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 $10,417, and its year-round low is $10,398.77. That gives you a useful snapshot of what this model is bringing in today's market, with pricing staying fairly close to its low point. 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 board, with praise centered on style, comfort, value, and fuel efficiency. The all-generations owner rating is 4.6/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently highlight the Optima's stylish design, smooth ride, and strong value for money. Many also appreciate its comfort and fuel efficiency, and several reviews point to a well-rounded sedan that feels competitive in its class.

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-and-convenience touches that buyers may want to compare carefully across trims.

23.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Optima models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Kia Optima for its comfort, smooth ride, stylish design, and strong fuel economy. Expert feedback also points to a polished, well-rounded sedan with broad appeal and a reputation for everyday usability.

• 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 and choosing a well-maintained example, especially since some owner reviews mention maintenance concerns over time.

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

Across all model years, at 53% 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, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a broad set of driver-assistance features, making it the value-focused starting point.
• S: This trim adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, and it suits you if you want more connected features without moving up too far in price.
• EX Turbo: This version brings the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, satellite radio, and UVO eServices, giving you a strong mix of efficiency and equipment.
• SX Turbo: This is the performance-leaning choice, with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, navigation, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
• SX Turbo with the Limited Package: This is the best-equipped version, adding chrome accents, 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 inventory to compare, which can make it easier to find the right price, trim, and condition. They also line up with the years that many shoppers see as a strong balance of features and value.

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 examples, while the older years show smaller declines. That pattern gives you a wider spread of price points to choose from depending on how much equipment and age you want to balance.

The 2014, 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 a full suite of standard driver-assistance features, 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.

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 −6.91% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −5.53%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 24.5% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 25.2%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2019 model has the most listings at a current average price of $12,272. The Kia Optima offers a roomy cabin and a smooth, comfortable driving character that make it easy to live with every day.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: If we include the hybrid powertrains, Kia offers five different engines in the 2019 Optima. Base LX and sporty S trim get a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, while the mid-grade EX Turbo employs a fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder whipping up 178 hp and plenty of usable torque.
• Tech: It includes 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.
• Safety: New for 2019, UVO eServices includes 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.
• 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 August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.