Used 2019 Kia Optima for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

How much does the 2019 Kia Optima cost?

Prices have softened 7.57% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,396 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2019 Kia Optima a good car?

Yes — the 2019 Kia Optima earns a 4.8/5 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, smooth ride, and safety options. That lines up well with the Optima’s appeal as a roomy midsize sedan that offers more than basic transportation, especially if you want a well-equipped daily driver with a strong feature set.

The market also backs up that appeal, with 30.9% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2019 Kia Optima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with repeated praise for value, features, smooth driving, and safety. 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 value proposition adds to that confidence, including a strong warranty reputation and free connected-service offerings. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about the car’s overall appeal and more about making sure a specific example has been maintained well and hasn’t been worn down by heavy use.

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

At 51.2% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had bodywork or shows uneven wear. Focus on condition details that matter in daily use, including how the cabin, electronics, brakes, and safety systems have held up. If a listing looks especially well priced, make sure the condition supports it before you move quickly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX gives you the core look and safety equipment, while higher trims add more upscale touches such as a black panoramic glass roof, upgraded interior materials, chrome accents, and luxury-oriented finishes. The SX Turbo stands out for its sportier appearance and richer cabin presentation, while the Limited Package adds the most premium feel.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 245 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 2.4-liter setup is smooth but not especially quick, while the turbo engines bring more usable punch.
• 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 a surround-view camera system is also available on higher trims.
• 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. Higher trims add satellite radio, UVO eServices, navigation, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: The hybrid setup returns 41 mpg in combined driving, and the plug-in hybrid can travel up to 28 miles on electric power 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 value-focused starting point, and it already gives you the Optima’s core safety tech and standard infotainment. If you want the lowest entry price and still want a well-equipped sedan, this is the trim to start with.
• S: This trim adds more equipment than the LX and is a good choice if you want a little more content without jumping too far up the price ladder. It’s a sensible middle-ground option for shoppers who want extra features but still care about value.
• EX Turbo: This is the best-value pick if you want a stronger mix of efficiency and equipment, since it adds the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and more convenience tech. It’s the trim that most clearly balances everyday usability with added sophistication.
• SX Turbo: This is the most performance-oriented gas trim, with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded steering feel, and richer tech and audio equipment. Choose it if you want the most upscale and engaging Optima experience.

Safety-wise, even the entry-level trim includes the core driver-assistance suite, so you do not need to move to a higher trim just to get the important protection features.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully and still find a strong deal.

• Deal availability: 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,396 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.57% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 51.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,552, 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 $11,552 sits slightly below last year's $12,499.

That price movement suggests the Optima has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can be helpful if you’re buying now and planning to sell later. For a future seller, that also means your resale outcome will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained.

Because the market is already pricing this model year below where it was a year ago, a clean, well-kept example should be easier to move than one with accident history or visible wear. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2019 Kia Optima safe?

The 2019 Kia Optima earns Top Safety Pick recognition from IIHS and five-star ratings in every NHTSA test assessment except front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision, where it earns a four-star rating.

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 is available, and a surround-view camera system is also available on higher trims.

One caveat is that IIHS notes an Acceptable rating for child safety seat LATCH anchor accessibility, so families should pay close attention to how easily child seats fit and secure in the back seat.

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:

• 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 51.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.57% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2019 model year stands out for its refreshed styling, added driver-assistance features, and broad mix of value, comfort, and safety technology.

The bottom line: If you want a used midsize sedan with strong value, a good feature set, and broad market availability, the 2019 is the right place to focus. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can still shop nearby years, but the 2019 gives you a compelling balance of equipment, safety, and current market pricing.

How does the 2019 Kia Optima compare to the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.