A Good Ride, So Far - 2016 Kia Optima Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

A Good Ride, So Far - 2016 Kia Optima Long-Term Road Test

Our long-term 2016 Kia Optima is one of the freshest additions to our fleet. So far things are looking pretty good, especially when it comes to ride quality.

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ebeaudoin

"Small wheels and generous tire sidewall probably deserve part of the credit, and for now things are looking good."

This right here. So many manufacturers go to huge wheels with low-profile tires and compromise ride. I like the 2016 Accord Sport, but the 19" wheels are just ridiculous. Expensive tires to replace, minimal protection from road issues and risk of damage. No thank you.

schen72

The thing with large wheels is... it's what the public wants, as nonsensical as it may be.

bankerdanny

The thing is, I look at that shot and think, wow, those are some fat sidewalls.

I totally agree that the rational aspect ratio is an overall plus, not only for the ride, but for the ability to sharply reduce the probability of a bent rim from potholes (I was a 2 time loser on that front with the 45 series tires and 17" wheels on my 2004 Jetta vs Chicago potholes). But more rim and less tire does (up to a point) look better.

nagant

A mid size family sedan hardly needs bigger tires and wheels than the Optima has......especially a mid priced one. It is nice to be able to replace the tires for under $400 in the future as well.

tlangness

That's another part of the equation - tire prices. At 205/16's - the tires are super inexpensive to replace, compared to some 18's and 19's at double the price.

allthingshonda

Another plus for smaller wheels and tires is a really tight turning radius. Big wheels and fat tires limit how far they can turn in the wheel well.