Used Kia Optima for Sale nearPalisade, NE

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 $10,114, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $10,111 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, smooth ride, comfort, and strong fuel efficiency. Many also highlight its value for money and well-rounded character, with several model years earning especially positive feedback for their reliability and everyday livability.

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

The main trade-offs called out in expert reviews are slower acceleration in some versions, limited features in lower trims, and a few performance-oriented trims that prioritize smoothness and comfort over sharp responses.

26.8% 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. Across the model years in the data, reviews also repeatedly praise its stylish design and fuel efficiency.

• 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 maintenance history carefully and choosing a well-kept example with a clean record.

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

Across all model years, at 52.8% 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) 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
• 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 standard driver-assistance features, making it the best-value starting point for shoppers who want broad equipment without moving up the range.
• S: This trim adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, including 9-1-1 Connect emergency response, while keeping the Optima’s core comfort and safety appeal intact.
• EX Turbo: This version adds the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, plus satellite radio and UVO eServices, giving you a stronger mix of efficiency and extra punch.
• SX Turbo: This trim brings the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, navigation, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system, along with a more upscale appearance and sport-tuned hardware.
• SX Turbo with the Limited Package: This is the most luxurious version in the data, adding chrome, plush quilted Nappa premium leather, improved interior materials, and other luxury touches for shoppers who want the most upscale Optima experience.

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 conditions. That also tends to make it easier to find a version that fits your budget and equipment preferences.

What is the Kia Optima's resale value?

The table shows broad downward movement across every model year, which is good news if you’re shopping used and want more car for the money. The largest drops are in the double digits for the newest year shown, while the smaller declines still point to steady softening across the lineup. The 2017, 2019, and 2015 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 (ADAS) are standard across the 2019 Optima lineup.

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 −7.85% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −8.75%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 28.5% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 28.7%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2019 model has the most listings at a current average price of $11,726. 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.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.