Kia Optima
2017–2020 model years · Generation introduced 2016
Compare the years. Keep the details.
Compare model years ↓
- Available years
- 2017–2020
- Yearly records
- 4
- Reported market values
- $7,413–$12,538
The overview
Riding on an all-new chassis shared with the Hyundai Sonata, the redesigned 2016 Optima midsized sedan packs a lot of substance and value. It drives nicely, with a firm yet absorbent ride and responsive, secure handling. The mainstream 2.4-liter four-cylinder is pleasant, while the uplevel 2.0-liter turbo four packs more punch. New to the line is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The EX trim features comfortable leather seats, automatic climate control, a roomy rear seat, and heating for the seats and steering wheel. We got 28 mpg with the 2.4-liter. Low-positioned dash vents are our only gripe. The latest version of Kia's UVO touch-screen infotainment system works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A hybrid is also available. The 2019 freshening brings standard advanced safety features, including forward collision and rear cross- traffic warning, lane keeping assistance, and blind spot warning. The final production run of the Optima fizzled out after 2020.
Generation summary from Consumer Reports. Year-specific figures appear below; missing values mean unavailable, not zero.
Compare the years
Each row keeps its own source data.
| Model year | Market value | Reliability | Owner rating | EPA combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 ↗ LX sedan Front 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed | $12,538 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 28 MPG |
| 2019 ↗ LX sedan Front 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed | $10,725 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 28 MPG |
| 2018 ↗ EX sedan Front 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed | $8,963 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 28 MPG |
| 2017 ↗ EX sedan Front 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed | $7,413 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 28 MPG |
Values depend on trim and condition. Ratings are source-reported; road-test results may describe a tested configuration.
Year by year
2020 model
LX sedan Front 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed · Conventional · Used
Find 2020 listings ↗ Specifications
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- sedan
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Category
- Midsized cars
- Generation began
- 2016
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $12,538
- Retail value range
- $10,325 - $14,850
- Original MSRP range
- $23,390 - $36,090
- Trade-in range
- $7,205 - $11,670
Ratings
- Road test score
- 86/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 3/5
- Would buy again
- 57%
- Reliability
- 3/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 24 MPG
- EPA highway
- 35 MPG
- EPA combined
- 28 MPG
- Tested city
- 18 MPG
- Tested highway
- 40 MPG
- Tested overall
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,740
- Cruising range
- 510 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.3 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 8 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 130 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 51.5 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 191 in
- Width
- 73 in
- Height
- 58 in
- Wheelbase
- 110 in
- Weight
- 3,300 lb
- Maximum load
- 905 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 4 in
- Front leg room
- 42 in
- Rear head room
- 3.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 29.5 in
- Luggage
- 3+2+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 4/5
- Driving
- 5/5
- Styling
- 3/5
- Value
- 5/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 6/10
- SmartWay
- No
Vehicle ID: 15026 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
2019 model
LX sedan Front 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed · Conventional · Used
Find 2019 listings ↗ Specifications
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- sedan
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Category
- Midsized cars
- Generation began
- 2016
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $10,725
- Retail value range
- $8,925 - $13,150
- Original MSRP range
- $22,990 - $35,390
- Trade-in range
- $5,865 - $9,755
Ratings
- Road test score
- 86/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 3/5
- Would buy again
- 49%
- Reliability
- 2/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 24 MPG
- EPA highway
- 35 MPG
- EPA combined
- 28 MPG
- Tested city
- 18 MPG
- Tested highway
- 40 MPG
- Tested overall
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,740
- Cruising range
- 510 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.3 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 8 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 130 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 51.5 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 191 in
- Width
- 73 in
- Height
- 58 in
- Wheelbase
- 110 in
- Weight
- 3,300 lb
- Maximum load
- 905 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 4 in
- Front leg room
- 42 in
- Rear head room
- 3.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 29.5 in
- Luggage
- 3+2+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 2/5
- Driving
- 3/5
- Styling
- 3/5
- Value
- 2/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 6/10
- SmartWay
- No
Vehicle ID: 12958 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
2018 model
EX sedan Front 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed · Conventional · Used
Find 2018 listings ↗ Specifications
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- sedan
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Category
- Midsized cars
- Generation began
- 2016
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $8,963
- Retail value range
- $7,875 - $10,100
- Original MSRP range
- $22,600 - $35,210
- Trade-in range
- $4,825 - $6,845
Ratings
- Road test score
- 86/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 2/5
- Would buy again
- 39%
- Reliability
- 2/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 24 MPG
- EPA highway
- 35 MPG
- EPA combined
- 28 MPG
- Tested city
- 18 MPG
- Tested highway
- 40 MPG
- Tested overall
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,740
- Cruising range
- 510 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.3 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 8 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 130 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 51.5 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 191 in
- Width
- 73 in
- Height
- 58 in
- Wheelbase
- 110 in
- Weight
- 3,300 lb
- Maximum load
- 905 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 4 in
- Front leg room
- 42 in
- Rear head room
- 3.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 29.5 in
- Luggage
- 3+2+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 3/5
- Driving
- 4/5
- Styling
- 2/5
- Value
- 3/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 6/10
- SmartWay
- No
Vehicle ID: 10881 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
2017 model
EX sedan Front 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed · Conventional · Used
Find 2017 listings ↗ Specifications
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- sedan
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Category
- Midsized cars
- Generation began
- 2016
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $7,413
- Retail value range
- $6,650 - $9,150
- Original MSRP range
- $22,200 - $36,090
- Trade-in range
- $3,640 - $6,045
Ratings
- Road test score
- 86/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 3/5
- Would buy again
- 50%
- Reliability
- 2/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 24 MPG
- EPA highway
- 35 MPG
- EPA combined
- 28 MPG
- Tested city
- 18 MPG
- Tested highway
- 40 MPG
- Tested overall
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,740
- Cruising range
- 510 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.3 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 8 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 130 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 51.5 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 191 in
- Width
- 73 in
- Height
- 58 in
- Wheelbase
- 110 in
- Weight
- 3,300 lb
- Maximum load
- 905 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 4 in
- Front leg room
- 42 in
- Rear head room
- 3.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 29.5 in
- Luggage
- 3+2+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 4/5
- Driving
- 3/5
- Styling
- 4/5
- Value
- 3/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 7/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 6/10
- SmartWay
- No
Vehicle ID: 7290 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
Behind the data
Latest source update: September 11, 2026
Vehicle summaries, specifications, pricing and ratings come from Consumer Reports vehicle records. Auto Guide groups these records by model and reported generation start year.
Available years are listed explicitly. Gaps do not imply that a model was discontinued. Prices are source estimates, not live offers. No first-hand road test by Auto Guide is claimed.
