Used Kia Optima for Sale nearIthaca, NY

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 $10,117, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $10,103 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 is a strong used-car choice if you want style, comfort, and value in a midsize sedan. 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, smooth ride, comfort, and strong fuel efficiency. They also tend to highlight its value for money and well-rounded feature set.

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

The main trade-offs are that some versions feel slow to accelerate, and a few expert-tested trims bring firmer ride tuning or less crisp handling when driven hard.

29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Optima models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Kia Optima as comfortable, stylish, and efficient, with many also pointing to its smooth ride and strong value. Expert commentary reinforces that impression by emphasizing the model’s well-rounded character and appealing equipment mix.

• 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, long-term ownership risk is worth checking carefully, so a solid maintenance history and a thorough pre-purchase inspection matter.

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

Across all model years, at 51.7% 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 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 brings the 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder, the standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a strong value-focused setup for everyday driving.
• S: This trim adds the fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, satellite radio, and UVO eServices, making it a smart step up if you want more tech and efficiency.
• EX Turbo: This version combines the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with a more upscale equipment mix, and it suits you if you want a balance of efficiency and comfort.
• SX Turbo: The sportier choice adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, navigation, HD Radio, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, bigger brakes, and sport-tuned suspension components.
• SX Turbo with the Limited Package: This is the most luxurious setup, adding chrome, plush quilted Nappa premium leather, improved interior materials, and other upscale touches for buyers who want the richest cabin.

What Kia Optima do most buyers choose?

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

Higher-volume years usually draw more shoppers because they offer a broader mix of prices, trims, and equipment. That also tends to make them easier to compare and shop against one another.

What is the Kia Optima's resale value?

Most model years are down year over year, which works in your favor if you're shopping used. The 2020 model shows the steepest drop, while the rest of the lineup also posts meaningful declines that can improve affordability. The smaller changes at the lower end of the table suggest some years have softened a bit less than others.

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 −7.48% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −7.15%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 31.9% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 32.2%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2019 model has the most listings at a current average price of $11,657. The Kia Optima offers a roomy cabin, a smooth ride, and a strong value proposition that make it easy to live with.

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 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.