Used 2019 Kia Optima for Sale nearDurham, NC

How much does the 2019 Kia Optima cost?

Prices have softened 8.36% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,418 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare on price and condition.

Is the 2019 Kia Optima a good car?

Yes — the 2019 Kia Optima earns a 4.77/5 user rating and a 9/10 expert rating. The model scores 10/10 across Form and function and Cost effectiveness.

Owners consistently praise its great value, stylish design, numerous features, smooth ride, and safety options. That lines up well with the Optima’s role as a roomy midsize family sedan that feels thoughtfully equipped rather than stripped down. If you want a well-rounded daily driver with broad appeal, this year’s Optima fits that use case well.

There are 30.4% good or great deals in the market, which suggests you can still find attractive pricing if you shop carefully.

Is the 2019 Kia Optima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.77/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with repeated praise for its great value, numerous features, smooth ride, and safety options. The expert evaluation also emphasizes strong value and a well-rounded ownership experience, which supports the idea that this is a car you can count on for everyday use.

Kia’s competitive warranty reputation and free connected-service offerings add to the ownership appeal, and the model’s strong value proposition helps reduce the risk of buyer’s remorse. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright reliability and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not worn down by heavy use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2019 Kia Optima?

At 53.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a careful inspection of body panels, paint consistency, and any signs of prior repair. Because accident history is common enough to matter here, condition should carry extra weight in your decision. It also makes sense to focus on how well the safety and convenience features work, since those are a major part of the Optima’s appeal.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX gives you the core safety and convenience package, while higher trims add more comfort and tech. The SX Turbo stands out with a blacked-out exterior look, 18-inch wheels, red brake calipers, upgraded interior materials, and a more upscale cabin feel.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder in the LX and S, a fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder in the EX Turbo, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in the SX Turbo. The SX Turbo is tuned for smooth, linear acceleration rather than hard-hitting performance.
• Safety package: Every Optima includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking-assist sensors, and a driver-monitoring system. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go is available, and the surround-view camera system is also an upgrade.
• Infotainment: Standard equipment includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera. S and EX Turbo trims add satellite radio and UVO eServices, while the SX Turbo adds navigation, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: The hybrid returns 41 mpg in combined driving, and the plug-in hybrid offers up to 28 miles of pure electric range before switching to hybrid operation.

Which 2019 Kia Optima trim should I buy?

The 2019 Kia Optima is offered in 4 trim levels: LX, S, EX Turbo, SX Turbo.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the entry point, but it still gives you the Optima’s core appeal: a roomy cabin, standard 8-inch touchscreen, and a full suite of driver-assistance features. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the model without giving up the important safety tech.
• S: This trim adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, including 9-1-1 Connect emergency response and smartphone-based remote functions. It’s a smart step up if you want more convenience and connected features without jumping all the way to the sportier trims.
• EX Turbo: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it combines the fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with the added tech and connected services. If you want a balanced mix of efficiency, features, and everyday usability, this is the trim to target.
• SX Turbo: This is the most upscale and performance-oriented gas trim, with the 245-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded steering, navigation, HD Radio, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. Choose it if you want the most equipment and the strongest visual presence.

Kia’s advanced safety systems are standard across the lineup, so you do not need to move up a trim just to get the core driver-assistance package.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2019 Kia Optima?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 30.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,418 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.36% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 53.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,752, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2019 Kia Optima's resale value?

The current average of $11,752 sits slightly below last year's $12,825.

That price movement suggests the Optima has already absorbed some of its near-term depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price today. If you purchase near the current average or below, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss when it’s time to sell. Strong value and broad appeal also help keep demand steady in the used market.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.77/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2019 Kia Optima safe?

The 2019 Kia Optima earns top ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, with an Acceptable result for child safety seat LATCH anchor accessibility and a four-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Every Optima includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking-assist sensors, and a driver-monitoring system. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability is available, and the surround-view camera system is also offered on higher trims.

The main caveat is that the IIHS result for child seat LATCH anchor accessibility is not as strong as the rest of the safety record, and the federal crash results include that four-star front passenger rating in frontal impact.

Should I buy a 2019 Kia Optima or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2019 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2019 if:

• 30.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 53.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.36% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.77/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2019 stands out for its wide range of engine choices, roomy interior, and sophisticated safety technologies.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of value, features, and safety tech, the 2019 is the right year to target. If your priority is simply the lowest possible purchase price, you can also compare nearby years and focus on whichever one gives you the best combination of condition, equipment, and deal quality.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.