2013 Kia Optima SX Limited

   The 2013 Kia Optima is a stylish mid-size sedan that comes equipped with many standard and safety features. In addition, the fuel-efficient Kia Optima SX is outfitted with a powerful engine. Also, the SX Limited handles the road well and has decent steering and excellent braking and suspension. The exterior of this sporty and well-designed vehicle is enhanced by LED running lights, chrome trim accents and red-painted brake calipers.

Inside the cabin, Kia included many top-quality soft-touch materials, comfortable and supportive premium leather seating and an easy to reach and operate center console. The cabin is also spacious and has sufficient leg and head room in the front and back seats. There is also a decent sized trunk that offers 15.4-cubic-foot of cargo space.

The front-wheel drive SX trim level of the Kia Optima is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that puts out 274 horsepower and 269 pound feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, which is pretty impressive.

Standard equipment on the SX Limited includes air-conditioning, keyless entry, full power accessories, 18-inch chrome wheels, keyless ignition, foglamps, automatic cruise control and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Kia loaded the SX Limited with other outstanding features such as rear air vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, plush leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated and cooled front seats, remote power start, HD radio, a panoramic sunroof, power-folding mirrors and a first-aid kit.

Kia also equipped the SX Limited model with many electronic features like Bluetooth with phone connectivity and audio streaming, a touchscreen interface navigation system, a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and an iPod/USB interface.

Safety is important to the Kia brand, and the Kia Optima SX Limited comes equipped with many safety features such as a rearview camera, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a tire-pressure monitoring system, various front, side and rear airbags, traction and stability control, folding turn signal mirrors, a remote anti-theft alarm system, hill assist, a remote trunk light and a remote trunk release. In addition, the Kia Optima earned a top five-star rating for overall safety in government crash tests as well as for frontal and side impact crash tests.

The handsome and well-styled 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited is safe, powerful, roomy and well-equipped and offers everything car buyers want in a mid-size sedan.

I was provided with a Kia Optima to drive for one week.