2011 Kia Optima Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$18,995 to $25,995

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(16 reviews)
2011 Kia Optima Preview summaryImage

Aggressively styled and temptingly priced, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima joins its well-received Hyundai Sonata sibling near the top of the competitive midsize sedan class. While the outgoing model was the type of decent, unremarkable car that you'd rent from the airport on a business trip, the new 2011 Optima should draw plenty of stares on the street and lots of interest in Kia showrooms.

By adding a dose of excitement to a nearly faultless design, one that's every bit the equal of Japan's finest, Kia has set itself apart from the pack of increasingly similar midsize sedans. The 2011 Optima is darn good looking, with an aggressive nose and a Jaguar-esque roofline that flows seamlessly into a high trunk lid. While ultimately a bit derivative, the Optima offers buyers much more ambitious styling than the staid Toyota Camry or the vanilla Honda Accord.

With every bit of the attention to detail that the competition is known for, Kia has engineered the 2011 Optima to operate seamlessly. While the styling (and the Kia brand's placement relative to Hyundai) imply a certain sportiness, the 2011 Optima isn't likely to shock enthusiasts with its power or handling, even in turbocharged SX guise. Rather the Optima will impress commuters and families alike with its easygoing, polished manner.

Under the skin, the 2011 Optima rides on a version of the Sonata's unit-body architecture. Slightly larger than the Camry but casting a smaller shadow than the limo-like Accord, the Optima provides plenty of space for five passengers and their luggage. All 2011 Optimas feature front-wheel drive and weigh between 3,200 and 3,400 pounds, placing them squarely in the middle of the pack mechanically and structurally.

Power for the 2011 Optima is provided by Kia's excellent 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Constructed from aluminum and featuring variable valve timing, this motor makes 200 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque along a broad, flat curve. The smooth-running mill delivers lively acceleration while returning good fuel economy. In lieu of a V6 option, Optima buyers can select a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that churns out an impressive 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The turbo four-banger makes the Optima quite a performer in a straight line, though buyers used to a larger-displacement six-cylinder motor might discern a bit of lag in throttle response.

Kia should be applauded for offering a manual transmission in the 2011 Optima, given the assuredly low take rate. Regrettably, the six-speed gearbox and its progressive clutch action are offered only with the base engine, not the hot turbo motor. The other available gearbox is a quick-thinking six-speed automatic with “Sportmatic” control that serves up crisp shifts. Standard traction and stability control ensure that the front wheels retain their grip on the road at full throttle, though torque steer hasn't been completely banished.

The 2011 Optima also marks Kia's first foray into the hybrid power arena. The gasoline-electric Optima, to be offered later in the model year, will borrow Hyundai's in-house hybrid architecture. With new high-efficiency lithium-polymer battery technology and a more natural-feeling automatic gearbox (as opposed to the more common continuously variable transmission design) the 2011 Optima Hybrid will surely provide stiff competition for the more established players in this burgeoning market.

While the 2011 Optima benefits from a four-wheel independent suspension system, it lacks the easy athleticism of Honda's Accord. Body motions are better controlled than in the pillowy Camry, but the Optima's ride-handling balance clearly places a premium on comfort. The electrically boosted power steering is easily manipulated, though it suffers from a lack of feedback.

The 2011 Optima's interior styling displays an attention to detail that's missing even from the class-leading Accord. Key to Kia's success is its comparatively simple, clean dash design and use of high-quality materials. While some small details, such as the door panels, look tacked on, the overall theme is cohesive and best of all, intuitive. Front and rear passenger room is on par with the Camry's, though overall elbow room trails the especially voluminous Accord. The stylishly high beltline does limit rear visibility somewhat and also makes for a rather tall reach to close the trunk.

Kia will offer the 2011 Optima in four trim levels. Even the base LX, the only trim offered with the stick shift, comes loaded to the gills with standard power accessories, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a trip computer, an air-conditioned glovebox, and a six-speaker CD stereo with Bluetooth and satellite radio. The step-up EX trim nets buyers a smart key push-button start system, dual-zone electronic climate control, and leather seats, while the top-of-the-line Optima SX cultivates a sporty persona with carbon-fiber interior trim, paddle shifters, LED taillights, and snazzy 18-inch alloy wheels.

Befitting its family sedan status, the 2011 Optima is equipped with a plethora of standard safety features. Front, side, and curtain airbags are standard, along with active head restraints that Kia says help prevent whiplash. While the new 2011 Optima has yet to be crash-tested by the NHTSA, the structurally similar 2011 Sonata received four stars for frontal crashes and five stars for side impacts in a recent evaluation.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2011 Kia Optima

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User rating:
by John S
Jan 17, 2024
This car is everything you want in a vehicle, after almost 200,000 KM it has given me almost no trouble except the usual little things that all car owners experience. But no great costly repairs. Its a great looking vehicle, comfortable for long drives. Ive had a lot of cars and this one tops the list, except for my Mercedes.Jan 17, 2024
by Leonette M
Jul 09, 2023
Great car! Manual 6 speed. I compare it to a Toyota. Responsive and reliable vehicle. CarGurus made it easy to find what I needed!Jul 09, 2023
by Reyna G
Jun 16, 2022
Battery was dead and car probably has a few fuses that need to be replaced. Could use a good detailing too. Nobody wants to spend $10K on a project …. A/C works fine and sunroof is a nice feature. No visible exterior damage.Jun 16, 2022

2011 Kia Optima Pricing

Original MSRP
$18,995 to $25,995
Price range
$6,221 to $6,880
Average price on CG
$6,358
YoY price change
$6,836 to $6,358

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: blacked out · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

See all trims (4)