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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  All MPG Advertizments are Lies!!! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By kirk700 - May 24 - 8:50 pm

  I have logged 17,000+ miles on my 2012 KIA Optima. I love the car, 100% reliable and very comfortable. Im glad I chose it over the Accord and Fusion. That said, the window sticker read 26 city, 36 Hwy MPG. I am in sales and travel between 100 to 400 miles a day. 30% city and 70% Hwy. The best I have ever recorded is 30mpg. The worst is 24 mpg. My opinion, these figures are closer to what should be printed on the window sticker.

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  Kia Optima 2012 Excitement gone - 2012 Kia Optima
  By nccarowner - May 23 - 1:56 pm

  I bought the Optima EX after looking around for months. My excitement of owning the car is down now. I do not get the advertised mpg even if I coast & go just under the speed limit. The dealers have given me the same rehearsed response about MPG. My 2000 accord could hold the road better & get better gas mileage. I only get 28-29 on the highway at 65 mph. The onramp I have to wait to accelerate compared to my 12yr old honda accord. I have to go a min of 5mph slower or there is huge oversteer. The paint on the car is easily chipped off. I get compliments on the looks but Im stuck in the car. Charger has a better ride but seats arent as nice & it got 32mpg when I tested it for 2 days

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  Not going back to Hondas - 2002 Kia Optima
  By TB Buc - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Awesome, awesome, awesome! Cant be any happier. Everything is perfect.

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  Not worth the money - 2001 Kia Optima
  By Jessica - May 21 - 11:36 am

  I bought this car brand new off the showroom floor. Immediately we had some small issues but nothing major. After owning it for about 3 years and having more warranty problems, my car spent 6 months in the shop. So many things were replaced its hard to remember. There were transmission problems, computer problems, speaker/radio problems, window and lock problems, and engine problems to name a few. Due to the horrible depreciation on the car, we were only just now able to get rid of it without going into neg. equity. My advice, stay away, theres a reason for the warranty.

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  08 Kia Optima (silver) - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Ron - May 20 - 7:40 pm

  I have been very please with the kia purchase. I opted for the performance package with 17" wheels and black outkits. Performance feels more than actual specs, especially in town. Overall great built car for the price

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  great car - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Tim - May 20 - 5:53 pm

  I now have 61,000 miles (3.8yrs) on my LX. Im 63 and I love the driver seat comfort. My wife on the other hand is 53" and the front passenger seat is way too low for her. We have had to buy a cushion so she feels comfortable seeing out. Tires wore out in 30K miles and were terrible in the snow. I now have Generals on it and they are great. I had the right front ball joint replaced under warranty at 55K miles. Im a little concerned about the left front now. It gets great gas mileage! Trips to Pittsburgh net me 37MPG (660 miles 72 MPH, cruise on, ECO on) and I consistently get 29-30 mpg in my every day driving. Has a nice large trunk that is great for trips, enough for the luggage and all the thing my wife buys. Over all a great car and would buy one again. 9/15/16 - still a great car. Had to have the left front wheel bearing replace at 71467 miles. It was covered under warranty!

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  If I could only have a do over... - 2003 Kia Optima
  By mamanichole - May 8 - 10:05 am

  I bought my KIA with only 3,000 miles on it in late 2004. It was great until I ran out of warranty time, once that happened the car started falling apart. The timing belt went at less than 70,000 miles causing me to replace the whole engine (in 2010). For the past 2 years the car has decided to cut down when I am driving. It spent 3 months in a KIA Dealership repair shop and they still do not know what is wrong with it. How can a KIA Repair shop not know how to fix its own cars? They now say I need to spend another $1200 just to see "If that is the real problem." I loved my car during the first 5 years, but I wish I could go back and traded it at 4 years.

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  First new car - 2007 Kia Optima
  By happyasaclam - May 7 - 2:03 pm

  I have owned this car for one year today, and I love it more and more each day that I get behind that wheel. I hate to say that my baby has had to be in the shop a total of 8 times now. That is all do to the dealer that I bought it from. It got so bad, that I had to find a better dealership. There are a few things that are going wrong, and I am hopeful that they will be fixed right this time. The air bags in the front passenger side work when they want, the gas mileage is something all on its own, and the rear end is now having some problems that I have been waiting for to be fixed. All in all, I would never drive anything else. I love my KIA.

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  2013 KIA Optima SX - 2013 Kia Optima
  By achero1 - May 2 - 10:00 pm

  Compared BMW 328, MB 300, Audi A4, and infiniti g37x to the KIA SX. Optima SX had more options and performance. The optima is a gorgeous car. the outside styling and paint finish is incredible. Interior materials are excellent quality. The navigation and radio respond very quickly. Front and rear seats are heated. I have had the car for a month, love how it drives and handles. The SX turbo flies with almost 274HP. this is my 3rd kia. They have been extremely dependable. There is nothing on the market that has the same value as a KIA. This is not the KIA of past. Toyota and Honda take note. I traded out of a m35x for the SX. The m35x was very expensive to maintain almost $12k a year.

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  02 Kia Optima - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Chris Gallant - April 26 - 12:16 am

  Overall, I really like this car. It has good power and handles well. Comfort and design are good. I only wish the gas mileage was better, but I guess that is the price you pay for the power. Big trunk. Changing headlight bulbs is a pain, and my power mirrors went out.