Competitive Set:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata
Key Strengths:
Stylish design, value for money, feature-rich interior, good fuel economy (especially GDI engines)
Design Philosophy:
European-inspired design language, sporty and elegant lines
Trim Levels:
Likely includes LX, EX, SX (depending on market)
Powertrain Options:
Multiple engine choices, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants, and often a hybrid option in some markets.
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, exhaust, fuel, cooling, lubrication
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear, ABS, ESC), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, body control modules, instrument cluster, infotainment, HVAC controls, power accessories
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, seats, safety restraints
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Repair:
Engine component repair/replacement (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission repair/rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, wiring diagrams
Special Procedures:
Timing belt/chain replacement, head gasket replacement, clutch replacement (if applicable), AC system servicing, airbag system servicing
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code Usdm:
G4KH (2.4L GDI)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Displacement:
2359 cc (2.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Horsepower Hp:
197 hp @ 6300 RPM
Torque Lb Ft:
184 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane recommended, 91 Octane for optimal performance)
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 Valves with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (Dual CVVT)
Engine Management System:
ECU (Electronic Control Unit) with OBD-II diagnostics
Optional Engine Usdm:
2.0L Turbocharged GDI (Theta II GDI Turbo)
Optional Engine Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Optional Engine Horsepower Hp:
274 hp @ 6000 RPM
Optional Engine Torque Lb Ft:
269 lb-ft @ 1750-4500 RPM
Injection Type:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Fuel Pump Type:
High-pressure electric fuel pump
Type:
6-speed Automatic (6AT)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia SPIII or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Type:
6-speed Manual (6MT) - may be available on certain trims/markets
Shift Modes:
Driver Selectable Mode (Sport/Comfort), Manual Shift Mode (with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters on some trims)
Torque Converter Lockup:
Yes, for improved fuel efficiency
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Likely 5-Star (check specific year/testing for exact figures)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely awarded 'Top Safety Pick' for its model year (check specific test results)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS)
Airbags Front:
Dual front advanced airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Full-length side curtain airbags
Active Headrests:
Yes, front seats
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Display Options:
Available touch-screen infotainment system (e.g., 8-inch screen on higher trims)
Audio System:
Premium audio system options (e.g., Infinity branded audio)
Connectivity:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB/Auxiliary input jacks
Navigation:
Optional navigation system
Parking Sensors:
Available (front and rear)
Keyless Entry:
Standard with push-button start on higher trims
Dual Zone Climate Control:
Available
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement Gdi:
Every 105,000 miles (169,000 km) for GDI engines (iridium type)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as per severe driving conditions
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-20 (Synthetic)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Asian Red/Pink or equivalent (e.g., HOAT)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some GDI engines may exhibit higher oil consumption. Monitor oil levels regularly. (Refer to TSBs)
Transmission Hesitation:
Occasional reports of transmission hesitation or rough shifts. Software updates and fluid changes can help.
Catalytic Converter Issues:
Less common, but potential for premature failure on some GDI engines if oil consumption is high.
Electrical Gremlins:
Infrequent reports of minor electrical issues, often related to sensor failures or module communication. Manual troubleshooting is key.
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation
First Generation:
2005 (as Kia Magentis/Optima)
Second Generation:
2010 (Type 'MS' - significant redesign)
Third Generation:
2011 (Type 'TF' - launched for model year 2011, with 2013 being a mid-cycle refresh or continuation)
Manufacturing Location:
Hwaseong Plant, South Korea
Production Years Tf Gen:
2010/2011 - 2015
IIHS Recognition:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick status often awarded to the Optima line during this generation.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally received average to good reliability ratings from Consumer Reports for its model year, with specific engine variants being more reliable than others.
Edmunds Reviews:
Often praised for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and value proposition by automotive publications like Edmunds.