Stockholmaren

This may be a bit of an unusual comparison, but I’m considering the SX with the premium touring package as well as an Infiniti G 37x with the premium package and AWD. Based on current deals that I’ve been offered if I decide to lease, the Infiniti would be about $1,500 more ($12,500 vs. $11,000) or $40 per month with all fees and taxes rolled in – I can give you the breakdown if interested.
Even though these cars may not directly compete, I would like to hear your opinions if it’s worth the extra $40 to go with the Infiniti, as there is a lot that I like about the SX. My daily driving is mostly short city-driving with more of weekend highway trips, and being in the Northeast the AWD is appealing. I also enjoy something sleek, sporty, and powerful, and great sound is important. Normally the only one riding in the backseat would be the one-year old, but it would still be nice to have the legroom as well as decent trunk space.

Any advice, insight, and recommendations would be greatly appreciated, and I’ll also post this on an Optima forum :-)

g37guy01

Have you test driven either of the cars? That in and of itself my give you some clues? Do you want a front-wheel drive vehicle with all of the electronic goodies. Or the best in class sports sedan?

Only you can make that decision.

JSolo

iTrader: (14)

Having owned both (2011 sx), the proper place for the kia would be inside a functioning compactor.

The car is junk. Pretty on the outside with garbage inside. If you get it, you'll regret it. The driving experience sucks.

cvroom

I would go for the G. I have the 2012 optima LX and i love the car for what it is but its a notch under the G. im sure you get alot more options and engine in the SX but I can't see that putting it on par with the G. also if your looking for a good engine sound you will ahve to go with the G. turbo charged 4's never sound good. i do give Kia credit though, they have come far with this optima. the 200 hp 4cyl in mine is smooth and it works great with the 6 spd auto. styling is superb. since the car is larger the interior is roomy and the seats are more comfortable than anything ive had in the passed. i feel more cramped in the g and seats arent as good so thats the only thing the kias got on it.

Ls1goat04

I planned on buying my wife an sx, went and drove it and was very disappointed. Outside looks nice, but the drive was terrible. No feeling in the wheel and throttle was wasn't as responsive as I'd expect for 30k. I spent a little more and picked up a g37x today. Very happy with my purchase

Lucster

iTrader: (1)

Not very familiar with the Kia optima other than the looks and i do love the Panorama sunroof.. but thats about it. I mean at the end of the day from my POV Infiniti is just Luxury and kia is still uhm kia. Not to diss anyone who owns the newer models.

volnedan

Having just moved on from a G37 to a Kia Optima SX, I will say that I am disappointed. You're right to say they are not in the same class and its not a fair comparison, but for $40 more per month the G is definitely worth the extra dough.

I really do like my SX, it has great options, interior quality and space (including the trunk), but it just doesn't drive as well as it looks. The engine sound is almost mute, and the handling is very un-inspiring. It is more practical than the G, but practical folks don't lurk on enthusiast car forums :-)

The two upsides of the SX vs the G are the auto transmission and the interior volume. I have a 5 month old and even with the rear facing car seat, my wife can sit comfortably in the front passenger seat. Even without the car seat, I can fit 2 normal sized adults (6ft) in the back seat without having to change my driving position. Not to mention the cavernous trunk which swallows the stroller and my hockey bag.

As for gas mileage, the SX only averages about 1~2mpg better than the G with my driving style (SX = 24.5mpg, G = 22.8mpg).

Please take extended test drives on both vehicles (overnight if possible) and list your priorities. SX is a great value, but I'd still rather have my old 6MT G37S.