● LE/LX: Luxury.

The 2012 Kia Optima is one of our top picks for a midsize sedan. With evocative styling, a long list of features and enjoyable driving dynamics, it's easy to see why.

Overview. The 2020 Kia Optima has attractive styling and compelling content, but it struggles to stand out among more desirable classmates. The flashy family sedan offers a smorgasbord of distinct engines and hybrid powertrains, but neither its performance nor fuel economy rise above average.

EX: Performance. Another major difference between Kia Optima LX and EX is the performance. The Kia Optima LX has more horsepower, but the EX is the more fuel-friendly option with extra efficiency-boosting tech under the hood, including the quick-shifting 7-Speed DCT transmission.

2021 Kia Sportage LX Popular Package – Features The 2021 Kia Sportage LX Popular Package offers drivers the following features: 10-Way Power-Adjustable Driver's Seat with 2-Way Power Lumbar Support Adjustment. Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) Dual Illuminated Sun Visor Vanity Mirrors.

● LE/LX: Luxury.

Engine and engine cooling: Engine Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

We'd recommend the gas-powered Kia Optima EX, with its peppy turbocharged engine and responsive automatic transmission. It also has a slew of desirable standard features that include adaptive cruise control, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and more charging ports for all the devices in your life.

● LE/LX: Luxury. ● LTD: Limited. ● S: Sport/Special/Standard.

Optional for the LX, Kia's 1.6-liter turbo produces 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet, the latter at a mere 1,500 rpm. The 1.6-liter mates with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that operates like a regular automatic. SX and SXL versions get the stronger 2.0-liter turbo, generating 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet.

For most vehicles, LX means luxury, which indicates that the trim is on the upper end of the lineup. High-end LX cars may have features typical of a luxury vehicle.

The LX presents with a FWD driving experience, powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 191hp and 182 lb-ft. of torque. The EX, however, offers an AWD experience backed by a slightly higher horsepower option: A 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 281hp and 311 lb-ft. of torque.