Used Kia Optima for Sale nearHot Springs National Park, AR

How much does the Kia Optima cost in today's market?

Used Kia Optima prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Kia Optima's current nationwide average price is $10,092, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $10,085 over the past year. Recently, prices have come down for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Kia Optima a good car?

Yes — the Kia Optima earns strong marks from owners across the lineup, and its appeal centers on style, comfort, value, and a smooth ride. The all-generations owner rating is 4.6/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Optima for its stylish design, comfortable cabin, and strong value for the money. They also frequently highlight its smooth ride and good fuel efficiency, which help make it feel well-rounded for everyday use.

Expert reviews rate the 2019 and 2016 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs show up in the form of slower acceleration in some versions, plus a few lower-trim and long-term ownership concerns that shoppers should weigh against the car’s equipment and pricing.

29.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Optima models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Kia Optima for its comfort, stylish design, and smooth ride, and expert coverage reinforces its strong value and well-rounded character. Across the model years in the data, it also earns solid owner satisfaction scores, which points to a car that many shoppers have enjoyed living with.

• Owners rate the Kia Optima between 4.2 and 4.9 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, the biggest long-term ownership risk comes from the model years with more mixed reliability histories, so a careful maintenance review is especially worthwhile.

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

Across all model years, at 50.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Kia’s advanced driving assistance systems include 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.
• Infotainment: an 8-inch touchscreen display with the latest version of the company’s Your Voice (UVO) technology, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera.
• Fuel efficiency: The former returns 41 mpg in combined driving, and the latter gives you up to 28 miles of pure electric range before reverting to gas-electric hybrid operation.

Which Kia Optima trim should I buy?

The 2019 Kia Optima offers these trims:

• LX: the entry point, with the 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a strong value focus.
• S: adds the same 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder and brings a sportier setup for shoppers who want a little more personality.
• EX Turbo: the best-value trim, with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a stronger mix of efficiency and usable torque.
• SX Turbo: adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 245 hp, a rack-mounted electrically assisted steering system, bigger front brakes, and sport-tuned suspension components for a more engaging feel.
• SX Turbo with the Limited Package: adds chrome, plush quilted Nappa premium leather, improved interior materials, and other luxury touches.

What Kia Optima do most buyers choose?

The Kia Optima years with the most listings are 2019, 2018, and 2020.

These higher-volume years tend to draw the most attention because they combine broad availability with strong feature content and pricing that still feels approachable. That gives you more choices when comparing trims, equipment, and condition.

What is the Kia Optima's resale value?

The table shows broad downward movement across the lineup, which can work in your favor if you want a used Optima with more equipment for less money. The larger drops on some newer years create especially appealing entry points for shoppers focused on value. A few years have smaller declines, which suggests steadier pricing in those cases.

The 2014, 2018, and 2017 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Kia Optima safe?

• 2019: 9/10
• 2016: 10/10

Kia’s advanced driving assistance systems include 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.

For the safest used buy, the 2016 model posts the highest confirmed score of 10/10.

Should I buy a used Kia Optima now?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2019 model is at −7.57% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −5.79%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 30.9% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 31.2%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2019 model has the most listings at a current average price of $11,552. The Kia Optima offers a roomy cabin, stylish design, and a strong value proposition that make it easy to recommend for everyday use.

If you're buying used today, the 2019 model year offers the best mix of value and availability.

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.