Used Kia Optima for Sale nearSunset Beach, NC

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 $10,329, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $10,324 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 marks from owners across the full lineup, especially for its stylish design, comfort, smooth ride, 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 attractive styling, comfortable cabin, and strong fuel efficiency. Many also highlight its smooth ride and overall value, which helps explain why it remains a popular midsize-sedan choice.

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

The main trade-offs show up in some recent expert-tested years: lower-trim feature content can feel limited, acceleration can come across as leisurely in certain versions, and some trims focus more on comfort and value than on sharp driving feel.

27.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Optima models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Optima as comfortable, stylish, and efficient, and expert coverage reinforces its polished, well-rounded character. Across the model years in the data, it comes across as a sedan that delivers a smooth daily-driving experience and strong value.

• 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 maintenance history and choosing a well-kept example, since some owners mention repair and upkeep concerns over time.

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

Across all model years, at 54.2% 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 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 a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and the standard 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a full suite of driver-assistance features; a strong value pick if you want the essentials done well.
• S: adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, including 9-1-1 Connect emergency response, while keeping the same broad everyday appeal.
• EX Turbo: brings the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder and the same connected-tech upgrades as the S, making it a smart choice if you want more torque with efficiency-minded character.
• SX Turbo: adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, navigation, HD Radio, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, bigger front brakes, rack-mounted steering, and sport-tuned suspension; choose this if you want the most performance-focused setup.
• SX Turbo with the Limited Package: adds chrome accents, plush quilted Nappa premium leather, improved interior materials, and other luxury touches; this is the best-value upscale choice if you want the richest cabin.
• Plug-in hybrid: the separate plug-in hybrid model adds electric driving capability and is the most expensive version of the car.

What Kia Optima do most buyers choose?

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

Higher-volume years usually give you more choices, which can make it easier to compare prices, equipment, and condition. They also tend to be the years shoppers cross-shop most often, so you may see more competitive pricing and deal opportunities.

What is the Kia Optima's resale value?

The table shows broad downward movement across the lineup, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. Several years have seen sizable drops, while a few have moved down more gradually, so timing can matter depending on the model year you want.

The 2015, 2018, and 2019 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 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.

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 −7.57% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −7.56%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 30.1% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 31.1%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2019 model has the most listings at a current average price of $12,004. The Kia Optima offers a roomy cabin and a polished, well-rounded driving character 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 September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.