If you’re a recent college graduate, you’ll probably have to deal with student loan payments, rent, utility bills, and many other expenses, along with the low pay that comes with an entry-level job. The Kia Optima is a midsize car with a low price and great fuel economy. It even has hybrid options and many features that are usually found only in more expensive vehicles. Here are some more reasons the Optima is optimal for recent college grads.
A Comfortable Interior
The 2017 Kia Optima has a quiet, spacious cabin and a convenient touchscreen with satellite radio. Buttons on the steering wheel let drivers access many features, like Bluetooth and cruise control, easily. Keep all your electronics working with up to two 12-volt outlets and a USB port. You can also add two extra USB ports and an outlet in the back seat. Large dome lights on the driver’s side and the passengers’ side make finding random stuff under the seats at night easy.
The 60/40 split folding rear seats make it easy to carry large items. It’s like having the looks of a car and the cargo capacity of an SUV. Additional options include smartphone integration, heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 10-way adjustable passenger seat, a panoramic sunroof, and more.
Great Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The Kia Optima is fun to drive and it gets great mileage. The standard, 185-horsepower LX has a 2.4-liter engine, and it gets 25 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. The turbocharged, 178-horsepower LX 1.6T gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway.
All the trim levels have direct injection, and a 6-speed automatic transmission is standard. The SX and the SX Limited offer 245 horsepower, but they both get 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. These are still good numbers, and you can enjoy exhilarating power.
Lots of Safety Features
The 2017 Kia Optima’s advanced safety features will keep your parents from worrying too much when you’re on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA gave it a 5-Star Crash Safety Rating. It has comprehensive airbags and high-tech systems to control airbag inflation. All seats come with three-point seatbelts, and the front seatbelts are height-adjustable for fit and comfort.
The Traction Control System keeps the wheels from spinning during acceleration, and Vehicle Stability Management adds increased control in harsh conditions. The Optima also has Electronic Stability Control and Hill-Start Assist Control. The Brake Assist System increases braking when needed to prevent collisions, and it’s made from more than 50 percent Advanced High-Strength Steel.
Kia’s College Graduate Incentive Program gives all college graduates a $400 discount on 2016, 2017, and 2018 models. You just need a copy of your diploma or a letter from your registrar’s office saying you graduated in the last 12 months. The comfortable, inexpensive Optima is great for commuting. It offers a variety of options for everyone, from people with English degrees to medical school graduates.
This photo, “Kia Optima SXL 1,” by Zytonits used under CC BY-SA 2.o. “Kia Optima SXL 1” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.o by Gay Family Kia.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.