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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  Front doors will not open - 2005 Kia Optima
  By carrie748 - May 26 - 4:56 pm

  My Kias doors started locking and unlocking by themselves while I was driving. I am currently unable to open either one of my front doors and have to climb over the back seat of my car. Research as shown that this is a commen defect of the car. Beware before buying becasue Kia will not fix this issue. It is a serious safety concern. And very costly. I wouldnt recommend buying this if you are looking for a safe car because sooner or later your doors are likely to lock up on you also.

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  Best Midsize Car for 2011 Update #2 - 2011 Kia Optima
  By dankocke - May 22 - 4:00 am

  Left pull issue has not been resolved but Kia corporate is working the issue from all angles, though with no fix so far. Took a 2000 mile trip last week from Missiouri to Florida. Car is a very good travel car for long distances. Gas mileage was not as good as expected but then again my average speed with A/C on was between 80 and 85 mph. Gas mileage in these conditions hovered between 27 and 29 mpg. This is inline with just about every other midsize car Ive had as rental cars. A/C does make a difference and speed over 75mph makes a big difference. Otherwise the car is super quiet and had no rattles.

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  Just OK - 2012 Kia Optima
  By soadokdls - May 16 - 2:43 pm

  I really like the way the car looks and some of the great features you would never get with a similar car but there are definitely things that I am not impressed with. The UVO system they have works well intermittantly and they claim the issues I have with the phone is bc Im using my iPhone cable instead of their $40 cable which is total BS. Also, I had a 2010 Toyota Camry V6 prior to this so the HP is the same, but since the Kia is a 4 cylinder the power just isnt as good. Oh, and my insurance also doubled!!!! My insurance company claims the Kias ISO rating is 30 and my Camry, which was $2k more, was a 16. How is that freakin possible?? Has anyone else experienced that?

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  warrenty issues - 2013 Kia Optima
  By ibergeron - May 14 - 3:22 am

  the Kia Optima we purchased was our third, we had an Amanti, we purchased a Sorento for our son, and now we have an Optima. the car ran great but it blew the engine. the repairs approved was a re-manufactured engine. Every mechanic I have spoken to said that a new engine in a 1 1/2 year old car with 21,500 miles was the correct repair NOT a re-manufactured engine. If you want a vehicle that will be repaired properly, stay AWAY From KIA.

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  ***REALLY AWFUL**** - 2013 Kia Optima
  By NOTHAPPYCAMPER - May 10 - 2:58 pm

  Prior to buying this vehicle I owned a Chevy Silverado, So obviously downgrading to a fuel efficient economical car was very appealing. The car we bought had all the bells and whistles. leather, Navigation, double sunroof, Hybrid, everything. Fully loaded. Not knowing a lot about cars I thought this would be great for my 10 year old daughter and I. I am a busy military mom and I was planning on starting school full time. Within 2 years of ownership. Ive had one tire blow out, wheel bearing and cross bar replacement, dead battery, replaced 4 tires, electrical shortage, and the last thing 2 days ago the hybrid system shut down in the middle of a Highway 80 mile an hour traffic. afraid my life was over I was able to maneuver to the side of the rode. the dealership service department had the nerve to say it was the battery, turned out to be the hybrid system. currently trying to get out of this vehicle asap. please for the safety of yourself and your family do not get a hybrid.

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  Underrated - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Insurance Guy - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This KIA is very comfortable and has plenty enough power to get anyone into trouble. It has all the bells and whistles of much more expensive cars. This is the Honda of the future. Remember when people laughed at Hondas when they first got here? The Japanese need to be looking over their shoulders.

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  Kia Optima Best Value - 2004 Kia Optima
  By the cajun - April 28 - 10:00 am

  After dealer discounts and Kia incentives I drove off in an automobile with power everything for under $15,000. The Pearl White paint alone is turning heads, not to mention the futuristically designed interior. I would have paid over $20,000 for this much car from another manufacturer. Thanks, Kia.

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  Great Value! - 2008 Kia Optima
  By GorgeKiaDriver - April 20 - 4:50 pm

  Purchased the base Optima, 4 cyl., 5 speed manual. A lot of car for the money, purchased new last month, 6/2009, for $10,995! Sweet deal. Had 10 miles, now have 300, first tank of gas I received on 18 mpg! Mostly in town, getting use to manual transmission again! Previous review complained about passenger doors not operating from driver side. Turn key once to the right to unlock driver door, twice to unlock all doors! Small price to pay for an inexpensive, quality built vehicle!

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  Replaced trans at 18k - 2012 Kia Optima
  By sassy1866 - April 20 - 4:31 am

  I love this car but at 18k miles Ive had to have the transmission replaced already. As soon as I pay the car off Im getting rid of it. Its fun to drive and looks great inside and out. But to have a major part of the replaced so soon is unacceptable. I had high hopes for Kia but it seems they have a long way to go in reliability.

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  Not all That.... - 2012 Kia Optima
  By torch1342 - April 9 - 6:08 am

  Seriously, you all need to get over yourselves with this car. The interior is cramped and the interior is one giant piece of hard plastic. The headroom up front is not good if your over 6ft. The 2.4l engine makes a loud buzzing noise when you hit the gas. Overall I am pretty dissapointed with my purchase. If you read the reviews you would think that the Optima is a Mercedes, well sir it is not....