Kia Optima

Name: 2016 Kia Optima
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Kia has been offering buyers competent, stylish cars at prices that undercut rivals. But that low price came at the expense of refinement. As with the Sorento last year, the 2016 Optima shows that Kia has turned a corner. It still looks great, and now it comes with more substance.

2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

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Kia Optima

vs. Similar Cars

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

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2005

2006

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2010

2011

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2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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2016 Midsized cars Ratings

2016 Kia Optima

$5,975 - $8,350

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

$6,200 - $8,475

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2016 Chrysler 200

$6,125 - $7,925

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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2016 Ford Fusion

$6,125 - $8,875

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2016 Honda Accord

$10,450 - $13,200

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2016 Hyundai Genesis

$10,075 - $10,400

EPA MPG 19 mpg

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2016 Hyundai Sonata

$5,950 - $7,675

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$5,950 - $7,675

EPA MPG 42 mpg

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2016 Mazda 6

$7,325 - $9,850

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2016 Nissan Altima

$5,725 - $7,750

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2016 Subaru Legacy

$7,350 - $10,950

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2016 Toyota Camry

$11,475 - $13,475

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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$11,475 - $13,475

EPA MPG 39 mpg

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2016 Volkswagen CC

$3,675 - $9,850

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2016 Volkswagen Passat

$5,125 - $10,550

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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See All Midsized cars Ratings

Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.6-liter 4 turbo (178 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (245 hp)
2.4-liter 4 hybrid (199 hp)
2.4-liter 4 (185 hp)

7-speed sequential
6-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2016-2020

2016 Redesign Year

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.

2011-2015

2011 Redesign Year

A major redesign for 2011 made the Optima much better, with nimble handling, but a stiff ride. The up-level engine, a lively turbocharged four-cylinder, returned a respectable 24 mpg, but exhibited less refinement than a V6. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder performs well. An unrefined hybrid is offered too. The coupe-like styling detracts from rear visibility and cabin access. We'd try to find an Optima LX with the Convenience Plus package in order to get the power driver's seat and rear camera. Our other favorite combination is the Optima EX with the Premium and Technology (navigation and blind spot monitoring) packages.

2006-2010

2006 Redesign Year

The 2006 mid-model year redesign maintained the comfort of the quiet cabin and the composed ride, while improving handling. ABS and ESC were common with the EX, but hard to find in the LX. Controls are easy to use, the interior is nicely detailed and the rear seat is among the most comfortable in its class. Optional, power-adjustable pedals help all drivers find a comfortable position. Outward visibility is very good, but the high rear deck lid limits the view when backing up. Overall, it's a nice sedan at a low price, with engines delivering competitive fuel economy and performance.

2001-2005

2001 Redesign Year

The midsized Optima delivers a lot of content at a reasonable price. Comfort, quiet and refinement are numbered solidly among its attributes. The Kia also has very good fit and finish. The engine, while smooth, isn't very fuel efficient, despite its small displacement. Agility is lacking too. Limited headroom, inhibited access and a somewhat compromised driving position are issues as well. With all of that said however, its Poor score in the IIHS side-crash test is our most significant concern about this model.