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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  Poor road mileage - 2011 Kia Optima
  By ernesto109 - July 1 - 5:44 am

  We have had this car for two years and took it on the first road trip in January, 2013. We drove 6500 miles to Florida and back to the west coast. The average road mileage for the entire highway portion of the trip was 25.7mpg. We checked each tank and the mileage ranged from 24.3 to 27.4. However, the mileage shown on the car computer showed between four and five miles per gallon better that the actual calculations. The car is rated at 34 mpg, so this was very disappointing. The factory will do nothing about it, even though they have given compensation to other Kia model owners. The dealer we purchased it from will not even acknowledge my complaint letter.

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  Best car around for the price - 2014 Kia Optima
  By b1g_stew - June 26 - 2:48 pm

  Working in the car business I see a lot of different cars and my SX Turbo Optima is the best car I have ever seen or owned hands down! I got the Corsa Blue that stands out. I cant tell you how many times I have been stopped and asked what kind of car I drive! The turbo is so fast Im suprised I havent gotten any tickets yet! For the money you turely cant beat it!

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  Great Car at a Great Price - 2009 Kia Optima
  By p71 - June 24 - 6:16 am

  I was looking to replace my wifes car and not sure what with. Had a mini van and wanted something with better gas mileage alone with a little more comfort. looked at Subru, Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Chevy and Ford. I am 64" Kia had the most leg room front and back. Great comfort and great pep out of a four cylinder. Nicely equipped in standard options. To early to say how well it will last but I would say it will out last just by the feel of engine tranny (5 speed auto) that this car will out last any American four cylinder out there. 175 hp not bad at all for a 4 banger.

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  The continuing evolution of Kia - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Mike - June 23 - 1:13 pm

  Traded my 2000 Kia Sephia, the worst car ever made in the history of the world, for the 04 Optima. Had decided to give Kia another shot at showing me they knew what they were doing. Excellent move - I now drive a car with styling that makes BMW and Mercedes owners turn their heads, performance is excellent, and the build quality (unlike the 00 Sephia) is exceptional. Other than having to replace the factory-original Kumho tires at 18,000 miles (Kumho - these things disintegrate early and often), Ive had to do oil changes and thats it. Fantastic reliability.

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  In Love with My Kia - 2003 Kia Optima
  By POP4YES - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I like my new Optima because it is easy to handle. I have back problems and it has the 8 point seat adjuster and it really helps when I drive for more than half an hour. I am 5 ft. tall and getting in and out is awesome. It is very roomy especially when my 6- 1" brother is in the car and in the back seat. My two Children love the storage/ cup holder the have in the back. the trunk space is incredible, I was able to put 20 bags of grocerys plus two soccer balls in there.

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  2007 Kia Optima - 2007 Kia Optima
  By lbaybe - June 21 - 9:46 am

  Fun to drive, comfortable always looking forward to driving my car.

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  Watch the Warranty - 2002 Kia Optima
  By zodda - June 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought 2 new Kias after hearing about the great warranty. Our 2002 Optima now in the shop while we gather up the $1800 needed to repair clutch and flywheel for a warranted car! I know flywheels are covered. As for the clutch, its a wearable item, but who ever heard of a clutch burning out after 30K miles? With the worst driver, 30K miles for a clutch is totally unacceptable. Said burned clutch caused the failure of other parts (pressure plate, flywheel) No way I could have foreseen the clutch going in 2 years. Other things: door moulding fell off. Check engine light on and off, driver side window fixed twice. Tires are already wearing.

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  2016 Kia Optima, boom, youll love this car - 2016 Kia Optima
  By Jamie - June 10 - 10:05 am

  The car is worth the price. Shop around for best pricing. Dont settle, get the options you want.

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  The Power To Surprise! - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Octogon - June 9 - 5:13 pm

  My wife and I bought a new 2006.5 Optima in August, after test driving the competition (minus the Accord). We decided over the 2007 Toyota Camry because of KIAs Price, and the "07 CAMRY PARADE" of cars on the street (gotta stand out). The 06.5 Optima is BEAUTIFUL and it feels exclusive on the busy streets, not seeing another one for about some 40,000 cars later. The deep paint job, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and built-in 6-disk CD changer with Infinity speakers echoes cars that cost $1000s more. My reading and research suggests that the Germans, the Japanese, and American car makers are going to be following the Koreans real soon. With the 06.5 Optima, KIA lives up to its motto!

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  Not too sure yet - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Alexis - June 6 - 11:16 pm

  Overall I have had no problems with my Optima and have gotten many compliments on it. Im still not sure its the car for me, but it has performed well. The gas mileage in town isnt very exciting but the car rides so smooth and handles very well. Cant beat the fact it came with some free oil changes and a great warranty either. Overall Im pleased with the look of the car, inside and out, and the performance of the car. There are several little things that really annoy me however. 10 in reliability because that remains to be seen.