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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  Gas Milage - 2013 Kia Optima
  By larry134 - May 29 - 3:02 pm

  Kia should state true gas milage. They say 24 - 35. In reality it is more like 20-22 to 31-32.Stop lying KIA, you have a great car here except for your bloated MPG milage.

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  Optima was our clear choice - 2009 Kia Optima
  By MSgt Ken - May 22 - 6:30 pm

  Very very nice midsize sedan. I was looking to replace my wifes car and the Optima was the clear winner. We looked at Camry, Malibu, Elantra & Accord and the Optima was the winner based on features, styling and price. The $5000 mark down we got really helped. The Metallic Bronze is a head turner in the sun and we like the interior and exterior styling. We also have a Borrego and Kia has done their homework; clean conservative styling and nice standard features. Great basic features, great styling, very roomy cabin and a great value. We would highly recommend the Optima for "The family 4 door sedan".

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  6-months and counting... - 2012 Kia Optima
  By t1000 - May 12 - 8:40 pm

  The build quality, I rated a 3. Heres why: the body material is quite flimsy. Very light actually compared to previous cars I owned (Honda, Lexus, Toyota, Nissan). As I wash my car, I can feel how easily the hood can collapse under your hands, the rear fenders are plastic like and feels like I can bend it all the way to the back. However, it does have a 5-star crash safety rating. Go figure.... The comfort, I will never give a 5-rating because I havent found a seat that I like. Overall, this car has excellent acceleration, very sporty looking, head turner, excellent warranty, high tech features and a lot of them for such a low price.

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  What a bargain! - 2007 Kia Optima
  By imacheapsk8 - May 7 - 8:50 pm

  I think this car drives just as nicely as a Camry or Accord for several thousand less!

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  04 EX V6 Optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Matt Tyndall - May 4 - 6:40 am

  Ive had the car for 5 months and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Its only shortcomings are sup-par fuel mileage and raw acceleration. Everything else has exceeded my expectations. The car appears to be solidly built and hasnt burned a lick of oil for the first 10K miles.

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  Reliability could get 6 stars - 2008 Kia Optima
  By bklyndriver - April 30 - 6:42 pm

  Ive had this car, as second owner, for three years. It has never been a problem. All Ive done is replace the brakes and tires. Its still got less than 35K miles, but so far this is the best around-the-town car Ive ever had. It is surprisingly fun to drive, handles great. Downsides: I dont get the mileage I thought it would get - seems like I fill up a little too often. At about 30, I can feel the gear shift. There is absolutely no style to this car - it is super generic. These things dont detract from how good the Optima is.

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  Stay away from Kia - 2008 Kia Optima
  By i_hate_kia - April 29 - 2:49 pm

  1 BAD EXPERIENCE , I will never buy another , motor locked up with only 46,688 miles , they piece together another new engine because kia was to cheap to send a complete motor it runs for 10,00 miles and the oil light starts coming on at ideal. I ended up letting the dealer buy the car back and bought a Toyota camry, almost forgot car was out of service for 47 days the first time and the next time well its been 3 weeks today and its still not fixed 1/11/12 VERY BAD EXPERIENCE

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  My Kia is better than my Volvo - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Ro - April 24 - 4:23 am

  This car replaced a 2004 Volvo S40. I found the 2006 Kia to be comparable to the car it replaced in most respects: the sound system is superior as is the quiet, smooth ride. This car compares to a Volvo but the sticker shock and cost of maintenance is far lower. I would definitely recommend this car!

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  Owe KIA an apology - 2011 Kia Optima
  By richn2 - April 15 - 12:43 pm

  First looked at a KIA in June, thought no way spending xx dollars for a KIA. I mean its a KIA. Plus I have a fully loaded Durango that I loved.Well picked up my 2011 SX Pearl White w/ tech & Prem package last Saturday. Should have done it a lot sooner. First day out took it on a 200+ mile drive, highway avg 34.8 mpg. All week city traffic avg 24. 4 mpg. What a ride. No pulling to the left, interior is plenty quite, steering is tight but so was my Saab. When my 24 yr daughter saw it she said lets trade in her Pontiac Solstice and get her a Optima, so it must be a sharp looking car. Is it a perfect car no but its close enough. I learnt never to compare what I had to what I have.

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  Out-Japanesing the Japanese - 2007 Kia Optima
  By spk - April 8 - 11:30 pm

  I thoroughly researched my next car. Have owned Hondas and Toyotas the past 20 years. Purchased a 2006.5 (07) Optima after reading about the redesigned engine, interior, exterior and suspension. Kia has put together a solid product, very ergonomic - everything fits well, easy to use, just plain feels great to drive, similar to the Japanese cars with a few thousand to pocket. Its the culmination of the little things that adds to the confidence in the car - the way the door shuts, outlet in trunk, cabin lighting, hand-holds, etc. Kia makes the leap easy, with transferable 5yr, 60k warranty, roadside assistance, etc.