Used Kia Optima for Sale nearSanta Maria, CA

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 $10,265, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $10,247 over the past year. That puts the model in a relatively tight pricing band overall, with recent market movement keeping values close to their yearly floor.

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, comfortable ride, and strong fuel efficiency. Across the model range, shoppers also tend to value its smooth driving character and overall value for money.

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

The main trade-offs called out in expert reviews center on slower acceleration in some versions, along with a ride-and-handling balance that favors comfort and everyday ease over sporty sharpness.

28.6% 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 strong everyday appeal across the lineup. Expert commentary also points to a well-rounded sedan with broad safety and infotainment strengths.

• 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 service history carefully and choosing a well-maintained example.

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

Across all model years, at 52.7% 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 with Your Voice (UVO) technology, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, 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 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus the core safety suite, making it the value-focused starting point.
• S: Adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, and it suits you if you want more connected features without moving up the range.
• EX Turbo: Brings the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine along with satellite radio and UVO eServices, giving you a stronger mix of efficiency and equipment.
• SX Turbo: Adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, navigation, HD Radio, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, sport-tuned suspension, bigger front brakes, and a unique rack-mounted steering setup.
• SX Turbo with the Limited Package: Adds chrome, plush quilted Nappa premium leather, improved interior materials, and other luxury touches; this is the best-value upgrade if you want the most upscale cabin feel.

What Kia Optima do most buyers choose?

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

These higher-volume years tend to be the most popular used picks because they give you more listings to compare and a stronger chance of finding a deal that fits your budget. They also sit in the sweet spot where newer features and broader availability overlap.

What is the Kia Optima's resale value?

Most model years are down year over year, which is good news if you want to buy used at a lower entry price. The largest drops are in the newer years, while the older years show smaller declines. That pattern gives you several price points to choose from depending on how much equipment and age you want to balance.

The 2015, 2016, and 2014 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 −7.71% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −9.77%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 31.9% 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 $11,876. The Kia Optima offers a stylish design and a comfortable, well-rounded cabin that make 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 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.