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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  Luxury @ Half the Price! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By allissa1963 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have the top of the line Kia Optima and it is every bit as luxurious, inside and out, as the Lincoln LS. As a matter of fact, they look identical on the inside. I love my Kia and would reccomend it to anyone looking for a new car.

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  Road noise and stiff steering, low clearance - 2011 Kia Optima
  By artsd1 - July 25 - 10:20 am

  I bought a 2011 Kia EX loaded, nice car until i drove on expwy. Way too much road noise and stiff steering made my wrist feel fatigue and low clearance of car. At night, headlight beams are too low and not bright and signs cant be read clearly because of low clearance. Since im a retiree, i wanted something i could keep for a few years. I could not keep it long due to ride quality which is more important to me than features. Plus other problems i mentioned made me trade for an Audi q5. What a difference, you get what you pay for. Made mistake and lost some cash but to be happy is more important to me than money. KIA resale value is not good if i keep it over 5yrs

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  Nearly the perfect balance of performance/economy/price. - 2013 Kia Optima
  By steve63_10 - July 21 - 4:26 pm

  The key to this car is measuring the overall value in a car of this class. Kia has done a great job with a car that has more than adequate performance, a host of standard features, a very roomy and stylish interior, striking looks and the best fuel economy of any car Ive owned. Ive HAD it with paying for $4/Gal gas and getting 13 mpgs in SUVs and trucks etc. Although Ive never gotten 35 mpg as advertised, I have averaged 28.5 in mixed driving. Quite good for a car of its size and performance level. The LX has all the features we wanted and kept the price very reasonable. Is this the perfect car? No. (see suggested improvements) However, it is quite good at just about everything.

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  Simple, but nice - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Hopeful skeptic - July 14 - 5:20 am

  Recently purchased an 09 LX Optima, used, with less than 12k on it. I test drove this car simply to say I "shopped around." There was not a real intention to purchase a Kia. However, I found myself more satisfied with it than the Accord, Camry, and Malibu, all of which I had driven in the same afternoon. It doesnt really stand out in any one category, but does all things well. Controls are simple, but well placed. Nothing feels all that cheap, like I expected. Fit and finish is on par with the Honda and Toyota, notably nicer fit than the Chevy. The whole car is simple, but very well done. Hopefully the long term impression is the same as the first! Oh, $4k less than comparable Honda/Toyota!

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  Love my Kia - 2003 Kia Optima
  By harris - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Wonderfull Car, would buy again, great dealer, great price, KIAS are great

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  My 2012 Kia Optima - 2012 Kia Optima
  By kirk700 - June 30 - 7:20 am

  Ive put 4000 miles my Optima, there are a few minor irritations and one let down. 1st the car comes with one smart key. All new cars come with a 2 keys. An additional key is $200.00. 2nd, getting out of the car while its running the car beeps at you like you are doing something morally wrong. 3rd and not so minor, the Nav system is terrible. My 4 year old TomTom that has never been upgraded is much better. Last minor irritation: Cant turn the radio off when the car is in reverse. Now for the let down: the MPG comes no where close to the advertized MPG. Best Ive recorded is 28 MPG and that was all Highway. The on-board MPG readout of ave. MPG is 2 to 4 mpg optimistic.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2011 Kia Optima
  By mja2 - June 28 - 8:15 pm

  I have owned my SX for app. 3 weeks. Zero Complaints so far. Gas mileage in regular mode is in the neighbor hood of 26 MPG mixed driving. If I am gentle in ECO mode I have gotten 29mpg under the same conditions. Acceleration to 60 is good , acceleration above 60 is very impressive, it might even scare you alittle. Overall quality seems very good. I have the basic stereo and the sound is crystal, I can only imagine the upgraded version. The only negative so far is when I start it first thing I hear a faint rattle in the exhaust.

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  Love my Optima - 2013 Kia Optima
  By snerenbaum - June 25 - 4:58 pm

  I traded in a 2008 Honda Accord for a 2013 KIA Optima. I am extremely happy with everything about this car. There are so many bells and whistles. Its comfortable and the panoramic sunroof is great. My husband purchased this car for me and I love the Metal Copper color. Its fun to drive. KIA hit this one out of the ball park.

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  Great Car - not as good gas as 2006 1/2 - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Lady Chivas - June 21 - 8:13 am

  Bought right after Thanksgiving 2005. Except for some minor repairs, I love the car. The ceiling could be higher (I am only 52"). Would like the left "foot rest" to be closer. Mileage is bad, 17 miles/gal, they adjusted with the 2006½ model which came out 1½ months AFTER I bought mine. I know it will not last as long as my 2nd car - my 1980 Subaru, which I also purchased new and still have.

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  2006.5 - 2006 Kia Optima
  By Rodney - June 8 - 3:23 pm

  I have had the car for 4 months now and it has been reliable and comfortable. Its not a particularly easy car to drive around town because of low torque. Tried teaching my 15 year old to drive in it...not a good idea. Wife doesnt like driving it either.