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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  Dont be afraid, this car is a winner - 2008 Kia Optima
  By steve - December 26 - 4:03 pm

  Im a ASE mechanic. My son drives a Camry and my wife drives an Accord. I am very familiar with these cars. When it was time for me to sell my Honda Element, I test drove the 2008 Accord, Camry, Sonata, Sebring. Then I rented a 08 optima with 7 miles on it for vacation and drove it 1000 miles. I was shocked. Right out of the box, it averaged 30 mpg on an engine that wasnt broken in yet. I was completely taken away with the build quality of this car. Tight panel seams, interior quality outstanding and very quiet. The accord handling and engine is better but this is a close 2nd. I bought this car $7000 less than a Camry and $6500 less than accord. Read Car and Drivers 2007 comparison.

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  Love IT. - 2003 Kia Optima
  By l24k2g - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I went to kia not expecting much. I spend 80% of my day in my car and I have found that I enjoy driving in my kia more that I did my mazda 626. the 2.4L engine with the auto trans. is kind of week off the line but picks up pretty quickly. I so far think that it has been worth the money and more.

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  Cant believe the quality for the price - 2014 Kia Optima
  By admiralrich - December 17 - 10:08 pm

  Going on one month now for the 2014 LX. The car is half the price of the Lexus I used to own and the ride is better, its quieter, the 4 cyl gives me all the power I can use not to mention the gas mileage, warranty, all in a beautiful car. I cannot believe they build this great car for the low price.

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  No issues after 3.5 years and 74k miles - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Tracy Payne - December 14 - 12:05 pm

  This has been an excellent car. There have been no repairs required and fuel economy is 32-34 mpg for highway. OEM tires were poor, but replaced with Michelins and car drives and handles well.

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  Very Happy with my 2011 Kia Optima - 2011 Kia Optima
  By devildawg1 - December 11 - 3:07 am

  We have had our Optima for 5 months and are pleased with it. The MPG is excellent. We took a trip from Illinois through Pennsylvania and then down to Myrtle Beach and back to IL. We averaged just over 35 MPG for highway driving. This is corrected as the computer reads a little higher than we actually receive. We typically were driving 65 - 75 MPH. I am 64" tall and I fit very comfortably driving. I can even stretch my legs straight out if I need to stretch them. The trunk is large. I play golf so one of my expectations is that I can get 4 sets of golf clubs in the trunk. With this vehicle it is not a problem.

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  Refined Evolution - 2016 Kia Optima
  By BillyB - December 11 - 1:57 am

  I leased a 2013 Optima SXL and LOVED the car !! My lease expired and I got another SXL 2016 and WOW has this car evolved in three years not to mention how refined its become. The cabin is incredibly quiet, even on concrete highways at highway speed. The handling is SO much better than 2013 model, very refined with just the right feedback. The technology is amazing and if you are a techie, you will enjoy it all the more. SO happy with this car, I cant stop thinking about it.....LOVE IT !! ​

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  Zero Problems in 50,000 miles of driving! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By heyguy - December 2 - 12:09 am

  My wife and I both drive Optima Hybrids and we both traded in Lexus for these cars. While not luxury laden like our old cars (and we do miss the wood, quality leather, and quieter drive, our cars have almost all the bells and whistles and have performed flawlessly for 2+ years and combined 50,000+ miles of driving. Love the 6 speed shiftable transmission, great radio, and heated and cooled seats. Love to the 35-40 mpg we get on long drives!

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  Great Car - 2009 Kia Optima
  By nick - November 17 - 12:10 am

  Never thought Id buy a KIA, but thought Id take a look and was really surprised. If you want a V6, move on, but the 2.4L 4-cylinder is more than competitive with the smooth automatic. (Surprisingly, much better power than Mazda 6i, which I tested just before.) The SX trim level offers sharp handling for a sedan, and its something different than yet another Accord or Camry with more features for 1000s less. The build quality, noise levels, and ride are all better than expected with no problems so far. The warranty is impressive. This car will certainly convert those KIA haters (like me a year ago), and folks often ask me if thats an Audi I drive, which Ill take as a compliment.

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  Happy Owner - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Happy Owner - November 16 - 1:13 pm

  I have owned this car for over a year. I bought it as a repossession with only 8,250 miles on it. It replaced a 1996 Buick LeSabre which was an incredible lemon. Although there is less space inside the car the comfort and quietness of the ride are comparable. I have also had good luck with the Kia dealership. Id definitely consider buying another Kia if I were in the market for a vehicle.

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  Excellent car, comfortable and quiet - 2013 Kia Optima
  By happykiadriv1 - November 14 - 3:44 pm

  Driven more than 30,000 miles, excellent car with no problems. Variable mpg depending on the weather...goes way down in the winter. Comfortable ride, quiet on the highway. Lots of standard features that make the car an excellent value.