Competitors 2015:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu
Design Philosophy:
European-inspired styling, premium interior appointments
Value Proposition:
Strong emphasis on features, performance, and value for money
Strengths Vs Competitors:
Attractive styling, spacious interior, good ride comfort, available turbocharged engine
Weaknesses Vs Competitors:
Less brand cachet than some rivals, infotainment system can be less intuitive
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Ignition, Lighting, Audio, HVAC Controls, Body Electronics
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Component Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Special Procedures:
Body Repair, Airbag System Service, Emissions System Diagnosis
Depth:
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions, Exploded Views, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications
Engine Code:
Theta II G4K2
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 (DOHC, Dual CVVT)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 101.4 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Horsepower:
192 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
182 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, EGR (if applicable)
Engine Code:
Theta II G4KH
Engine Type:
Turbocharged Inline-4 (DOHC, Dual CVVT)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Horsepower:
274 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
269 lb-ft @ 1750-4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Fuel System:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) with Turbocharging
Type:
6-Speed Automatic (6F35 / A6GF1)
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for detailed ratios
Transmission Fluid Type:
SP-IV Automatic Transmission Fluid
Type:
6-Speed Automatic (6F35 / A6LF2)
Features:
Paddle Shifters, Sportmatic Shifting
Transmission Fluid Type:
SP-IV Automatic Transmission Fluid
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for most configurations)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models equipped with specific safety features)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Traction Control System:
Standard
Antilock Braking System:
Standard
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
Standard
Driver Assistance Options:
Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning (Optional/Trim Dependent)
Airbags:
Front, Side, Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-Point with Pretensioners and Load Limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH System
Uv O System Availability:
Optional (UVO eServices, UVO Infotainment System)
Display Size:
8-inch touchscreen (on higher trims)
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth, USB, Aux input, SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems:
Available Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Smartphone Integration:
Basic Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. No native Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for this model year.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control available
Seats:
Heated and ventilated front seats available, heated rear seats available
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
Every 105,000 miles (169,000 km) (Iridium type)
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0T:
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) (Iridium type)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed or at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) if conditions are severe
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 0W-20 Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.8 U.S. quarts (4.5 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0T:
5.1 U.S. quarts (4.8 L) with filter
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol Based Antifreeze (Green or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Hesitation 2.0T:
Some reports of hesitation or rough idle, potentially related to carbon buildup or fuel injector issues. Manual provides diagnostic procedures.
Transmission Harsh Shifting:
Occasional reports of harsh shifting, especially in earlier models. Software updates and fluid checks are common remedies outlined in the manual.
Electrical Gremlins:
Minor electrical issues like door lock malfunctions or infotainment glitches are sometimes reported. Manual includes wiring diagrams and troubleshooting.
Brake Wear:
Normal wear and tear, but manual details inspection and replacement procedures for rotors and pads.
Kia Global Positioning:
Growing reputation for reliability, value, and design
Optima Generations:
This is the third generation (TF) of the Kia Optima, launched for the 2011 model year, with this 2015 model representing a mid-cycle refresh.
Tf Generation Key Updates:
Significant exterior and interior redesign, introduction of direct-injection and turbocharged engines, improved technology.
Manufacturing Locations:
Hwaseong, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA (for North American market)
IIHS Award History:
The Optima TF (including the 2015 model year) has historically performed well in IIHS crash testing, often earning Top Safety Pick status when equipped with specific safety features.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings have varied by model year and specific components. The manual is crucial for understanding maintenance to preserve reliability.