2016 Kia Optima
midsize car / 4-door sedan
Award applies only to vehicles with optional front crash prevention
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.
| Overall evaluation | |
|---|---|
| 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.
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| 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 |
Driver injury measures
| 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 |
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.
| Overall evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | |
| Chest | |
| Leg/foot, left | |
| Leg/foot, right | |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics |
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| 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 |
Driver injury measures
| 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 |
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.
| 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 | |
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| 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. | |
Driver injury measures
| 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 |
Passenger injury measures
| 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 |
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 |
Head restraints & seats
Seat type: Power cloth seat
| Overall evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | |
| Seat/head restraint geometry |
| 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
| 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.
| Trim level(s) |
|
|---|---|
| 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
| 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.
| Trim level(s) |
|
|---|---|
| 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
| 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.
| Trim level(s) |
|
|---|---|
| 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
| 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.
| Trim level(s) |
|
|---|---|
| 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 |
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
Child seat anchors
Rating applies to 2016-20 models
| 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.
| Overall evaluation | |
| Vehicle trim | LX |
| Seat type | cloth |
| 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 |
| Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s) | |
| No hardware available |
Details by seating position
| 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 | |
| Tether anchor | |
| easy-to-find location | |
| no other hardware could be confused for anchor | |
| Lower anchors | |
| none available | |
| 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 |
Seat position 21
| 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 |
Seat position 22
| 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 |
Seat position 23
| 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
| 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.
| Overall evaluation | |
| Vehicle trim | SX Limited |
| Seat type | leather |
| 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 |
| Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s) | |
| No hardware available |
Details by seating position
| 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 | |
| Tether anchor | |
| easy-to-find location | |
| no other hardware could be confused for anchor | |
| Lower anchors | |
| none available | |
| 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 |
Seat position 21
| 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 |
Seat position 22
| 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 |
Seat position 23
| 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 |