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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  2001 kia optima - 2001 Kia Optima
  By sjmalone - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Love the fuel economy, looks sporty, sorta mix between the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, I feel the engine is plenty peppy enough for the city.

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  Forget Naysayers - 2004 Kia Optima
  By groovemac - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Kia Optima after doing months of research. I looked at Camrys, Hondas, and Hyundais. When I settled on my Kia I had doubts based on comments I had heard from others about Korean reliability. This by far has been the best car I have owned. The enginer runs so quiet at times I think its not running. The car has all the features I wanted i.e. Infinity Sound totally adjustable driver and passenger seats. Automatic headlights, suroof etc. Great warranty and I payed less than $20,000.

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  Great Car. - 2004 Kia Optima
  By SeaJay830 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my Kia. It has performed better than I could have ever expected and I have the 4 cylinder model. I get 32-35 MPG highway and I dont drive it easy.

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  2nd Kia - 2004 Kia Optima
  By mandrew - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We truely love the Kia products and the Optimas value was extreemly good.We feel like we are driving a Mercedes at a fraction of the cost! Keep up the great work Kia!

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  What a deal! - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Happy Owner 2 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I got a GREAT deal on a new loaded 2002. Couldnt beat the price, the warrranty, and the dealer is like a small hometown dealer(everyone there remembers your name over a month later). The small problem(lot damage to the bumper paint) was taken care of pronto. My daughter is buying one at the end of the month. I did alot of checking before I decided and Ive only found one person who was really unhappy with his KIA and he admits there is such a thing as a LEMON. Time will tell...........

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  Update on Infinity Sound quality - 2012 Kia Optima
  By fixer199 - March 13 - 2:32 am

  I posted in early January about the center dash speakers overpowering the rest. Turns out it was a bad amplifier. Got it replaced today under warranty. Now the Infinity system sounds like something Harmon Kardon can be proud of! We now have 1600 miles on the car and like it more all the time. That amplifier is the only defect weve found. We carefully log our gas use & got 25.06 mpg for the first 1,066 miles of 100% city driving. Only one trip out of town & got 31.9 mpg with lots of hills and slow downs for small towns.

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  What a Disappointment - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Angela - March 9 - 2:10 am

  At only 62000 miles this car already needed a new timing belt and transmission. Also had to have the auto window repaired. Way too much work needed on a car of this year and mileage. Kia Customer Support very rude.

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  Great Value - 2018 Kia Optima
  By Happy Driver - March 4 - 2:47 am

  Traded in my 2012 Mercedes C-Class for the 2018 Optima SXL. We purchased the 2017 Sorento SXL last spring after considering many other luxury brand SUVs and have been truly impressed. Decided it was a safe bet to trade the C-Class for the Optima. Weve been very happy with the Optima thus far. Its a very quiet, comfortable vehicle with more than enough space for a family of 4. (Its not as quiet on the freeway as my Mercedes, but I dont expect that at $20K less than the 2018 C-Class comparably equipped.) You get a lot for the money, especially the SXL trim package, made better by the great deal we got on the purchase price... $4000 below MSRP. Kias brand reliability (see Consumers Reports) combined with the value for the money should make other car brands like Honda and Toyota take notice.

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  A meaningful and honest review. - 2007 Kia Optima
  By Allan Birmantas - February 26 - 4:03 pm

  My beautiful, dependable and comfortable kia optima ex is the best and most dependable car I have ever owned. It has all the conveniences I can think of, it gets good gas mileage and it never breaks down. I have had complete strangers compliment its styling, I have gotten as much as 40.7 mpg on one trip, and after 31,000 miles it still runs like a Swiss watch. Perfect and quiet. It also handles very nicely. In other words... For the price, in its field, it is simply perfect. A ten in every way.

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  Nice...But - 2011 Kia Optima
  By shortstop6 - February 25 - 3:27 am

  We purchased this vehicle new...loaded. Looks great but right off not excited about gas mileage. 25 mixed driving and its on eco. Hopefully you dont wear nice clothes to work because if you do and its raining youre gonna ruin your slacks or nylons on the frame as you try and step out. Its so far out to the left that you need to look like a carricature to exit without getting a wet and mud stripe on your pants. Also, road noise is deafening and makes my Acura sound like a church at 2am. The brake pedal has an annoying thump every time you take your foot off the pedal which if you let it, will drive you crazy. The road trip we leave on this wed. could send me back to Lexus.