Used Kia Optima for Sale nearLincolnton, NC

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 $10,108, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $10,108 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 well-liked used sedan with strong owner satisfaction, and the all-generations owner rating is 4.6/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise its stylish design, comfort, smooth ride, and value for money. Across the model years, you also see recurring appreciation for its fuel efficiency, roomy cabin, and well-equipped feel.

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

The main trade-offs that come up in expert reviews are slower acceleration in some versions, a ride that can feel less composed when driven hard, and lower-trim cabins that feel less richly appointed than the upper trims.

28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Optima models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the Optima’s comfort, smooth ride, and strong value as core strengths. The model also earns repeated praise for its stylish design and fuel efficiency, which helps it feel like a dependable everyday sedan.

• 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 checking maintenance history and choosing a well-kept example, since some owners mention repair and maintenance concerns over time.

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

Across all model years, at 53% 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) 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 4-cylinder and the standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a strong value pick for shoppers who want the core Optima experience.
• S: adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, along with the same 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder.
• EX Turbo: brings the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 178 hp and usable torque, plus satellite radio and UVO eServices.
• SX Turbo: adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 245 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque, navigation, HD Radio, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, a rack-mounted electrically assisted steering system, bigger front discs, and sport-tuned suspension components.
• 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.

Higher-volume years usually draw more shoppers because they offer a wider selection of prices, trims, and equipment combinations. That extra supply can also make it easier to find a well-matched example with the features you want.

What is the Kia Optima's resale value?

The table shows broad downward movement across the model years, which can work in your favor if you want a used Optima at a lower entry price. The biggest drops are in the double digits for some newer examples, while the smallest changes are still negative, so values are easing across the board rather than rising.

The 2017, 2019, and 2018 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), with 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 −8.19% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −8.8%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 31% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 31.8%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2019 model has the most listings at a current average price of $11,704. The Kia Optima offers a roomy cabin and a comfortable, easygoing character that makes it a practical everyday sedan.

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 October 20, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.