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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  I love this car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Dana Masters - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about the Optima EX. Ive had a Mercedes 190D in the 70s and a BMW 7series in the 80s and wouldnt trade the Optima for either one. I traded a 2003 Spectra for this Optima and had absolutely NO TROUBLE with it. Kia is a great company and builds EXCELLENT, FAIRLY PRICED cars--- Its a shame America and Japan cant take note of this.

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  MPG not even close - 2011 Kia Optima
  By td007 - February 19 - 8:21 am

  Normal driving youll be lucky to get 19mpg. Thought with a range of 24-34 it would fall some place in between. Otherwise it is a fun car. With all the bells and whistles it is comparable to a car that costs $20k more.

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  2012 EX Amazing - 2013 Kia Optima
  By jerryk007 - February 19 - 4:47 am

  The Optima EX sedan is an amazing value automobile that I cannot still believe that this vehicle can be built for the cost! Great style; excellent interior design; dash assembly perfectly fit and easy to read; great leg room in rear and front; superior fit and finish for a mid sized sedan. Quiet ride-Yes-acceleration of a V6 in an in-line 4 YES! Changed oil to synthetic. I would highly recommend as one of "the" best in its class!

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  Best Mid Size Car - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Bill - February 15 - 7:06 am

  Purchased brand new, but mostly drive it in the city. The fit, finish, quality and ride is amazing. Test drove a Camry, Accord and Malibu. The ride was a good or better then them all. Driving position was easy to find with power seat. Get 28 mpg in city and 34 on the highway. Will buy another in 5 years.

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  Kia has got me!! - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Jackie T - February 14 - 1:23 am

  I just purchased a 2005 Kia Optima after trading in my 2004 Kia Optima. I love the V6 power because i had the 4 cylinder previously. This car has got damn near everything i want in a vehicle.

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  Lyft Driver: Im on the road 24/7 - 2016 Kia Optima
  By Kamran. S - January 31 - 1:51 pm

  So I traded in my baby a 14 Chevy Camaro for this 16 Optima EX ( New Horizon Blue color) 2.4 liter 4-cyl. I simply needed 4 doors to drive for Lyft Full time. So far I have had this car for about 3 weeks I purchased the car with 150 miles on it and now have around 2500 miles on it already :/ This was my first "Brand new" car. What I like about this car is the styling Im 28 years old and I dont feel like grandpa pulling up to an event or to someones house. I get daily compliments on the car from the ladies they love the sporty high-end look and the light colored leather interior feels like a benz/beamer on the inside. I spend alot of time in this car Gas mileage is ok I get right about what the car is rated to get. I was not getting as great gas mileage and power until I switched from 87 to 89 octane gas... I know every one says it doesnt make a difference well that may be true for you. I am a Car guy and I can definitely tell the difference, and trust me its not placebo. The 2.4 at first drive did seem a bit sluggish compared to the Accord and the Legacy the other 2 cars I was comparing. But throw it in sport mode but keep in in Drive dont use the sport shift/manual mode it really doesnt help actually makes the car slower from gears 1-3. The only time I felt a benefit was when I drove up Mount Lemmon in Arizona (steep hills/Winding roads) Thats when having control of my shifts really helped but other than that stick to Full Auto/ Drive. I picked the optima because of the obvious Warranty benefit. Also they have some really good service I called to set up my road side which I recommend you do when you buy the car to prepair incase of assistance you dont have to spend 30 mins giving your personal info as your stranded. My only hope or Con was that I wish Kia gave this optima some more hp and low end torque without having to drop 30+ grand to go with a SX-L. And also after driving lirterally all day the seats feel very uncomfortable. And im an average body type I am 511 Athletic and about 180 pounds.

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  Nice ride so far - 2007 Kia Optima
  By 4 door sedan - January 28 - 6:43 pm

  Just bought this car new a week ago. Not many miles driven yet but so far the car has met/exceeded expectations. Its quiet in town and on the highway, even at 70/80 mph with only minor wind noise from the outside mirrors, a big improvement over my last car. Transmission is very smooth and the powertrain combination gives excellent performance on hills. Ride is comfortable but the driver seat needs an extra inch or two of seat cushion to give better thigh support for longer trips. I looked at the Civic and Nissan Sentra and Versa but dollar for dollar, the Optima was a no brainer, lots of bang for the buck. Ill give another rating after I put more miles on the car.

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  Never been happier! - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Meshoo96 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Kia Optima in 2001. It had 14 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. To date, it has 81,150 miles on it! Other than routine service and recently the alternator letting go, I have no complaints. It handles well, has ABS brakes, and gets excellent gas mileage. Id have to I drive about 150 miles round trip to work every day.

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  bbpyl - 2004 Kia Optima
  By bbpyl - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Its grace on the road

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  Watch out Nips - 2004 Kia Optima
  By MarkinMD - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my KIA since 12/31/03 have not had a single problem with it. It rides well, is comfortable and looks more expensive. The fit and finish is as good as anything out of Japan. I dont know what some of the reviewers were talking about when it comes to wind noise. My Optima is very quiet. There are few things they could do to improve the car, but it is very nice as is. My car was loaded with all but leather and the sticker was $22.035. That is a lot of car for the money.