Comfort, a critical factor that can make or break any new model, is elusive in the 2006.5 Kia Optima – at least for this writer. The front seats don’t travel back far enough in the track for taller people, and they feel a size too small – narrow, with short cushions. Making matters worse, they offer virtually no bolstering, a shame given the Optima’s capable suspension, steering, braking, and optional 17-inch tires. The car grips well and would be more entertaining and less work to drive if you weren’t fighting the laws of physics to keep your butt planted in the seat. Finally, the driver’s seat height adjusts, but the higher it goes, the flatter the bottom cushion gets, removing what little thigh support there is to begin with. Kia definitely needs to go back to the drawing board with these seats, though it must be noted that a female companion for the drive back to Los Angeles from San Francisco had no complaints about seat comfort. Whether the driver or front passenger, I just couldn’t get comfortable. Bigger seats with better thigh support and more seat track travel are a must-have, in my book.

On the plus side, the new Optima’s steering wheel is good to grip, the upper door panels are soft with a gently curved edge, and there’s a telescopic steering wheel. One benefit of choosing the EX Leather Package is that the perforated leather inserts and door panels look much, much nicer than the raggedy cloth in the LX. Additionally, the center console lid in the Optima EX with the Leather Package features smooth stitched cowhide where you rest your arm, but there’s little padding, making it less comfortable than it could be.

Rear seat comfort is average for the class. Tall passengers can sit in back without their legs touching the front seatbacks, but the Optima doesn’t offer cross-your-legs comfort unless Shorty is driving. There’s a fold-down armrest in back, good thigh support, and decent foot room. Getting in and out of the rear seat is also pretty easy, which cannot be said for many midsize sedans.