. To earn the highest status, the midsize Optima “was modified to achieve good protection in passenger-side small overlap front crashes,” according to the IIHS, which notes the Top Safety Pick+ status applies to […] "'Pin It")
After Passenger-Side Upgrades, 2018 Kia Optima Earns Top Safety Pick+ Status
2018 Kia Optima
Photo: Kia
After passenger-side upgrades, the 2018 Kia Optima has earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
To earn the highest status, the midsize Optima “was modified to achieve good protection in passenger-side small overlap front crashes,” according to the IIHS, which notes the Top Safety Pick+ status applies to Optimas manufactured after January.
In addition to the modifications, the Kia Optima had to receive good ratings “in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests; an acceptable or good rating in the passenger-side small overlap test; an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention; and a good headlight rating,” reports the IIHS.
The 2018 Kia Optima is available at five trim levels: LX, LX 1.6T, EX, S, and SX Limited. The Optima LX, S, and EX is equipped with a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine, which is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain generates 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The LX 1.6T trim is equipped with a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine with turbocharger, which is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This powertrain generates 178 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The SX trim is equipped with a 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine with turbocharger, which is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain generates 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
“The Optima’s optional LED headlights earn a good rating when the car is also equipped with high-beam assist, a feature that automatically switches between high beams and low beams depending on the presence of other vehicles. Without that feature, the LED headlights rate acceptable. The standard halogen lights earn a poor rating,” according to the IIHS.
News Source: IIHS
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