Kia Optima review | Auto Express (2024)

FAQs

How reliable is Kia Optima review? ›

The Kia Optima Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $471 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Optima.

If you take good care of your Kia Optima, it can easily go beyond 100,000 miles. If you follow its regular maintenance and service schedule properly, it can last up to 200,000 miles.

If the driver's attention level drops below a certain level, the function will alert the driver through an audible warning and the blinking indicator light ( ), along with a message encouraging the driver to take a break.

A: The 2017-2019 Kia Optima models are generally considered the most reliable, with very few reported issues. These newer models are a safer bet for those purchasing a used Optima. The 2019 model, in particular, has received the highest dependability rating from Consumer Reports among recent Optima years.

Engine and engine cooling: Engine

Recall no. Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

Maintenance and repair costs for a KIA Optima will amount to $1,927 after 5 years. Expenses include scheduled maintenance, normal wear and tear items and expected repairs.

KIA Optima Depreciation

An KIA Optima will depreciate in value by $12,787 after 5 years. Depreciation is difficult to avoid, but it can be managed. Depreciation is the difference between the original sales price, and what the vehicle will be worth in the future. We use 5 years as an example in our analysis.

On average, you can expect a Kia Sportage to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. Many owners on automotive forums and review sites have shared their experiences of reaching these milestones with minimal issues. For instance, one user boasted about a 2008 model with 215,000 miles!

However there are models you might want to steer clear of due to their past issues including the 2009 Borrego 2011 Sorento 2013 Optima 2011 Soul and 2012 Rio. Buyer's Advice: Always ensure a thorough inspection is done before purchasing to guarantee reliability.

Why did Kia stop Optima? ›

The renaming of the Optima signifies Kia's departure from the traditional, run-of-the-mill midsize sedan, to a sleek and powerful competitor in both the midsize sedan and sports sedan market. The K5 blends the beauty of its previous models with the power, grace and opulence of both sport and luxury sedans.

A Kia Optima is more expensive to insure compared to the average car. Full coverage for an Optima generally comes in at around $185 per month, while liability only insurance rates come in at about $95. Connect is the lowest auto insurance carrier for an Optima.

Hyundai and Kia thefts overview

Viral TikTok videos by the so-called “Kia Boyz” demonstrated how easy it was to steal these cars by opening the steering column and inserting a USB cable to start the car like a key. Thieves can steal a car very quickly this way — in as little as 30 seconds, according to WUSA9 News.

Not your average car theft

A viral TikTok dubbed the "Kia Challenge" surfaced in 2021, showing how to hijack vulnerable cars with just a USB cord. Kia and Hyundai models manufactured within a specific period — between 2011 to 2021 for Kias and 2015 to 2021 for Hyundais — lack electronic immobilizers.

In most vehicles if the key is not present in the ignition the steering wheel will remain locked or the vehicle cannot be started. Immobilization technology varies by vehicle manufacturer but the lack of this feature makes vehicles manufactured by Hyundai and Kia easy to steal.

Overall Lifespan: With proper maintenance, a Kia Optima can last anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained models have even surpassed this range. Year Model Matters: Earlier Kia Optima models (especially those from 2011-2014) had some reported reliability issues that might affect lifespan.

The base engine is serviceable for daily driving, but it's not going to wow anyone. Both turbocharged engines feel energetic and make the Optima noticeably quicker. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but the seven-speed has trouble finding the right gear.

RepairPal ranks Kia third out of 32 car manufacturers for reliability. J.D.Power ranks the company third overall in its 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study℠ and first among mass-market brands. This means that with Kia cars, you likely don't have to anticipate needing repairs often.