Kia Optima
The 2021 Kia Optima stands out with an exceptional record of zero recalls and zero consumer complaints, indicating a very high level of initial quality and reliability.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2020 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 21 | 30 | 24 | 11.2 | 7.84 | 9.8 |
| 2019 | 21 | 30 | 24 | 11.2 | 7.84 | 9.8 |
| 2018 | 22 | 31 | 25 | 10.69 | 7.59 | 9.41 |
| 2017 | 22 | 31 | 25 | 10.69 | 7.59 | 9.41 |
| 2016 | 22 | 31 | 25 | 10.69 | 7.59 | 9.41 |
| 2015 | 20 | 30 | 24 | 11.76 | 7.84 | 9.8 |
| 2014 | 20 | 30 | 24 | 11.76 | 7.84 | 9.8 |
| 2013 | 22 | 33 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.13 | 9.05 |
| 2012 | 22 | 33 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.13 | 9.05 |
| 2011 | 22 | 33 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.13 | 9.05 |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | sedan | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | sedan | Cylinders: 4, Displacement: 2.0, Fuel type: Regular | Automatic | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | 4 | 2.0 | Regular |
| 2019 | sedan | Cylinders: 4, Displacement: 2.0, Fuel type: Regular | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 4 | 2.0 | Regular |
| 2018 | sedan | Cylinders: 4, Displacement: 2.0, Fuel type: Regular | Automatic | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | 4 | 2.0 | Regular |
| 2017 | sedan | Cylinders: 4, Displacement: 2.0, Fuel type: Regular | Automatic | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | 4 | 2.0 | Regular |
| 2016 | sedan | Cylinders: 4, Displacement: 2.0, Fuel type: Regular | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 4 | 2.0 | Regular |
| 2015 | sedan | Cylinders: 4, Displacement: 2.0, Fuel type: Regular | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 4 | 2.0 | Regular |
| 2014 | sedan | Cylinders: 4, Displacement: 2.0, Fuel type: Regular | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 4 | 2.0 | Regular |
| 2013 | sedan | Cylinders: 4, Displacement: 2.0, Fuel type: Regular | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 4 | 2.0 | Regular |
| 2012 | sedan | Cylinders: 4, Displacement: 2.0, Fuel type: Regular | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 4 | 2.0 | Regular |
| 2011 | sedan | Cylinders: 4, Displacement: 2.0, Fuel type: Regular | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 4 | 2.0 | Regular |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | pricing | Base price | Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | — | — | — |
| 2020 | Base price: $22,990, Trim: SX | $22,990 | SX |
| 2019 | Base price: $35,390, Trim: SX | $35,390 | SX |
| 2018 | Base price: $25,700, Trim: PHEV EX | $25,700 | PHEV EX |
| 2017 | Base price: $25,995, Trim: LX/LX Conv/LX Conv Plus/1.6T LX/1.6T LX Tech | $25,995 | LX/LX Conv/LX Conv Plus/1.6T LX/1.6T LX Tech |
| 2016 | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Keyless ignition | Steering location | Seat rows | Turbo | Valvetrain | GVWR | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Turbo: Yes, Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 110.4, Front wheel: 17, Rear wheel: 17 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Yes | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 110.4 | 17 | 17 |
| 2019 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 110.4, Front wheel: 16, Rear wheel: 16 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 110.4 | 16 | 16 |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 450 | 15.9 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 110.4, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 110.4 | 18 | 18 |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 110.4, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 110.4 | 18 | 18 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 5 | 4 | 436 | 15.4 | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | nhtsaSafetyRatings | tpms | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle | abs | esc | tractionControl | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotMonitoring | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | parkAssist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2020 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2020 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2019 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2019 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2019 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard |
| 2018 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2018 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2018 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | optional | standard | standard | optional | standard | — | optional | standard | optional |
| 2017 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2017 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2017 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | — | optional | standard | standard | — | optional | standard | — |
| 2016 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2015 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2015 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2014 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2014 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2012 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2012 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2011 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2011 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Model year reports
2021
NewestThe 2021 Kia Optima stands out with an exceptional record of zero recalls and zero consumer complaints, indicating a very high level of initial quality and reliability.
2020
The 2020 Kia Optima presents a solid used car option with excellent safety ratings and good fuel economy.
2019
The 2019 Kia Optima presents a generally good reliability profile, though buyers should prioritize confirming the completion of its single recall concerning the automatic emergency braking system.
2018
The 2018 Kia Optima earns top safety marks but presents an average reliability picture, largely due to significant recall activity, particularly concerning the trunk latch.
2017
The 2017 Kia Optima offers good safety scores and respectable fuel economy, but its average reliability verdict and significant recall history, particularly concerning the engine and fuel system, demand careful pre-purchase inspection.
2016
The 2016 Kia Optima presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2015
The 2015 Kia Optima presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant safety recalls concerning fire hazards from the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) and potential fuel leaks.
2014
The 2014 Kia Optima presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to critical recalls concerning engine failure and fire risk.
2013
The 2013 Kia Optima presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant critical recalls concerning engine failure, fuel leaks, and fire risk stemming from HECU issues.
2012
The 2012 Kia Optima presents a significant ownership risk due to widespread engine failure concerns and a high number of critical recalls.
2011
The 2011 Kia Optima presents significant ownership risks due to multiple critical safety recalls and a high TSB count, leading to a 'Below Average' reliability verdict.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Kia Optima?
Carfocal currently has 11 published Optima reports, covering 2011 through 2021. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2021 Kia Optima stands out with an exceptional record of zero recalls and zero consumer complaints, indicating a very high level of initial quality and reliability.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021.
Is the Kia Optima reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Kia Optima. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2021 kia optima stands out with an exceptional record of zero recalls and zero consumer complaints, indicating a very high level of initial quality and reliability. and given its outstanding reliability record, the 2021 kia optima represents strong value on the used market. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
11 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Kia Optima?
Across Carfocal's published Optima guides, recurring problem areas include Brake Pads and Rotors, Battery, and Coolant Hoses. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Brake Pads and Rotors, Battery, and Coolant Hoses.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 11
- Years tracked
- 11
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints