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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  A phenomenal value! - 2011 Kia Optima
  By ambobob - July 14 - 8:10 am

  We purchased our Optima about 5 months ago, and in that time have only put about 900 miles on it so its difficult to comment on reliability. But - that aside, wow do you get a lot of car for the money! Ours came practically loaded (minus the panoramic sunroof, navigation, heated/cooled seats) - for around $22,000. The interior is modeled after Audi, and seems like something youd find in a much more expensive car. The beautiful French stitching really catches the eye, and the exterior styling definitely turns heads! Kia has definitely come a long, long way in the past 10 years and I would encourage anybody who is in the market for a mid-size sedan to strongly consider the Optima.

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  Regret? - 2012 Kia Optima
  By sdbolts - July 12 - 10:34 pm

  I bought this car in March of 2012 with high expectations. In the beginning, I didnt notice how bad the gas mileage actually was, because I thought it was just getting acclimated with my driving. However, after a couple months, I could only muster between 23-25mpg city, and 27-29mpg highway. Also, the steering is rather lacking, it doesnt feel tight or grip the road as well as thought it would. The acceleration is weak, period. Also, the "eco" mode plays a large role in fuel economy, larger than I expected. Without the eco mode, the car handles well, more power, and a much better feel; just how I expected with about 20% worse fuel economy.

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  Blown Away - 2011 Kia Optima
  By dakota001 - July 9 - 4:09 pm

  I was looking at Lexus, Acura, Accord EX recently and drove by a KIA Dealership. I remember a friend had purchased a KIA years ago and put over 300,000 miles on it with virtually no problems. I was blown away at the Optima. It is elegant, refined, stylish and reasonably priced. After the test drive, I called my credit union and drove it home immediately. The next day when I went to sign the paperwork for my loan at the Credit Union, there two more new Optimas in the parking lot. The loan officers came out to look at them and were all oooohing and aahhhing. I LOVE my Optima

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  2004 Kia Optima LX - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Problems - June 26 - 11:16 am

  I purchased the car used with 59K miles. I now have 63K miles and have already had to replace the power steering hose ($200 +) and now the power door locks are messed up and literally lock me in the car. I have had to climb out the window, this might be ok if I were Bo Duke. It does have a smooth ride. Sometimes when I first start the car it will stall or take a second to get going, sorta like its not getting gas. The car looks pretty but looks can be deceiving. Dont buy. Run away.

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  Awsome Car! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Derik - June 24 - 3:37 am

  I am 66 and I still have plenty of room. I admit I have to tilt the seat back a bit. But in this car it feels right to tilt it back anyway. The get up and go is great! I have never had an issue with this car. I bought it new. It now has.99,000 miles. I do take good care of it and service every 5k. The only minor problem I had was when the floor was getting wet and found out it was a plugged hose from the a/c system. Was a 10 minute fix. I cant say Ive ever had better luck with any other vehicle. Great gas mileage!

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  The optima is a race machine - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Jamie - June 19 - 9:36 pm

  It is a awesome car, but minor problems are going wrong. I commute 65 miles a day. great gas mileage nice and comfortable. The only problem is , is that my trunk latch broke the other day. Now today my front door on the drivers side wouldnt open from the inside and out. It is a fixable problem. The only thing is I look like a retard going in and out of my car just to drive. I now have a paranoia that the other door will go. Or that my key will break!!!

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  GAS MPG - 2004 Kia Optima
  By analyzerlx - June 3 - 8:56 pm

  The odometer reads 34,400 so far and going strong. I commute pretty often now and Ive been going from Georgia to Maryland, VA or NC. I recently checked my MPGs and was pretty happy to see it is around 32.4 MPG. I think thats great since the EPA highway is only supposed to be 27. The car has a few mysterious dings. Other than that it has been a very comfortable ride. I believe it should reach 100,000 with no problem. I plan on fixing the timing chain at 60,000 and will see if I have a problem after that.

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  Quite the stunner, but only time will tell. - 2011 Kia Optima
  By rwbenjey - June 3 - 11:21 am

  The 2011 Optima is basically a "European" version of the Sonata and a very nice looking sport-luxury sedan (thanks to Peter Schreyer, formerly of Audi). To me, this larger car looks like a marriage between a Lexus, a Saab, and a Maserati. Its a head-turner (as I certainly noticed on the way home from the dealership). The interior seems to borrow ideas from Volvo , Saab, and Audi (obviously). The only part, to me, that shows some of the KIA legacy is the dash/door trim choice and the seat fabric. Though, Not terrible, these items could be better than they are. Overall, I am very pleased by the design, number of standard features, performance, and comfort of this vehicle. Rating: A-

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  Dont be fooled by the Badge - 2012 Kia Optima
  By thorlo - June 2 - 3:50 am

  I have owned Dozens of new cars, including,7/ VWs,3/BMWs,3/Audis,2/Acuras,1/Jag& a M-B. All were special in their own way, But as far as Packaging, performance, style, funtion, and safety rating (NHTSA/IIHS), My 2012 Kia Optima SX, is by far the best car Ive ever Owned. it feels as solid as any of them. And on my trip From Texas to Va. I got 33 true MPG, at speeds somewhat above those posted. so a word to the wise car shopper, Dont be fooled by the Badge.

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  Exterior matched the interior - 2012 Kia Optima
  By bradwoods - May 26 - 5:45 pm

  Classic body style matches the luxury interior. Completely blown away with what this car offers. I was hesitant going in because I didnt know what to expect from a brand of car that people considered less than desirable. Kia is on the move baby! Its an head turner. So far so good on gas. Plenty of power. A 4 cylinder w/dual exhaust...KOOL. This car has all the bells and whistles. It fits to your comfort. Youll understand after you check it out. Go see Greg Kelly at Kia East. Great guy, not pushy and he owns an Optima too. Believes in what he says and says what he believes.