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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  Great Car - 2008 Kia Optima
  By 6Dogwood - June 5 - 3:46 am

  I sold my Corolla and was looking to find a great replacement. Well, enough said. This is a great car. It can carry four people very comfortably. However, economy is a hard pill to swallow. I am averaging 21 mpg and this is taking some getting used to. My corolla averaged 28 mpg. I thought this was a problem with the vehicle but turns out that after reading other reviews this is normal. Overall I am pleased.

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  optiam - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Phil Santopietro - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This my 3rd kia optiam we love them.I get from 25 to 30 miles per gallon.We enjoy driving them.We have the same features as more expensive cars.good car for the value.

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  I love my Kia Optima - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Kristie - May 25 - 5:03 am

  The Kia Optima has been the best car I have ever had. It drives really nice and it is a comfortable car. Very sporty looking.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By ddynamitedorothy - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my car and the way it handles. It is sporty to me and handles well in curves. Maybe its not as strong in curves as a sports car. But its just as fun. Very reliable and a comfortable drive. The features inside are just what I need. The coverage they give you is excellent.The body style is sleek and wonderful. Wish they had more choices of color interiors. But its all gravy. Very, very satisfied with my car and will trade it in for a newer model in a year or so.

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  Awesome Value - 2011 Kia Optima
  By moola - May 21 - 12:40 pm

  Ive always thought Japan had a corner on midsize sedans until I drove Optima. I have to say it is the best value for the money. Although the 4 cyl is not as smooth as my Lexus 6, it is just as powerful. The car feels tight and fun to drive. I test drove a bunch of new models, but this one is a winner. P.S. I am in Chicago area and classic Kia in Waukegan is the best. Great dealership IMHO.

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  2012 kia optima SX Turbo Very, Very bad gas mileage - 2012 Kia Optima
  By jiebew - May 18 - 5:20 am

  Poor gas mileage. only getting about 21 MPG I drive mostly freeway and cant get any more than that. took it to the dealer and they did nothing about it. Seriously thinking about a lawsuit. will be soon getting some legal advise from and attorney. If other are already in this mode i would love to hear from you. Yesterday and today I couldnt get the car to go above 40 MPH. I had to pull off the road and turn the car off and restar it. It did better but something is wrong. will be taking it back to the dealer in the morning.

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  Good car but 35 mpg highway is a joke - 2013 Kia Optima
  By volki1 - May 14 - 4:42 pm

  I bought the car in September this year, a 2013 EX with the Premium Package. First I was going for the Hybrid but during the test drive the car felt "heavy". I drive a Ford Focus Hybrid occasionally between offices and the Optima Hybrid just felt like a bigger and heavier car in comparison. For the money I spent, the car offers features unmatched in this class and for this price. The problem however is the gas mileage. I drive about 90% highway to work with cruise control set as often as possible and at speeds of 50 - 55 mph. And after over 6,000 miles I still do not get anywhere near the 35 mpg highway. Usually I do get below 30 mpg. If you want a fuel efficient car, look somewhere else!

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  Love my car! - 2015 Kia Optima
  By adrip - May 9 - 3:08 pm

  Ive owned this car for about 6 months and couldnt be more please with the performance, design and gas mileage. We recently took a road trip and averaged 41 miles to the gallon. It is extremely comfortable and fun to drive. I traded a 2005 BMX X5 and was worried my Optima might be a disappointment. It was certainly not disappointment. In fact, since my purchase, my daughter as well as my parents have purchase a new Kia.

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  Great Car - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Norm - May 5 - 8:26 am

  Last summer I picked up my rental car from Hertz and it was Kia Optima. I was totally impressed with this car! After comparing to Camry, Accord, etc. I decided to buy one for myself. I have not been disappointed! This is one fun car to drive and I am very impressed with the peppy engine, interior room, and good looks. Great visibility gives a real feel for the road. Our car includes the Appearance Pkg which really adds lots of goodies and well worth the money. Also, you dont see lots of Optimas on the road, so that even makes it more fun to have a unique car. Current generous rebates clinched the deal for me and so far it has been a perfect car for our family.

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  Love the car - hate the Infinity NAV - 2012 Kia Optima
  By fixer199 - May 3 - 6:41 pm

  Just bought a new EX with Premium & Tech packages last week. More we drive it, the more we like it -- except for the Infinity audio/NAV. The center channel dash speakers overpower all the others. its almost like driving a car from the 50s with one dash speaker. I thought I didnt have it adjusted right, but you cant adjust it away and the Kia forums have lots of the same complaint from other owners. You also give up HD radio when you upgrade to the $1400 Tech Package. Dont do it unless you MUST have the backup camera! Harmon Kardon make this system and they should be ashamed! We would buy the car again -- but without the Tech Package.