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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  Beautiful, great performance, awesome value BUT poor "actual" fuel econmomy - 2012 Kia Optima
  By travelingwave - July 17 - 12:32 am

  I have a black on black fully loaded 2012 SX. I paid $30k. I have had about 3 months with 3500 miles on it( I dont drive it when there is snow, sand, etc. on the road) Great: Awesome exterior look, a real eye turner. It looks like Audi BMW, but $20k less. Performance-unbelievable - corners on rails, and there is no turbo lag. Bad Horrible actual( total miles/ gallons use) fuel economy compared what is advertise 24/34. I actual get about 24MPG ALL highway driving like a grandma. Fuel economy computer is not accurate. Narrow bucket seats, slightly tight on my shoulders Poor wheel well insulation. When driving on snow, gravel, sand, it very loud inside

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  I love my Kia - 2002 Kia Optima
  By misspat - July 16 - 3:20 am

  As a horse owner, this car has hauled 300 lbs. of feed in the trunk and performed beautifully down our dirt road. I have had only a few minor porblems which the dealer repaired under warranty very graciously. This is a hot little car; fun to drive and still haul the great-grand baby safely with the child lock doors. I am amazed at how fast and responsive the car is.

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  Always had excellent Hondas Kia is smoother. - 2017 Kia Optima
  By Tony Consolo - July 11 - 3:23 am

  Be sure to drive it first. Smoooth

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  Worst Mistake Ever Made - 2006 Kia Optima
  By iAmDizzie - July 10 - 7:26 pm

  Bought in Feb. 2007 to replace 2000 Kia Sephia. Biggest mistake we couldve made. Less than two months after purchasing it, we had to have the compressor for the AC replaced and that was just the first in a line of major issues we had over the 3 years we had this piece of junk. The crank shaft pulley broke, which in turn caused the timing belt to have to be replaced, too. Then, we started having to replace at least one low-beam headlight every month because they kept blowing. The final straw was that the passenger door started having some kind of issue where it wouldnt unlock and stay unlocked - you unlock, pull handle, then it re-locks itself. FINALLY got rid of this car last week!

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  the optimal optima ! - 2016 Kia Optima
  By ernest biddle - July 4 - 2:26 pm

  balance of performance ,handling and comfort.........just about perfect!

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  Outstanding car for the money - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Larry Hofmeister - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought this as a leftover 2002 model and have been absolutely delighted with the purchase. The car is comfortable, quiet, tight and just plain impressive for the money. This is the 3rd Kia Ive owned and Im still very pleased with value for the money.

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  MY Kia - 2008 Kia Optima
  By kiaman - June 26 - 10:30 am

  When researching all the cars in the same class as my Optima I know I got more bang for my buck over every other car.

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  One year later - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Big John - June 22 - 10:03 pm

  Basically no complaints except tire grip on snowy roads is severely lacking, when trying to go uphill from a stop. Never had this problem with a Rio. After servicing the transmission it began to chatter when slowing down. This shouldnt be happening with an automatic transmission. Went to the local dealer for all service, (not Charlies Kia), not happy with the service personnel. Theres a gasoline odor getting into the cabin intermittently but the local dealer says they cant duplicate the problem. Car still gets 32 mpg HW and hugs a dry road excellently. The original tires are about half way worn out and look worn evenly across the width. Theyve been rebalanced once.

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  2013 Kia Optima EX - Purchased with 16k miles - 2013 Kia Optima
  By Chuck Hotaling - June 20 - 2:23 pm

  Excellent value and good fuel economy. Acceleration is strong for a 4 cyl vehicle. Handles good, although power steering at times feels weak. We got our care for $16,500 on Dec 2015 with 16k miles. Purple/redish color with tan leather seats.

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  After 1 day, nearly perfect - 2016 Kia Optima
  By Scott - June 17 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased my Optima SXL last night. I feel like I stole it. With the $2500 rebate, I paid under 29k for the car. Yes, you read that correctly, UNDER $29k. Thanks to a GM who honored a price shown on his website that the salesman claimed was a mistake.. But after I contacted the GM telling him that the salesman told me the online price from another dealer is always a lie, then when their price was $10 less, I called them out on it.. and so they basically had to eat their own words, or practice a bait and switch on pricing as they accused another dealer of doing. That turned out to be my gain! The tech on this car is incredible. I ding the car a little because for some reason there is no Homelink garage opener in this car. I will have to decide if I want to keep a transmitter in the car, or opt to pay for dealer installed option review mirror with Homelink. There is a little bit of turbo lag, but other than that, the car is very quick. Steering is a little softer than I am used to, as I am coming from and Acura. Acuras typically have very tight steering. All of the feature on this car are awesome.. Huge sunroof, heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, and all of the accident mitigation built in is awesome. This car feels very high end and very expensive. I am surprised this is a KIA. I didnt think I would EVER own one, but here I am. Even the 10-spoke chrome wheels look almost identical to that on the Jaguar XJ. The attention to detail is great. Little bits of chrome in all of the right places.. illuminated outside door handles when you approach, and red painted calipers. I am still shocked that I bought a KIA and even more so to say after 1 day, that I LOVE my KIA. Ill do another review after I have had the car for a few weeks.