sleepypod Max in 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo

In addition, the rear seat comes equipped with lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH system) for child car seats or for your pet’s Sleepypod Clickit Utility safety harness.

Thrilling & Pet-Friendly Kia Optima SX 2.0L Turbo

If you are looking for a midsized yet sporty sedan that can pack a punch on the road while keeping your loved ones safe, then the 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo may be the car for you.

Oz the Terrier would like to thank Kia and Drive Shop for the opportunity to test drive the Optima SX Turbo.  We would also like to thank Sleepypod for allowing us a photo shoot with Max at Global Pet Expo.







15 comments:

  1. You're lucky to try so many cars. SHE says we're too messy for a new car.

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  2. Oh very pretty, I finks that would make a pawfect Princess Carriage don't you?
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  3. I love it... it has totally class to ride in this beauty :o) and white a super color for a car, I like that we go back to real colors now instead to deal with a non-color named ironheart or limbo-red-green-purple .O)

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  4. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh Oz those are some fancy wheels you Mom drove to Orlando!!
    I bet furry Oz and flat Sugar felt like royalty riding in that Kia
    Hugs madi your bfff

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  5. One ringyding Two ringydingy Hello Oz ~ The car we drive now is white pearl in color. Why those unfold side mirrors are like a pill bug opening ~ what will they think of next.
    Thanks for being a friend
    Sweet William The Scot

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  6. that would look good with a black cat in the seat.
    wienie

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  7. Tell mom to put the pedal to the metal
    Lily & Edward

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  8. Cool car, did they let you drive? We're not sure about that giant doggie though!

    Keep Calm & Bark On!

    Murphy & Stanley

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  9. That looks like a fancy car.

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  10. Mom bought a Jeep Wrangler thinking I would look cool riding with her but I don't like car rides and now has to take Judd instead. BOL.

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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  11. Looks like a nice car. Kia has come a long way I think with vehicles.

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  12. That is one cool ride! Love the leather heated and cooled seat option!

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  13. Mom's honda has heated leather seats - she loves that feature in the winter.
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & mabel

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  14. That is one sweet ride, my friends! Bentley thinks Oz should swing by the bayou and pick Pierre and him up to cruise. ☺

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  15. Pretty car! I love that red leather interior!
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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Thank you for stopping by and leaving a pawprint. I enjoy reading each and every one!
Cairn cuddles,
Oz the Terrier