Overview & Reviews

For much of its life, the Kia Optima had been firmly pegged as an also-ran vehicle. Introduced as Kia's first midsize sedan, the first-generation Optima couldn't promise the refinement, documented reliability and assured resale value of its key Japanese competitors. The second-generation Kia Optima followed much the same anonymous playbook, though with considerably better results.

The third-generation Kia Optima, however, is a different animal entirely. With sleek styling, plenty of standard features, potent engine choices and substantial value, the current Optima stands as a top pick for a midsize family sedan.

Current Kia Optima
Under the skin, the current Kia Optima is very similar to the Hyundai Sonata, but to Kia's credit, the Optima has a distinctive European flair to it. Inside and out, the Optima looks and feels like a much more expensive car than its humble price tag would suggest. Optimas are available in four trim levels: LX, EX, SX (standard and turbocharged variants) and SX Limited. There's also the Optima Hybrid, which comes in a single trim.

Optima LX and EX models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on the LX, while a six-speed automatic is optional and standard on all other Optimas. The SX and SX Limited boast a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque.

The Kia Optima Hybrid is powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. Combined output comes to 206 peak hp and it's sent through a six-speed automatic. The EPA estimates the Hybrid will achieve 36 mpg in combined driving.

Standard equipment on the LX includes alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a stereo with a CD player, satellite radio and an iPod/USB interface. The EX and Hybrid also include keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control and leather upholstery. The SX is equipped similarly to the EX but adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded gauges (with integrated display screen) and paddle shifters. The SX turbo also comes with xenon headlights. The Limited's perks include a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, the Uvo voice-command system, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, upgraded audio and a navigation system.

In reviews, we've found that the Optima stands out thanks to its distinctive styling and upscale interior. Headroom is a bit limited, however, and taller drivers would be well advised to test the car with and without the sunroof. On the road, the Optima has a pleasant ride quality without feeling too isolated. The base engine will likely satisfy the vast majority of drivers, while the turbo is the pick for more spirited pilots. The Hybrid, however, is a bit of a disappointment. Its braking and acceleration in city traffic is uneven and somewhat unpredictable, and fuel economy trails that of competing hybrid sedans.

Used Kia Optima Models
Introduced for 2011, the current Kia Optima represents the third generation. This version is a dramatic departure from earlier Optimas due to its sharp styling, powerful engine lineup and upscale features. Since its debut, changes were minimal for the first few years. An EX Turbo trim level was offered for 2011 and '12 only. The voice command system (Uvo) debuted for '12, while the SX Limited trim debuted for 2013.

Shoppers should note that these earlier third-generation Optimas lack the current version's updated front and rear styling, revised front seats (for greater comfort) and new display screens. They also can't be had with some newer features, such as keyless ignition and entry, a blind-spot monitoring system and rear parking sensors.

Kia's second-generation Optima was produced from 2006-'10. Shoppers should be aware that the generation switch-over happened midway through the 2006 calendar year. Kia sold some first-generation models for '06 and then released the new sedan as the "2006.5" Optima.

At the end of this generation, the Kia Optima was offered in three trim levels: base, EX and SX. All came with a 175-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder as standard. The EX and SX could be had with a 194-hp 2.7-liter V6. A five-speed manual transmission was standard on the LX. Optional on the LX and standard on the EX and SX was a five-speed automatic transmission.

The automatic-equipped LX came reasonably well equipped with air-conditioning, full power accessories, antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The EX provided leather upholstery, while the SX came with a sport-tuned suspension.

Although the base four-cylinder provided class-competitive acceleration, the Optima's V6 was disappointing. It was significantly smaller and less powerful than other six-cylinders in the class. This Optima was reasonably fun to drive around town and provided a smooth ride quality, though many of its class contemporaries did a better job of isolating occupants from bumps and ruts.

This second-generation Optima had a few changes during its time. The most significant of these came in 2009, where the model received more distinctive styling and more power. The SX trim level also debuted. Previously, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 161 hp, while the 2.7-liter V6 produced 185 hp. The other notable change came in 2008, when antilock brakes and stability control were made standard across the lineup.

The first-generation Kia Optima midsize sedan debuted for the 2000 model year. Mechanically, this model was very similar to the Hyundai Sonata of the time. Although it didn't include the finest-quality interior materials, it was well-suited for commuter duty thanks to a spacious cabin and comfortable ride quality.

First-generation models didn't have stability control or head curtain airbags, and four-cylinder models lacked the availability of antilock brakes. In road tests, we thought the 149-hp four-cylinder engine was a bit short in power and refinement. While the 170-hp V6 didn't inspire thrills, it was smooth and quiet, and offered better acceleration for highway merging than the four-cylinder.

For 2002, the V6 was updated to provide 178 hp. In its third model year (2003), the Kia Optima's front end was restyled (with rather dubious results). Improvements to the interior included a new center stack, door panels and fresh seat fabric. In addition, Kia began to offer Sportmatic manual-shift capability on four-cylinder automatic Optimas. Buyers might also notice that horsepower figures were revised downward that year due to a change in measurement technique, but actual output was unchanged.

