2011 Kia Optima vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

All in all, this new, more exciting Optima no longer feels like a stripped down sedan delivered explicitly for those who need low monthly payments.

It's a genuine rival to more engaging mid-sizers like the Mazda6, Nissan Altima, and Ford Fusion, and less so to the Hyundai Sonata and the understated Toyota Camry and Chevrolet Malibu.

The Mazda6 is still the sportiest of the bunch, with a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 engines; the V-6 is sweet and strong, but the base four-cylinder model isn't as quick or fuel-efficient as the Optima.

That's the case with many of the base engines; the base Accord and Camry both come with engines that feel reasonably quick off the line but can run out of steam in highway passing or with a full load.

Neither of those models comes as well-equipped as the Optima.

The Malibu is about the same size as the rest, but it feels the most mature, with a great, settled ride and a 'big car' interior.

Finally, the Hyundai Sonata is closely related to the Optima and essentially has the same engine, though its style is entirely different; it rides a bit softer but doesn't steer or handle as well in our opinion.

The Nissan Altima is one other worthy rival, but it's due to be replaced next year.