Used Kia Optima for Sale nearSearcy, AR

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 $10,367, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $10,347 over the past year. That suggests pricing has stayed fairly tight within a narrow band for this model. 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 broad appeal across its model years. 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 strong fuel efficiency. They also value its overall practicality and the sense of getting a lot for the money.

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 comfort or refinement details that stand out more in everyday driving.

28.1% 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, and expert commentary reinforces its polished, well-rounded character. Across the model years in the data, that combination points to a sedan that many shoppers find easy to live with.

• 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 54.4% 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 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 standard 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Kia’s broad suite of standard driver-assistance features; a strong value if you want the essentials covered.
• S: adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, including 9-1-1 Connect emergency response, plus the 185-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder.
• EX Turbo: brings the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, satellite radio, and UVO eServices, making it a smart pick if you want a more efficient turbo setup with extra tech.
• SX Turbo: adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, navigation, HD Radio, Harman Kardon premium audio, bigger front brakes, rack-mounted steering, sport-tuned suspension, and a more distinctive appearance.
• SX Turbo with the Limited Package: builds on the SX Turbo with chrome accents, 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.
• Plug-in hybrid: the separate electrified model, with up to 28 miles of pure electric range before reverting to gas-electric hybrid operation.

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. That also makes it easier for you to compare listings and find a version that fits your budget.

What is the Kia Optima's resale value?

Most model years are down year over year, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. The steepest drops are concentrated in the higher-priced entries, while the smaller declines suggest some years are softening more gradually than others. Overall, the pattern points to improving value for buyers across much of the lineup.

The 2018, 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 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 −7.31% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −6.6%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 30% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 30.6%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2019 model has the most listings at a current average price of $12,165. The Kia Optima offers a roomy cabin that makes it easy to settle in for daily driving.

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 September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.