The 2010 Kia Optima carries over from the previous model year (in which the engine and exterior were both upgraded) with only slight changes. The Optima is a midsize 5-passenger sedan,with front-wheel drive,designed on much the same lines as the Hyundai Sonata. Other competitors include the Honda Accord,Toyota Camry,and Ford Fusion.

The 2010 Kia Optima is available in three trims: LX,EX and SX. The base Optima LX features 16-inch wheels,air conditioning,power accessories,and a sound system that includes satellite radio,a CD/MP3 player,and USB input. The EX trim adds leather upholstery and leather-covered steering wheel,power adjustments on the driver?s seat,trip computer,automatic climate control,fog lights,and other features. The SX model adds 17-inch alloy wheels as standard,as well as a sport-tuned suspension,leather/cloth upholstery,and sport pedals. The SX also offers distinctive instrumentation and interior and exterior trims. However,it does not include the EX?s automatic climate control. Stand-alone options on the Optima EX and SX include a power sunroof,Bluetooth connectivity,upgraded front seats,a navigation system,and an Infinity sound system.

The 2010 Kia Optima?s standard power plant,a 175-horsepower,2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine,is linked to a 5-speed manual transmission on the LX and a 5-speed automatic transmission on the EX and SX models. The 4-cylinder engine delivers 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway,according to the EPA. A 194-horsepower,2.7-liter V-6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission is optional on the EX and SX trims. It delivers 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Standard safety features on the 2010 Kia Optima include anti-lock brakes,stability control,front side air bags,side curtain air bags,and active front head restraints. In government (NHTSA) crash tests,the Optima received five stars (out of five) for front- and side-impact protection.

Starting MSRP for the 2010 Kia Optima was $17,995.