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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  My first new car. - 2011 Kia Optima
  By pacoug - November 27 - 7:24 pm

  Ive driven a succession of Maximas, Infinitis and a couple other decent 4 doors, all bought used with moderate miles. This time I went for new for similar money, to see the difference. I must say, a G37 or Maxima is a lot more car than this--but look at the sticker of a new one. I find in most situations the lower power of the 4 is more than enough to get the job done, even if not as thrilling as a 3.7 liter Nissan 6. It sure is a thrill at both the gas pump and the insurance counter. I get 10 more mpg with this car than I did with my last. It has a great warranty while my previous car had no warranty. Cost of ownership: far lower!

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  Excellent Car - 2012 Kia Optima
  By jsap123 - November 21 - 12:25 am

  Bought a 2012 EX in October 2011; 10,500 miles on it now. I was looking for a car that had good visual design inside and out, better gas mileage and more power than my previous car [2006 Mazda 3S 2.3L]. Fell in love with the interior and exterior styling, love the driver-centric interior, I like how everything is angled towards me. Was very impressed with the quiet cabin, smooth ride, and nice seats. The Optima, however, doesnt handle like my Mazda did, but I would say thats the only thing the Mazda comes out on top in. The car feels very refined, engine is plenty fast and Ive been enjoying 28-34mpg on mixed driving [Im not a lead foot and its flat in FL]. I also like the ECO button.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Dave - November 13 - 10:56 am

  Ride is comfortable but handling seems a little soft (bumps & curves). Has lots of bells and whistles for the money which is nice. I recommend V6- even though its smallish, car accelerates and passes fine. Interior is nice but can see its nothing spectacular. Leather is nicer than the cloth but again not the softest Ive seen in a middie. Seems good for money though-time will tell. A guy at dealer was buying his second. Said he loved em. Cons: Annoying rattle in back right door; Need to get keyless reprog.; Entering and exiting can take practice-it sits a bit too low- especially the back seat. Hit my head first couple times and am 58. Cool & kind of noisy around sunroof with shade open.

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  Initial Review - 2013 Kia Optima
  By whitfoc - November 10 - 11:39 pm

  Very impressive car for the money. Just bought a snow white/beige with premium and tech package. Took on a 500 mile trip over the weekend with two heavy suitcases, Two adults and averaged 33 mpg traveling at 70 mph. While the engine is extremely quiet, there is some tire noise but not excessive. Ride is compliant and comfortable. Could not justify the extra $5000 for an SX. Overall a good buy for the $30K and under price range.

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  Great Value and fun with a few caveats - 2012 Kia Optima
  By willj69 - November 9 - 2:17 pm

  A really fun car to drive with great looks. Absolutely love the inside and every feature, especially the cooling seats and keyless entry/startup. Disappointed in the paint as I have at least a dozen chips. Any little thing causes a chip or scratch. If this car had AWD, blind spot info, and a hard drive, it would be THE PERFECT CAR. It is pretty damn good as is.

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  GORGEOUS! - 2013 Kia Optima
  By funruffian - November 7 - 5:44 pm

  I bought this car 7 months ago and I am so happy to drive and step into it every day. The looks are Drop dead Gorgeous. The comfort is similar to sitting in your living room. The interior is High-end and state of the art. The drive is smooth and luxurious and I feel as if Im driving a $40,000 car.

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  Excellent - 2001 Kia Optima
  By PDBurns - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The car is great to drive, very resoponsive gets up to Hwy speed very quickly. Very little problems and what there was was taken care of right away. I would recomend this car to anyone.

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  Another Great Kia - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Chris - October 30 - 8:36 am

  Before I purchased my Optima I had a 2008 Kia Spectra in which was a great car. When I traded in I had 47k miles no problem what so ever. I went to the dealership to get an oil change when I saw that 2009 Optima Midnight Blue and it was love at first sight. The price, style and performance are great. First look at this car and you would say thats a car that is in the 30k range. My optima was in the low 20s and with the rebates and the fact that I was a current Kia owner that made the rebates even greater. I would say Kia is my car of chose hands down. Kia keep on keeping on.

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  112,000+ miles and still going strong! - 2011 Kia Optima
  By mainecoast - October 26 - 10:32 am

  I really love this car. The seating could be a little more comfortable, but my seat has pretty much conformed to me after all these miles. 6 speed manual is a lot of fun, Im a big fan of standard transmissions. Passing on back roads is a breeze, plenty of power, that 200hp 4 cyl provides good power to weight ratio....just pop it down into 3rd step on it, and it goes...fast. Ive hit what seems to be a rev limiter on occasion, and a top speed limiter in 6th because it ran out of steam at about 118 with what should have been plenty of room showing on the tach. Totally reliable. Tires, oil changes, trans. oil change. Thats it. Brakes, plugs, serp. belt, radiator flush in spring.

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  Five star safety, 10 year warranty!!! - 2008 Kia Optima
  By BOBSKIA - October 21 - 9:46 am

  I traded in my truck because of gas prices. The KIA was ranked high in safety, warranty, and performance. I was given great rebate incentives that brought down the price to around 14,000. The four cylinder has 168 HP, almost as much as the 6 cylinder. They gave me a great price for my trade. The warranty for the first buyer is a great one! The room in the Optima is great since I am 65". The car has a load of standard features: heated mirrors, tire pressure monitoring, 5 speed automatic transmission, 5 star crash rating, air bags all over, large trunk, great handling, and good MPG (I am getting over 30 currently) The KIA dealer was excellent too!!!