The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2016 Kia Optima with a Top Safety Pick Plus rating, when equipped with the optional front crash prevention.
In order to qualify for TSP+, a car needs to earn "good" ratings in five crash-worthiness tests, which include small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints, along with either "advanced" or "superior" rating in front crash prevention. The latter was rated "superior" and the 2016 Optima earned "good" overall crash-worthiness ratings.
"We are pleased that the all-new Optima received strong ratings across the range of rigorous tests set forth by IIHS. This rating validates the efforts of our engineers and the priority we place on safety for our consumers", the VP for product planning at KMA, Orth Hedrick, said.
Kia has equipped with the 2016 Optima with a long list of technologies, which include standard rearview camera on all models, while the SX and SXL trims add the 360-degree surround view monitor. Available driver-aid tech includes Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Parking Assist, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
The 2016 Optima is priced from $21,840 (MSRP) with a 2.4-liter four-pot engine, rated at 185 HP, while the range-topper SXL with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo unit producing 247 HP can be had from $35,790 . The lineup also includes a 1.6-liter turbo powertrain with 178 HP, on the LX, along with a 2.4-liter unit on the EX.