Federal regulators have given the 2015 Kia Optima the highest possible safety rating of five stars after front, side and rollover crash tests.
The midsize sedan, which is available now at Kia dealerships, earned five stars in each of the three tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Edmunds.com reported. The hybrid version of the new Kia Optima also received five stars for safety.
The sedan is equipped with "six airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and traction control" in the standard trim, according to Edmunds.
The Kia Optima competes in its segment with the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.
The nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not yet given the 2015 Optima a safety rating.
The new 2015 Optima sedan will cost $150 more than last year's model at a $22,450 starting price, which includes an $800 shipping charge. For the 2015 Kia Optima SXL Turbo, buyers will be looking at a $36,000 starting price with destination fees.
Available in LX, EX, SX and SX-Limited trims, the Optima has three engine options that include a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine as well as a 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain, according to the automaker. All three choices are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
While the 2015 version features a few changes, the 2014 Optima went through a major redesign.
The refreshed midsize offering had updated fascias in the front and rear; all-new seat designs; and an optional blind spot detection system.
The 2015 model has a few interior updates and is available in more colors. The new exterior paint options are Sparkling Silver and Platinum Graphite, while later in the model year, Optima buyers will be able to choose a new Smokey Blue color.
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