Used Kia Optima for Sale nearManning, SC

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 $10,160, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $10,160 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 pick 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, comfortable ride, and strong fuel efficiency. They also frequently highlight its value for money and smooth driving character.

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

The main trade-offs center on slower acceleration in some versions, along with lower-trim feature content and some long-term ownership concerns.

29.1% 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 excellent fuel economy. Expert reviews also point to strong safety and infotainment systems, along with a well-rounded driving character.

• 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, the biggest long-term ownership risk comes from the model’s mixed owner feedback on maintenance and reliability over time, so a careful service-history check is smart.

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 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 trim includes the 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Kia’s full suite of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems, making it the value-focused starting point.
• S: This trim adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, including 9-1-1 Connect emergency response, plus the smartphone app for remote access and remote start.
• EX Turbo: This version adds the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, satellite radio, and UVO eServices, giving you a stronger mix of efficiency and equipment.
• SX Turbo: This trim brings 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 upgrade adds chrome, plush quilted Nappa premium leather, improved interior materials, and other luxury touches, making it the most upscale choice.

What Kia Optima do most buyers choose?

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

Higher-volume years usually attract more shoppers because they offer a broader mix of prices, trims, and equipment. That also tends to make them easier to compare side by side when you’re shopping used.

What is the Kia Optima's resale value?

Most model years are moving lower year over year, which creates better buying opportunities for used shoppers. The sharpest declines are in the newer years shown here, while the smaller drops suggest some older examples are changing more gradually.

The 2015, 2017, and 2019 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, and rear cross-traffic alert.

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 −8.36% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −9.14%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 30.4% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 31.3%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2019 model has the most listings at a current average price of $11,752. The Kia Optima offers a stylish, comfortable, and well-rounded sedan experience 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 October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.