Kia Optima

The 2013 Kia Optima is a good midsize car, with decent handling, a nice interior, and a stronger base engine than most cars in this class. However, standout competitors surpass it with more-engaging driving dynamics, better fuel economy, and larger, more upscale interiors.

The Kia Optima’s base 192-horsepower four-cylinder engine is one of the more powerful standard engines in the class, producing swift acceleration in most situations. An available turbocharged, 274-horsepower four-cylinder generates strong V6-like acceleration. With the base engine, the Optima gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, which is typical for the class. Though the Optima has a smooth ride and good driving dynamics, sporty-handling sedans like the Ford Fusion and Mazda6 are more fun to drive.

The Kia Optima comes with satellite radio, a USB port, Bluetooth, and a cooled glove box. It’s available with a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, an Infinity audio system, navigation, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Kia’s user-friendly UVO infotainment system.