You might not think the words Kia and sexy belong together, but after driving the 2013 Kia Optima SX Turbo, you’re likely to change your mind. This mid-size sedan looks hot on the outside, beautiful on the inside, and with 274 HP, has the power to match its looks.
The Kia Optima doesn’t look like a mid-size family sedan at all. It’s more like the family sedan’s sporty, European cousin who’s only in town for a week and makes all the girls swoon. I tell you, this car looks darn good and turns heads.
It’s set low to the ground with a sporty, powerful stance that looks more like a coupe than anything. If you add a few options, say 18″ alloy wheels and maybe red brake calipers, the family sedan has all but disappeared.
Despite its sleek exterior, inside there’s all the room you’d expect from a mid-size sedan. The rear is large enough for three adults to sit comfortably, or for two kids loaded down with backpacks and band instruments.
Up front, the coupe feel returns with sporty seats and a cockpit-like design that’s all about the driver. There are plenty of standard features like Bluetooth wireless and steering wheel audio controls with a list of additional options that will make technology lovers very happy.
The Kia Optima most definitely is not all about looks, although it looks darn good. Take a seat, start her up, and you’ll be surprised by just how fun it is to drive. It not only looks like a coupe, it drives like one.
Acceleration is impressive with a wonderful squished into your seat feel if you hit the gas hard on the highway. It also handles beautifully, taking corners at highway speeds as easily as it navigates bumpy side roads.
If you’ve got the idea that Kias aren’t that exciting, think again. Take the Kia Optima SX Turbo for a drive and see if you don’t fall in love and want to take one home.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
