2016 Kia Optima evolves family sedan styling

Though it might look a lot like the 2015 model, the Kia Optima is completely redesigned for the 2016 model year, including an all-new chassis. The five-passenger midsized sedan is longer and wider, with a more spacious cabin.

The newest option is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 178 horsepower, sent through a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Other engine options include a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four that puts out 247 horsepower. They all route power through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Optima features a larger cabin, with more headroom, shoulder room, and rear seat legroom. It is set off with a new dash design that houses the latest version of Kia's UVO infotainment system. UVO incorporates touch-screen capability, with navigation and smartphone functionality. It will also have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to operate select apps from iPhone and Android phones through the touch screen. This will make the Optima among the first vehicles on the market to feature both of these systems.

Pricing for the Kia Optima will be announced closer to the sedan's release late in 2015.

See our complete 2015 New York auto show coverage.

—George Kennedy