Used 2019 Kia Optima for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2019 Kia Optima cost?

Prices have softened 7.71% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,424 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 4.77/5 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, and numerous features, and they also like the smooth ride and safety options. That lines up well with the overview’s focus on a family sedan that feels well equipped and thoughtfully designed, especially if you want a midsize car that emphasizes comfort and value over outright performance.

The market also shows 31.9% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still attractive opportunities 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 in everyday use, with praise for its great value, numerous features, and smooth ride. The expert evaluation also emphasizes strong value and a well-rounded driving experience, which supports the idea that this is a car you can count on for regular commuting and family duty.

Kia’s value proposition also includes competitive pricing, one of the best warranty programs in the auto industry, free connected service offerings, and regularly available rebates.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the specific car you choose 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 53.7% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had bodywork or shows uneven wear. Focus on condition details that matter in daily use: how the cabin has held up, whether the electronics work properly, and whether the car drives smoothly and quietly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is the entry point, while the SX Turbo with the Limited Package sits at the top of the range. The LX gives you the core Optima experience, but the higher trims add more upscale appearance and interior touches, so you should decide whether you want the best value or the most features.
• Powertrain: The LX and sporty S use a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, the EX Turbo uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, and the SX Turbo uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 245 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. 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 a surround-view camera system is also offered.
• Infotainment: Standard equipment includes an 8-inch touchscreen, UVO technology, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera. The S and EX Turbo 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. The SX Turbo averaged 23.5 mpg in testing, just short of the EPA’s estimate of 24 mpg in combined driving.

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 play if you want the Optima’s core strengths without paying for extras. It still includes the standard safety suite and the 8-inch touchscreen setup, so it covers the essentials well.
• S: This trim adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, making it a smart step up if you want a little more convenience and connected functionality without jumping too far in price.
• EX Turbo: This is the best-value trim if you want a more efficient turbocharged engine and the added connected features. It gives you a stronger mix of everyday usability and upgraded equipment.
• SX Turbo: Choose this if you want the most powerful gas model, plus the richer tech and audio upgrades. It adds navigation, HD Radio, and the Harman Kardon premium audio system, but it’s more about features and refinement than outright sportiness.

Every Optima includes the core driver-assistance package, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go is available on higher trims.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and enough deal activity to make shopping worthwhile if you compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,424 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.71% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 53.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,876, 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 $11,876 sits slightly below last year's $12,869.

That softer pricing can help you as a buyer now, but it also means a future seller may need to price the car competitively to stand out. The current market suggests the Optima is still desirable, but not immune to broader midsize-sedan depreciation.

Strong value, a good feature set, and broad appeal can help support demand when it’s time to sell. If you keep the car in good condition and choose a well-equipped trim, you’ll likely have an easier time attracting shoppers later.

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 Safety Pick recognition from IIHS and four-star ratings for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision, and five-star ratings in every other NHTSA test, including rollover resistance.

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 offered.

One caveat is that IIHS rates child safety seat LATCH anchor accessibility as Acceptable rather than Good, so families should pay close attention to how easily child seats install in the specific car they’re considering.

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:

• 31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 53.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.71% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.77/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2019 Optima stands out for its stylish looks, wide range of engine choices, roomy interior, and sophisticated safety technologies.

The bottom line: The 2019 Optima is the right pick if you want a well-equipped midsize sedan with strong value, broad safety coverage, and a healthy used-car market to shop from. If you’re especially price-sensitive, this year’s softer pricing makes it a smart target; if you want the newest possible version, you may want to compare it with nearby model years before deciding.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.