“Ask if they have improved the cruise control since the 2016 model. Check to see how easily the operator's manual can be read.”
2016 Kia Optima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The regular 2016 Kia Optima is fully redesigned with a larger, stiffer body, a roomier and quieter cabin, and updated technology. The Optima Hybrid is the exception: it carries over on the older body with no meaningful feature changes.
About the 2016 Kia Optima
Regular Optima: 4th generation, first year (2016-2020). Optima Hybrid: previous-generation 3rd-generation model, final U.S. year before the redesigned 2017 Hybrid. Optima Plug-in Hybrid: not sold in the U.S. for 2016; first U.S. model year is 2017.
The Optima is Kia’s midsize sedan family for shoppers who want family-car space, sharper styling than the usual mainstream sedan, and a cabin that feels a step richer than the class norm. Kia markets the gas sedan around design, comfort, and a choice of efficient or turbocharged engines, while the Hybrid adds better fuel economy with much of the same everyday usability. The big draw is an upscale look and feel without needing a luxury badge.
The redesigned gas lineup ranges from the straightforward LX to the efficiency-focused LX Turbo, sportier SX Turbo, and luxury-focused Limited. The LX Turbo has a 1.6-liter turbo engine and 7-speed automatic, while the SX Turbo adds sport-tuned suspension and navigation; the Limited has Nappa leather, wireless phone charging, and adaptive cruise control. The Hybrid remains on the previous-generation body in base and comfort-focused EX form.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new LX Turbo joined the lineup with a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and Kia’s first 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The gas model’s existing 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines were retuned, while the Hybrid kept its older 2.4-liter hybrid system. The non-turbo SX trim was dropped.
Styling
The regular Optima received a new exterior and cabin for 2016. The Hybrid retained the previous-generation shape and its hybrid-specific aerodynamic front end.
Safety
The redesigned gas lineup gained newer driver-assistance equipment. A rearview camera became standard on the LX and SX Turbo, and the Limited has adaptive cruise control. Hybrid safety equipment was largely unchanged.
Tech
The gas models received broader touchscreen and convenience equipment. The LX gained a standard 5-inch touchscreen, navigation became standard on the SX Turbo, and the Limited added wireless phone charging. The Hybrid’s equipment was essentially unchanged.
Structural
The regular Optima moved to a longer, wider, stiffer platform that used much more advanced high-strength steel and additional bonding adhesive. It also brought a quieter cabin, more rear legroom, and a larger trunk. The Hybrid did not receive these structural changes for 2016.
2016 Kia Optima specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic / Auto, 6-Spd w/H-Matic | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic | Auto, 6-Spd w/H-Matic | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic | Auto, 7-Spd Dual-Clutch | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24–35 mpg | 25 mpg | 36 mpg | 22 mpg | 28 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35–39 mpg | 37 mpg | 40 mpg | 32 mpg | 39 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 185–199 hp | 185 hp | 199 hp | 245 hp | 178 hp | 245 hp |
| Torque | 154–178 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft | 154 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 10.8–15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 10.8 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6–35.6 in | 35.6 in | 34.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Kia Optima completely redesigned?
Yes, the regular 2016 Kia Optima gas sedan was completely redesigned with a larger, stiffer body and a roomier, quieter cabin. The 2016 Optima Hybrid did not share the redesign and remained on the older platform.
What new engine joined the 2016 Kia Optima lineup?
A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine joined the 2016 Kia Optima lineup in the new LX Turbo trim. It was paired with Kia’s first 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the existing 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines were retuned.
Did the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid get the new body?
No, the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid kept the previous-generation body and older 2.4-liter hybrid system. It had no meaningful feature changes and was in its final U.S. model year before the redesigned 2017 Hybrid.
How did the 2016 Kia Optima trim lineup change from 2015?
The LX Turbo was added to the 2016 Kia Optima lineup, and the non-turbo SX trim was dropped. The separate SX Turbo trim remained as the sport-focused model with a 2.0-liter turbo engine.
Was there a 2016 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid?
No, Kia did not sell a 2016 Optima Plug-in Hybrid in the U.S. The first U.S. Optima Plug-in Hybrid arrived for the 2017 model year.
2016 Kia Optima Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Kia Optima.
4.2
2016 Kia Optima
(405 reviews)
“I love my Kia! I have the freedom to go and do more things with minimal fuel costs/consumption. It has more power than I expected and it's a very comfortable ride no matter what seat I'm in. The heated/cooled seats are amazing! This car is fun, safe, and easy to handle. It has so much more than I expected in performance!”
“It handles great and is very roomy. Gas usage is great. Power Options are excellent. Overall it is a fun car to drive”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 10571 / 2016 Optima Overview
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 10780 / Kia Motors America Announces Pricing Of All New 2016 Optima
- kiamedia.com — Models / Optima Hybrid / 2016
- kiamedia.com — Optima Hybrid / 2016 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Models / Optima Hybrid / 2017
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 11199 / All New 2017 Kia Optima Plug In Hybrid Makes Global Debut At Chicago Auto Show
- kiamedia.com — Optima / 2016 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Optima Hybrid / 2016 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Optima / 2017 / Whatsnew