Are Kia Optimas Good Cars?
Kia Optima by Milhouse35 - CC-BY-SA-4.0
Although it seems the automotive market is widely focused on SUVs, crossovers, and trucks, there’s no denying there’s still a market for midsize sedans. The simple reason is that midsize sedans often offer a more affordable entry point compared to SUVs and luxury vehicles. With the increasing focus on sustainability and fuel economy, midsize sedans are often more fuel-efficient than larger vehicles, making them an attractive option for eco-conscious consumers.
When it comes to midsize sedans, one of the more popular options you’ll come across is the Kia Optima. First introduced with its 2000 model, the Kia Optima gained quite a following by offering a striking balance of style, comfort, and excellent price point. It was also known as the sedan that stayed up-to-date and always on the cutting edge regarding tech. Even with tough competitors like the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, and Toyota Camry, it’s no wonder the Kia Optima held its own.
The Kia K5 replaced the Kia Optima in the 2021 model year. The K5 is essentially a rebranded and redesigned version of the Optima. If you’re interested in this midsize sedan, you probably have one question in mind: are Kia Optimas good cars?
To help you answer this question, we highlight and discuss some of the key aspects of the Kia Optima, including its engine, performance, fuel economy, interior features, tech, safety features, and more.
Engine, Performance, and Fuel Economy
One of Optima’s strengths is its good selection of engine options. For instance, the base 2020 Optima comes with a 2.4L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. While it’s an adequate engine for daily driving, it may lack the punch for buyers wanting a more spirited performance.
We much prefer the 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 178 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque – it’s smoother, sharper, and quicker. Despite its smaller size, the turbocharger allows it to deliver a more spirited performance. Meanwhile, the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder pumps an impressive 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
For describing the Optima’s driving performance, the best adjectives had to be versatile and well-rounded. This midsize sedan provides a comfortable and controlled ride with an excellent well-tuned suspension that easily absorbs road imperfections. The steering is also precise and has a good sense of control. The Optima can be a joy to drive because of the solid brakes and stable handling.
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Kia Optima Fuel Economy
While the Optima is considered fuel efficient in a vacuum, it pales compared to its main competitors. Below is a quick breakdown of all versions (including the hybrid) of the Kia Optima’s fuel economy, as per EPA.gov:
1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine (Automatic AM7)
- Combined MPG: 31
- City MPG: 27
- Highway MPG: 37
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine (Automatic S6)
- Combined MPG: 24
- City MPG: 21
- Highway MPG: 30
2.4L Inline-4 Engine (Automatic S6)
- Combined MPG: 27
- City MPG: 24
- Highway MPG: 32
2.4L Inline-4 Engine (FE trim, Automatic S6)
- Combined MPG: 29
- City MPG: 25
- Highway MPG: 35
2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid Engine (Automatic AM6)
- Combined MPG: 42
- City MPG: 40
- Highway MPG: 45
2.0L Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid Engine (Automatic AM6)
- Combined MPG on Electricity: 101 MPGe
- Combined MPG on Gas Only: 41
Interior and Tech Features
The Kia Optima is marketed as an everyday-life sedan, so you’ll have to manage your expectations when it comes to its interior. With that said, the Optima’s interior layout and controls are sensible and intuitive. While the materials and overall cabin quality feel and look spartan, the Optima offers a comfortable interior that most people won’t mind being in. However, there’s a pretty significant disparity between the base models and better-outfitted trim levels – so is the price.
Front occupants in the Optima are treated to ample legroom and headroom, making for a comfortable seating experience. The convenience of large door openings further enhances the ease of entry and exit. This design not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the Optima but also contributes to its striking profile. However, the sloping roofline and its sleekness come at the cost of less intuitive entry for rear passengers.
Tech-wise, the Optima features best-in-class in-car entertainment with an 8.0-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add features like a premium Harman-Kardon sound system, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof.
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Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is a crucial strength of the Kia Optima. It comes standard with a rearview camera and numerous advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure alert, and blind-spot monitoring. People who want more safety tech in their Optima can avail of available features like adaptive cruise control, which is one of the best implementations of the tech – but you’ll have to come up to the EX trim to get it.
The Kia Optima also received positive ratings from organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS. For example, the 2020 Kia Optima is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and has a 5-star rating from the NHTSA.
Long-Term Reliability and Best/Worst Years
RepairPal says that out of 24 midsize cars, the Kia Optima is the 8th most reliable, with a respectable 4.0 out of 5.0 rating. Consumer feedback indicates that the Kia Optima can easily reach 100k miles with little to no issues. Regular wear-and-tear items such as brakes and tires may need replacement, but these are typical maintenance tasks.
As for the Optima years to avoid, we recommend approaching the following model years with caution:
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
Unfortunately, this stretch of the Optima’s lineup suffered from serious mechanical issues like engine failure and excessive oil consumption. As for the best years of this midsize sedan, the last four models (2017-2020) before transitioning into the K5 branding are known to have excellent reliability.
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Final Verdict: Are Kia Optimas Good Cars?
Are Kia Optimas good cars? Yes. It’s a midsize sedan that delivers on pretty much every key quality that most consumers prefer. It offers a comfortable ride, a well-equipped interior, and excellent safety ratings. While there have been a few reliability issues in the past, recent models have shown significant improvements.
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