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The “2006.5” Optima
combines the platform from the 2006 Hyundai Sonata and its predecessor’s
2.7-liter V6 (instead of the Sonata’s 3.3-liter) to make a value alternative
to the already-inexpensive Sonata. Unfortunately, most of the Optima’s “value”
is in a lower base price that is made possible principally by stripping the
Sonata of its standard safety features. Add them back as options, and the
Optima is no less expensive than the Sonata and has a much weaker and noisier
engine. That is not enough to make it a bad car overall, but there is no
reason to buy this car over a like-priced Sonata.
The Optima has a firmer
ride than the Sonata, and bumps can punch through more sharply. It handles
well, but not appreciably better than a Sonata except for slightly diminished
body roll. The steering is accurate and well-weighted, and provides good
feedback, and while the Optima isn’t quite as enjoyable to drive as the Honda
Accord (and well behind its sport-focused competitors like the Mazda6) it is
now on a similar level. The standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder isn’t particularly
powerful, but it is capable in most situations and rarely sounds strained. The
2.7-liter V6, a remnant of the Optima’s mediocre predecessor, is even more
overworked in the larger new model despite a horsepower boost, struggling off
the line and in passing. It’s quiet enough at idle or at cruise, but is rough
and noisy under acceleration. Wind and road noise are well-suppressed. Gas
mileage is good for this class, but not much better than the more powerful
Sonata.
Inside, the Optima is
mostly shared with the Sonata. The front seats are high, well-shaped,
supportive, and very comfortable, and there is plenty of head space even with
the optional sunroof. The rear is also very roomy, and the seat is high and
well-shaped there as well. The dash uses high-quality materials that fit
together very well. The  gauges
are clear, and the instruments are well-placed and easy to use. Drivers sit
comfortably, assisted by the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and
power-adjustable pedals. Visibility is clear, thanks to high seating, large
windows, and fairly narrow roof pillars, but the Sonata’s rearward visibility
is a bit clearer. The high roof, wide door openings, and large rear footwells
contribute to very easy entry/exit. The trunk is well-shaped, but
substantially smaller than the Sonata’s.
The Hyundai Sonata
earned five stars for both the driver and for the front passenger in the NHTSA
frontal crash test, and five stars for both the driver and for the rear
passenger in the NHTSA side crash test, and it earned Good ratings from the
IIHS for performance in its offset crash test and head restraint evaluation,
and was Acceptable in the IIHS side crash test. The Optima itself has not been
crash tested, however.
The Optima reviewed here
came in around $23,000, equipped with this class’s expected features with the
exception of satellite radio. However, that’s no less than a similarly
equipped and more powerful Hyundai Sonata, thanks to that car’s current
rebate.
Overall,
the Optima is a very nice car with its weak and rather noisy engine
representing the only serious flaw. But that flaw is not shared with the
similar and similarly-priced Hyundai Sonata. Even in the eventuality of the
Optima’s discounting, it will not be much less than a comparably-equipped
Sonata, but it will be distinctly inferior. The Optima would earn a
recommendation and a higher ranking here if a better version of the same
vehicle was not a direct competitor.
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