Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

2013 Midsize sedan comparison test

Get the best interest rate
Khatir Soltani
A fight to the death
4- 2013 Kia Optima (79.52%)
Oh what a difference a model year can make! Well, as we've said, it's the competition that continues to be fierce. The Kia Optima held a special place in our hearts as it won our midsize car of the year in the past. Sadly for it, the Kia was outclassed recently by the winner of this test and two of its closest rivals.

2013 Kia Optima
Many steal a second glance at the Optima and go, "Wow." (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Nearly everything has been said about the 2013 Kia Optima and the way it looks. German inspired, dynamic, inspired, sleek, and on, and on, and we agree; we like this car very much. The Optima continues to turn heads as it remains an "unexpected" surprise every time. No one ever bothers with a Toyota Camry, but many steal a second glance at the Optima and go, "Wow."

The 2013 Kia Optima's cabin is just as expressive as its outer shell. The dashboard's layout is unlike any other car. Kia threw out the rulebook that stated symmetry is key and designed a good old driver-centric center console. Although some found it busy, others thought it was brilliant and well conceived.

What also continues to impress over and above is how well put together this car is, and the attention to detail. Stitching is found everywhere, and all plastics and panels line up perfectly. Color us continued fans of Kia's work.

Where the 2013 Kia Optima looses ground is in interior space. Its exterior shape dictates that cabin volume was compromised somewhat; in most instances penalties were few and far between as four adults will be cozy onboard, but will not benefit from oodles of room as in the other cars. Visibility suffers greatly because of the car's shape, as well.

Front seats were snug and not to everyone's taste. Especially since we were wearing full winter garb. Ingress and egress are slightly compromised, and this makes installing a baby seat in the rear more complicated. The trunk is plenty spacious for most applications.

The tested 2013 Kia Optima EX+ gets its mojo from the extended family's 200 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. With it, the 6-speed autobox combine to make the Optima a spirited performer. The transmission swiftly shifts from one cog to another giving the car plenty of get-up-and-go.

Likewise, the 2013 Kia Optima's ride is sporty and well controlled. The car's chassis is better suited to smooth roads, however, the car managed well on the rough, poorly kept roads of south-western Quebec.

All appreciated the Optima's firm and strong brakes as well as its well weighted and direct steering. All enjoyed driving the car, but it clearly was not enough to hoist the 2013 Kia Optima onto the podium.

2013 Kia Optima
Kia threw out the rulebook and designed a good old driver-centric center console. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada