Starting MSRP: About $18,000

With a redesign for 2011, Kia's midsized sedan has become more powerful and more stylish. Seating five, the new Optima has a sleeker look on the outside and a more driver-oriented interior design, including a center control panel angled toward the driver.

When it goes on sale this fall, the Optima will feature a choice of two engines: a 200-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged version of the same 2.4-liter engine that produces 274 horsepower. A hybrid version of the Optima is expected in early 2011. Standard features include air conditioning, a cooled glove box, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, antilock brakes, six air bags, an electronic stability system and active front head restraints which automatically adjust during a collision to provide support to reduce whiplash.