User Reviews:

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  Excellent Value - 2010 Kia Optima
  By DD - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Here at the end of 2010, the 2010 model optima is a great deal. The options you can get for your money on an ex or sx blow the Toyota/Honda competition away. The only close competitor price wise was the Malibu, which was also discounted. The optima has the Malibu beat in most regards in my opinion. Gas mileage is good, Im getting 24-25 mpg in the city around la and Im not an easy driver. On the highway, if I try I can push around 35 mpg. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power, more than most of its competition. Interior is great. Exterior looks really sharp, better than Hyundais and I like over the Camry and Accord.

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  No Spare Tire!! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By alanbala - October 19 - 2:37 am

  My wife and I had to purchase a new car, after our less than two year old car was totaled. After ruling out several cars, we decided we really liked the 2013 Kia Optima EX with the Premium Package. We got a really good price considering it is a 2013 model, and as we were settling on the sale, we discovered the car comes with NO SPARE TIRE!!. Instead, you get some kind of hinky tire inflation kit good for one use. We bought the car anyway. Now we have to go out and buy a space saver spare, a jack and a lug wrench. The jack and lug wrench are easy to find. Not so the spare. Chevy started this stupid trend. its a shame all the other manufacturers are following suit.

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  first new car in 20? years - 2004 Kia Optima
  By neededacar - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I originally went for the least expensive, highest mpg I could find. The Rio was just to small and offered no extras to speak of. I purchased a demo with 15K on it already. Very Impressive functionality and preformance for a comfortable vehicle with 28.7 open road mpg.

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  Went with the KIA hybrid - 2011 Kia Optima
  By gmafb - October 10 - 1:07 pm

  Bought the car and immediately drove to Las Vegas from Phoenix in July. The air conditioned seats were very much appreciated. Gas mileage turned out to be precisely as advertised. Around town mileage is between 35 and 38. Have owned a Prius before and the tranny in the KIA is not CVT, so it handles the power differently. I personally dislike the CVT, so this change is good IMHO. The ride is excellent on the highway and good in town. I chose this car over the Fusion and the Sonata. The Sonatas I drove pulled to the right. The Fusion drove okay, but the ergonomics for the AC controls were downright idiotic and the exterior looks like a streamlined YUGO.

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  Kia Optima - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Sam - October 5 - 6:10 pm

  Pros: Dealership maintenance service is superior; no appointment needed, just roll in and the service rep is more than happy to assist. Fuel mileage good, but could be better for its size. No questions asked on warranty; 10 year/100K coverage areas. Kia, in general, is a very real vehicle seen on the ordinary used car lot! Excellent value package over Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Cons: Insurance rating is higher than a 1999 Durango because of side impact risks to the driver. An occasional transmission slip upon initial startup. Not attracting a large number of mature buyers; considered the beginners car choice, not a family vehicle.

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  Not the best - 2003 Kia Optima
  By P.R. - October 5 - 10:00 am

  this is supposed to be a car that gets very good gas mileage, but what i have found is that there should be a law that makes the manufacturer state the real mileage that the car gets. over- all the car does have good looks on the exterior. i have found several rattles that are very annoying on the interior.

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  My First NEW CAR!!!! EX with Premium Package. - 2011 Kia Optima
  By amarios - October 2 - 12:43 pm

  March 17, 2011 I bought myself a new car. I have to tell you that Kia has done an excellent job remodling this car, and of course the design and thanked to Audi ex designer. Anyways other than that interior is nice as well as exterior. This car gave me the best bang for my buck. While driving people look at my car I notice and they look back a second time which I love so much because than people are like that is a KIA yes it is and lovin it!!!!

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  Kia Surprises - 2007 Kia Optima
  By micro99 - September 26 - 1:03 am

  Smooth ride, very good handling with more than adequate acceleration (not as fast as others); great value by any metric but especially features per dollar.

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  I miss my CDs - 2016 Kia Optima
  By Joe - September 24 - 11:03 pm

  Why would the manufacturer decide not to put in CD players. We love our car which we have owned only one month, but on a recent trip through mountains both our "Sirius" and our "radio frequency" kept stopping as they couldt pick up the satellite. I love our CDs with the continuous music wherever the road leads, so when I went to put in a CD and couldnt find a place for it I called the dealership and was informed they had discontinued the CD player. Now all we get is choppy music. I am very disappointed. I wish the dealer would have mentioned it, we probably would have not gotten a KIA.

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  6000 mile update - 2012 Kia Optima
  By scrapalara - September 20 - 4:34 am

  Posted a review shortly after I purchased this EX with Premium (no turbo, no nav). Love this car more every day. Just back from a 3-day road trip; mostly highway miles - averaging 36.3 mpg. Woo hoo! Front drivers seat is SO comfy, love the stereo and a/c and the pano roof. Lost a star for comfort only because the front passenger seat is SO low (I feel like "Kilroy was here" when I ride on the passenger side). Otherwise, loving this car.