2016 Kia Optima

Rating overview
Evaluation criteria	Rating
Small overlap front: driver-side
Moderate overlap front: original test
Side: original test
Roof strength
Head restraints & seats

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Headlights
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
Optional system	Superior

Evaluation criteria	Rating
LATCH ease of use

Small overlap front: driver-side

Rating applies to 2016-20 models

Tested vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Eco 4-door

The Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 2015 model year. Beginning with 2016 models, the driver's seat belt was modified, and front suspension changes were made to alter wheel movement during small overlap frontal crashes. Later, beginning with 2016 models built after October 2015, the structure was reinforced at the junction between the door sill and hinge pillar to improve occupant protection in small overlap crashes. (Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on the driver door or adjacent B-pillar.)

The Kia Optima was redesigned for the 2016 model year and since then has been built on the same platform as the Hyundai Sonata. All 2016 and later Optimas include equivalent modifications made on the driver side of Sonatas built after October 2015.

Evaluation criteria	Rating

Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Action shot taken during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata built after October 2015.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained reasonably well.

The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury.

Forces during the crash contributed to a moderate risk of injury to the dummy's left foot.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1549
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	14
Footrest (cm)	7
Left toepan (cm)	4
Brake pedal (cm)	3
Parking brake (cm)	13
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	3
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column	4
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	11
Upper dash (cm)	11
Lower instrument panel (cm)	9

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1549
Head
HIC-15	152
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.2
Extension bending moment (Nm)	7
Maximum Nij	0.22
Chest maximum compression (mm)	18
Femur (kN)
Left	2.7
Right	0.1
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	5
Right	3
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.76
Right	0.43
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	2.3
Right	0.7
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	193
Right	44

About the small overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: original test

Rating applies to 2016-20 models

Tested vehicle: 2016 Kia Optima SX 4-door

The Kia Optima was redesigned for the 2016 model year and the Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 2015 model year (since 2016 the two cars have been built on the same platform). Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2016 Optima conducted by Hyundai/Kia.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Leg/foot, left
Leg/foot, right
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1605
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)	4
Left (cm)	7
Center (cm)	7
Right (cm)	4
Brake pedal (cm)	6
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)	0
Right (cm)	1
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)	-2
Rearward (cm)	-2
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)	0

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1605
Head
HIC-15	121
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.7
Extension bending moment (Nm)	22
Maximum Nij	0.24
Chest maximum compression (mm)	28
Legs
Femur force - left (kN)	0.7
Femur force - right (kN)	0.8
Knee displacement - left (mm)	1
Knee displacement - right (mm)	1
Maximum tibia index - left	0.27
Maximum tibia index - right	0.27
Tibia axial force - left (kN)	1.8
Tibia axial force - right (kN)	1.7
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	39
Right	38

About the original moderate overlap front test

Side: original test

Rating applies to 2016-20 models

Tested vehicle: 2016 Kia Optima LX 4-door

The Kia Optima was redesigned for the 2016 model year and the Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 2015 model year (since 2016 the two cars have been built on the same platform). Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2016 Optima conducted by Hyundai/Kia.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Driver head protection
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Rear passenger head protection

Technical measurements for this test

Test ID	VTS1605
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)	-19.0
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1605
Head HIC-15	189
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Compression (kN)	0.5
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	25
Lateral force (kN)	1.8
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	29
Average deflection (mm)	26
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	4.05
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.32
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	2.5
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.9
Combined force (kN)	4.2
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.5
L-M moment (Nm)	133
A-P moment (Nm)	39

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1605
Head HIC-15	172
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.6
Compression (kN)	0.4
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	21
Lateral force (kN)	0.9
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	42
Average deflection (mm)	29
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	3.70
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.68
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	1.7
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.8
Combined force (kN)	3.4
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.5
L-M moment (Nm)	51
A-P moment (Nm)	-27

About the original side crash test

Roof strength

Rating applies to 2016-20 models

Tested vehicle: 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 4-door

Rating applies to both the 2015-19 models of the Hyundai Sonata (tested) and the structurally similar 2016-20 models of the Kia Optima.

