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 $10,402, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $10,348 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 owner approval across the lineup, with praise centered on stylish design, comfort, smooth ride quality, and value. The all-generations owner rating is 4.6/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners also repeatedly highlight its fuel efficiency and dependable everyday character, and many appreciate the roomy cabin and well-rounded feel. Expert reviews rate the 2019 and 2016 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs show up in some recent expert reviews, where slower acceleration, a few lower-trim feature gaps, and occasional ride or handling compromises come up most often.

27.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Optima models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Kia Optima for its comfort, smooth ride, stylish design, and strong fuel economy. Expert reviews also reinforce its polished, well-rounded character and everyday usability.

• Owners rate the Kia Optima between 4.18 and 4.89 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is best managed by choosing a well-kept example with a clean history and a strong maintenance record.

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

Across all model years, at 54.9% 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 (ADAS)
• 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 trim includes the 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia’s standard driver-assistance suite, making it a strong value pick if you want broad everyday equipment.
• S: This trim adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, and it pairs with the 185-horsepower 2.4-liter engine.
• EX Turbo: This trim brings the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine along with satellite radio and UVO eServices, giving you a more upscale-feeling powertrain choice.
• SX Turbo: This trim adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, navigation, HD Radio, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, sport-tuned suspension, bigger front brakes, and a rack-mounted electrically assisted steering system.
• SX Turbo with the Limited Package: This is the best-value upgrade if you want the most luxurious feel, adding chrome, plush quilted Nappa premium leather, improved interior materials, and other luxury touches.
• Plug-in hybrid: This separate model is the most expensive version and adds electric driving capability with up to 28 miles of pure electric range.

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 shoppers because they offer a broad mix of price, availability, and equipment. When more listings are on the market, you also get more chances to compare condition, mileage, and deal quality.

What is the Kia Optima's resale value?

Most model years in the table are down year over year, which creates more favorable pricing for used buyers. The sharpest drops are in the double digits or close to it, while the smaller declines still point to softening values across the lineup. That pattern suggests you can shop with leverage, especially if you are comparing several model years side by side.

The 2018, 2015, 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

The 2019 Optima includes Kia’s advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) as standard across all trims.

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 −7.23% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −6.39%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 29.6% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 29.4%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2019 model has the most listings at a current average price of $12,204. The Kia Optima offers a roomy cabin that makes it easy to live with every day.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.