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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  Optimal Optima Follow-up - 2011 Kia Optima
  By rockinrn - November 4 - 4:54 pm

  This is a follow-up review to my 12/12/10 review. Just drove the Optima to California from Arizona in March 2011. I was astounded by the road roar the car makes at 70 MPH on the freeway. The noise is so loud it is impossible to make a cell phone call and the radio had to be turned way up to drown out some of the noise. I feel that the low rent Nexus tires are to blame. Many, many good features on the car, just extreme road and wind noise on the highway. Before buying one take it on the freeway for a while at 70 MPH and evaluate the ROAD NOISE.

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  Blown Engine - 2012 Kia Optima
  By J Supanich - October 19 - 3:00 am

  Engine blew at 47,000. Like others have posted, my engine blew driving 70 mph on the highway. I bought the car used with 36,000 miles. At 42,000 it needed the fuel pump replaced (under warranty). When the engine blew, it took a long time for Kia Motors to approve the work. They will try to find reasons to not cover the work. I finally got my car back 6 weeks later. Another issue I have is it is consistently pulling to the left. I have had it looked at 3 times already and its still not fixed. I do really like the some of the features of the Optima though. The Navigation and Climate Controls are on point. And it has a nice sporty feel to the car, but at this point Im looking to trade it in ASAP before something else goes wrong.

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  Great Car - 2016 Kia Optima
  By Carol Cunningham - October 10 - 8:23 pm

  I love the car the featureless and the new look

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  Love My 2013 Optima - 2013 Kia Optima
  By classy38 - October 6 - 6:29 pm

  I started off searching for a Mercedes and did not see one that had all of the features I wanted without breaking the bank. Then I spotted a gorgeous Infiniti that I liked very much but did not have all of the bell and whistles as the Kia Optima like rear seat warmers and the panoramic sunroof. Not to mention the Infiniti was at least 3 years older, with a partial warranty. After looking at the Optima there was no comparison to the amenities and the price was great compared to the type of vehicles that I was searching for. I was able to get everything I wanted in this vehicle without paying a fortune. This car is great it handles well, it looks good, and it looks better with tinted windows.

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  Recently purchased, Love more each day - 2008 Kia Optima
  By NCShane - October 3 - 5:53 am

  We looked at other cars (Camry, Accord, Sonata) & Kia offered the most for the $ w/roomy interior, good mileage, lots of trunk space & 5 star front, rear & side impact ratings We opted for a fully loaded EX w/appearance pkg, convenience pkg & Electronic Stability Control. This includes leather & heated seats too! We got a great deal especially with the $3K cash back Kia offered So far the car has performed well. It handles very nice on the road. The interior is very quite at cruising speed, though the engine is heard when accelerating but it is not overbearing. Fit & feel are great, acceleration smooth. The interior to us was nicer style than others. Optima gets better more I drive it!

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  I love this car! - 2003 Kia Optima
  By MSAGRO - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2003 Kia Optima LX V6. I have had the car for 2 weeks and just love it! A helpful hint on the 2003 Optima owners: That grill! Ugh, looks like shark teeth in Finding Nemo. What I did was go to a Kia dealership and get a 2004 grill. Its the same fit as the 2003, just 6 screws later and you have a car that is radically changed. The part was only $87 and made it look like a newer car. I highly recommend it.

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  What a great car!! - 2014 Kia Optima
  By vento84 - September 27 - 1:53 am

  I have a 14 optima sxl and I love it. If you are looking for a car around 40,000 definitely look at Kia. It drives beautifully the turbo is a must! Ok fuel economy .

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  Optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By mark bailey - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Love it! Looks great, drive great, and there is enough room for my twins in the back seat.

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  new owner - 2004 Kia Optima
  By saul hernandez - September 20 - 10:00 am

  love to drive this vehicle so far so good its confortable and smooth

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  Very pleasantly surprised - 2012 Kia Optima
  By country6543 - September 14 - 7:55 pm

  My wife totalled her 300C and we looked at new cars for almost 8 months. With the way the economy was I wanted fuel efficient but she wanted sporty and fun to drive. Looked at all the different family cars out there and then drove the optima SX turbo. The features that set the Optima apart was the very roomy back seat for the kids, Great looks and fuel economy. We have around 8,000 miles on the vehicle and still love it. No problems, No noises and she gets raving compliments everywhere she goes. She drives mostly city with a little highway driving. City mpg is about 19-21 but highway mpg is right on the button at 33. I am 62" and have no problem with comfort, front or back.