Overall evaluation
Curb weight	3,285 lbs
Peak force	17,046 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio	5.19

About the roof strength test

Head restraints & seats

Seat type: Power cloth seat

Overall evaluation
Dynamic rating
Seat/head restraint geometry

Technical measurements for this test

Seat type	Power cloth seat
Geometry
Backset (mm)	31
Distance below top of head (mm)	14
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail	Pass
Max T1 acceleration (g)	13.1
Head contact time (ms)	58
Force rating	1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N)	9
Max neck tension (N)	668

About the head restraint & seat test
Currently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.

Headlights

Ratings are given for 4 different headlight variations available on this vehicle.

Trim level(s)

EX trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on both right curves and inadequate on both left curves.

The low beams created some glare.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	EX trim
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2016-17 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	90.5 m	25.2%
Straightaway left edge	47.9 m	25.2%
250m radius right curve, right edge	55.8 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	45.2 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	50.1 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	44.9 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	178.7 m
Straightaway left edge	146.0 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	62.7 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	55.7 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	52.6 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	47.7 m

Trim level(s)

LX trim
LX 1.6T trim
Hybrid Premium trim
Hybrid EX trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on the sharp right curve and inadequate on the gradual right and both left curves.

The low beams created excessive glare.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on the gradual right curve and inadequate on the sharp right and both left curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	LX trim LX 1.6T trim Hybrid Premium trim Hybrid EX trim
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2016-17 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	91.1 m	79.8%
Straightaway left edge	49.8 m	79.8%
250m radius right curve, right edge	53.3 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	44.8 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	49.0 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	43.9 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	169.4 m
Straightaway left edge	151.6 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	67.7 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	62.4 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	54.4 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	52.1 m

Trim level(s)

SX trim equipped with Technology package
SX Limited trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	HID projector
High-beam headlight type	HID projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on both right curves, fair on the sharp left curve and inadequate on the gradual left curve.

The low beams created excessive glare.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was fair in all 4 tests.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway and on both left curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	SX trim equipped with Technology package SX Limited trim
Low-beam headlight type	HID projector
High-beam headlight type	HID projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating Applies to 2016 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	112.2 m	192.5%
Straightaway left edge	53.0 m	192.5%
250m radius right curve, right edge	71.9 m	31.5%
250m radius left curve, left edge	54.6 m	44.7%
150m radius right curve, right edge	66.5 m	72.1%
150m radius left curve, left edge	52.0 m	98.6%

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	135.6 m
Straightaway left edge	121.8 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	71.3 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	68.7 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	59.7 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	56.9 m

Trim level(s)

SX trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	HID projector
High-beam headlight type	HID projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on both right curves, fair on the sharp left curve and inadequate on the gradual left curve.

The low beams created excessive glare.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was fair in all 4 tests.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	SX trim
Low-beam headlight type	HID projector
High-beam headlight type	HID projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2016 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	112.2 m	192.5%
Straightaway left edge	53.0 m	192.5%
250m radius right curve, right edge	71.9 m	31.5%
250m radius left curve, left edge	54.6 m	44.7%
150m radius right curve, right edge	66.5 m	72.1%
150m radius left curve, left edge	52.0 m	98.6%

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	135.6 m
Straightaway left edge	121.8 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	71.3 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	68.7 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	59.7 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	56.9 m

About the headlight evaluation

Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle

System details

Optional Autonomous Emergency Braking

Package name

Optional Technology Package or Standard on SX Limited Trim

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2016-18 models

Superior

with optional equipment

This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

About the original front crash prevention test

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2016-20 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	LX
Seat type	cloth

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	LX
Seat type	cloth

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
2
2	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	none available
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	17
Clearance angle (degrees)	61
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	22
Clearance angle (degrees)	58
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	16
Clearance angle (degrees)	63
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	17
Clearance angle (degrees)	69
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Rating applies to 2016-20 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	SX Limited
Seat type	leather

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	SX Limited
Seat type	leather

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
2
2	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	none available
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	12
Clearance angle (degrees)	59
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	14
Clearance angle (degrees)	56
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	20
Clearance angle (degrees)	59
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	22
Clearance angle (degrees)	60
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation

2016 Kia Optima

midsize car / 4-door sedan

Crashworthiness

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Seat belts & child restraints

Other available safety features

Small overlap front: driver-side

Moderate overlap front: original test

Side: original test

Roof strength

Head restraints & seats

Headlights

Trim level(s)

Trim level(s)

Trim level(s)

Trim level(s)

Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle

System details

Package name

Overall evaluation

Child seat anchors