I just got a 2020 Optima LX with 16k miles. My wife and I are coming from a 2004 Camry and a 2002 Jeep Liberty, so the Optima is a big change for us. The car is great in many ways, but I’m surprised at how stiff the ride is. You can feel almost every bump and crack in the road. After some research, it seems like this is just how modern suspensions are set up for better handling, but it’s not what we expected for ride comfort. The brakes are also very sensitive, much different from our older cars.
My wife has a head injury from a while back, and she’s very sensitive to bumps, which causes migraines. The rough ride in the Optima gives her a headache, whereas the Camry was much better for her. I looked into aftermarket shocks and struts, but there aren’t many options for the 2020 Optima. I’ve lowered the tire pressure a bit, and I’m thinking of adding air to the brake lines to make them softer, but beyond that, I’m unsure of what else to try.
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How big are the wheels? Are you using run-flat tires? I’ve found that many newer cars have larger wheels with thinner tires, which can make the ride feel harder. I once drove a 2015 BMW 5 Series, and honestly, the ride was much more comfortable in my older 96 Honda Accord.
If you’re thinking of replacing the struts, that might be too much for such a new car. Personally, I’d just go back to the 04 Camry if I were in your shoes.
Also, I would not add air to the brake hydraulic system. It’s unsafe and could mess with the ABS system.
Ride comfort is usually controlled by the shocks and struts. The issue is that your car is so new. If you wanted a smoother ride, you’d probably need aftermarket parts. KYB, Monroe, and others might have options, but I’m not sure if they have parts for the 2020 Kia Optima yet.
@Fox
That’s what I thought, but I just wanted to double-check. My problem is that it’s so new that I can’t really find anything other than OEM parts for it, haha.
Looks like I’ll be the one driving it for now until something more comfortable comes out.
I’m almost at that point, but they don’t have an option for it yet. I’ll probably just stick with the car for now and hope aftermarket parts come out soon.
Actually, I found this one: link to air suspension kit. Would air suspension make the deceleration smoother too? That might actually be my bigger concern for my wife.
Fern said:
This is a new suspension, not like your 20-year-old Jeep and Camry. Those cars felt the same way when they were new.
I know, trust me. If my wife didn’t have a head injury, I wouldn’t be asking these questions. I’m okay with how it drives (it’s a bit rougher, but I personally like feeling the road).