Kia Optima

Overview: Is the Kia Optima a Good Car?

Starting as an uninspired sedan at the start of the 21st century, the Kia Optima ultimately morphed into a stylish offering with the launch of the third generation. This transformation helped Kia expand beyond its economy car roots.

The Optima shares a platform with the Hyundai Sonata, its corporate cousin, and competes against mainstream sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, and Chevrolet Malibu.

This overview focuses on the more recent Optima generations:

• Kia Optima second generation: 2007-2010
• Kia Optima third generation: 2011-2015
• Kia Optima fourth generation: 2016-2020

The Optima was replaced by the Kia K5 for the 2021 model year, marking the end of the Optima nameplate in the U.S.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Kia Optima cars for sale.

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Related: 2015 Kia Optima Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

Key Features

The Kia Optima offers:

• Midsize sedan body style
• Four-cylinder and six-cylinder engine options (varying by year)
• Kia Optima Hybrid (second and third generation) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants (third generation)
• Front-wheel drive (FWD)
• Automatic transmission or manual transmission (varying by year)

Trims

Kia Optima trim levels have varied across generations but typically include the LX, EX, SX, and SX-L (or SX Turbo).

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Kia Optima's interior is a pleasant surprise, offering a level of refinement and features uncommon at its price point. The cabin is spacious and well-designed, giving upscale vibes. The seating is comfortable in both rows, although the middle spot in the back seat is best reserved for children or smaller adults. Newer Optimas features a large touchscreen infotainment system, giving the cabin a modern feel. More recent models also have advanced driver assistance technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Trunk capacity varies between generations, but the last edition has 15.9 cubic feet of storage space, expandable via the 60/40 split-folding rear seats.

Review: Which Years Of Used Kia Optimas Are Most Reliable?

How It Drives

The Optima’s base four-cylinder offers adequate acceleration, but the power is better in the second and third generations. Kia offered a V6 in some older editions, modestly dialing up performance at fuel economy's expense. Quicker acceleration also comes from the Kia Optima Turbo and other trims with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. At the same time, the available hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains offer a smooth and quiet driving experience with the added benefit of improved fuel efficiency. Regardless of what’s under the hood, the Optima sits between boring and exciting when it comes to being behind the wheel, which is what most buyers want.

Safety

The Kia Optima has consistently performed well in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, earning top five-star ratings in individual tests and overall safety valuations across multiple generations.

Reviews

Kia Optima reviews on Kelley Blue Book have been largely positive, with consumers giving the second and third generations a solid average rating of 4.6 out of 5. The fourth-generation Optima drops to 4.1, but there’s still positive praise for the car’s reliability, comfort, and styling.

Learn More: Here Are The Kia Optima Years To Avoid

Kia Optima FAQs

Is the Kia Optima discontinued?

Yes, the Kia Optima was discontinued in the United States after the 2020 model year. It was replaced by the Kia K5, a new midsize sedan that builds upon the Optima's strengths while offering a more modern and aggressive design.

What are the disadvantages of the Kia Optima?

Some potential drawbacks of the Kia Optima include a base engine that may feel underpowered for some drivers and the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD), which is available with the successor Kia K5.

Are Kia Optimas long-lasting cars?

Given the right factors, a Kia Optima can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Regular maintenance and careful driving are essential to ensuring the longevity and reliability of any car.

Check out a used Kia Optima for sale.