Used Kia Optima for Sale near North Charleston, 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 $10,136, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $10,105 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 its model years, with a reputation for style, comfort, smooth ride quality, and value. The all-generations owner rating is 4.6/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners repeatedly praise the Optima for its stylish design, comfortable cabin, and smooth ride. Fuel efficiency is another recurring strength, and many shoppers also value the car’s overall sense of practicality and everyday usability.

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

The main trade-offs that show up in expert reviews are slower acceleration in some versions, limited features in lower trims, and a few ride-and-handling compromises in sportier trims.

29.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Optima models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Optima for its comfort, smooth ride, stylish design, and strong fuel economy. Expert reviews also highlight its refined safety systems and well-rounded everyday character.

• 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 best managed by checking service history carefully and focusing on well-maintained examples.

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

Across all model years, at 53.5% 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 a strong value focus.
• S: adds the 185-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder plus satellite radio and UVO eServices, making it a smart value pick.
• EX Turbo: brings the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, satellite radio, and UVO eServices for buyers who want more efficiency and extra equipment.
• SX Turbo: adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, navigation, HD Radio, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, sport-tuned suspension components, bigger front brakes, and a rack-mounted electrically assisted steering system.
• SX Turbo with the Limited Package: adds chrome, plush quilted Nappa premium leather, improved interior materials, and other luxury touches for shoppers who want the most upscale cabin.

What Kia Optima do most buyers choose?

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

Those higher-volume years tend to attract more shoppers because they offer a broad mix of features, pricing, and availability. More listings also give you more chances to compare condition, equipment, and deal quality before you buy.

What is the Kia Optima's resale value?

Most model years in the table are down year over year, which creates better opportunities for used buyers. The sharpest declines are in the newer end of the range, while the smallest change appears in the oldest of the listed years. That pattern suggests you can find meaningful savings across much of the lineup.

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) 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 −7.92% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −8.19%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 30.7% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 30.7%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2019 model has the most listings at a current average price of $11,695. The Kia Optima offers a stylish, comfortable, and well-rounded driving 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.

How does the 2019 Kia Optima compare to the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.