Used Kia Optima for Sale near South Carolina

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 $10,371, and its year-round low is $10,359.41. That puts the model's pricing in a fairly tight band overall, with the lowest point sitting just below the current average. 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 its stylish design, smooth ride, comfort, and excellent fuel economy. Many also highlight its reliability and value for money, and the 2019 model adds a roomy interior and a broad feature set that help it feel especially complete.

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 a few long-term ownership concerns.

27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Optima models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Kia Optima for its reliability, smooth ride, comfort, and excellent fuel economy. Expert coverage also points to a well-rounded sedan with polished safety and infotainment execution.

• 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 worth checking carefully, especially if you plan to keep the car for many years.

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

Across all model years, at 53.2% 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, including 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, 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 base Optima LX starts the lineup at $22,900 and gives you the model’s appealing design, 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and standard driver-assistance coverage.
• S: the S trim adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, including 9-1-1 Connect emergency response, making it a smart value choice if you want more connected features.
• EX Turbo: the EX Turbo brings the fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and the same UVO eServices setup, so it suits you if you want a stronger mix of efficiency and equipment.
• SX Turbo: the SX Turbo adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, navigation, HD Radio, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, sport-tuned suspension components, and a more performance-focused feel.
• SX Turbo with the Limited Package: this is the most upscale version in the lineup, adding chrome, plush quilted Nappa premium leather, improved interior materials, and other luxury touches.

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 popular because they give you more shopping choice and more chances to find the right price and equipment mix. They also tend to be the easiest years to compare side by side, which helps you shop with more confidence.

What is the Kia Optima's resale value?

Most model years are down year over year, which is good news if you're shopping used and want more room to negotiate. The sharpest drops are concentrated in the newer end of the range, while the smaller declines suggest some years are softening more gradually. The 2018, 2015, 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 or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2019 model is at −7.73% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −5.64%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 28.8% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 28.4%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2019 model has the most listings at a current average price of $12,157. The Kia Optima offers a roomy cabin, stylish design, and a smooth, comfortable driving character that make it easy to live with.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: If you want the latest powertrain mix, the newest model offers five different engines, 185 hp, 178 hp, 245 hp, 41 mpg in combined driving, and up to 28 miles of pure electric range.
• Tech: The latest model includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, UVO eServices, and a smartphone app that provides remote access to certain vehicle functions and allows you to remotely start the car and set the climate control system.
• Safety: The latest model adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a surround-view camera system.
• Starting price: Prices range from $22,900 for the base Optima LX to $35,790 for the SX Turbo with the luxurious Limited Package.

If you're buying used today, the 2019 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2021 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.