2013 Kia Optima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Following a complete redesign in 2011, expect only minimal changes to the 2013 Kia Optima. A refresh of this midsize sedan is not likely to occur until 2014 at the earliest. Minor tweaks to the front air dam, rear bumper and the interior are likely, however.
The trim lineup for the front-wheel-drive 2013 Kia Optima is expected to remain the same: LX, EX, EX Turbo, and SX. The EX Turbo and SX trims are expected to be equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that reaches a class-leading 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The LX and EX trims will come standard with a 2.4-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that tops out at 200 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The LX trim will be able to be equipped with either a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive or a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and Sportmatic shifter, while all remaining trims will come equipped with the automatic transmission.
Other than some changes to available option packages, Kia seems pointed in the direction of keeping the Optima the same for 2013, while competitors in the affordable midsize sedan class, such as the Hyundai Sonata, Suzuki Kizashi and Volkswagen Passat, among others, appear headed for planned revisions.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2013 Kia Optima
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Gilmores 2
Sep 22, 2024
We love the new car. Great gas mileage and great options. Its fully loaded.Sep 22, 2024
by Dean S
May 08, 2024
Kids are good cars,good gas mileage, comfortable ride, thank you May 08, 2024
by T N
Nov 27, 2023
I dont recommend the 2013 Kia Optima it has too many mechanical & electrical problems Nov 27, 2023
User rating:
by Gilmores 2
Sep 22, 2024
We love the new car. Great gas mileage and great options. Its fully loaded.Sep 22, 2024
by Dean S
May 08, 2024
Kids are good cars,good gas mileage, comfortable ride, thank you May 08, 2024
by T N
Nov 27, 2023
I dont recommend the 2013 Kia Optima it has too many mechanical & electrical problems Nov 27, 2023
by Nicole M
Aug 10, 2023
The car has all the features I am looking for. I do think the car is a good value. Right now the car has to be fixed, if Im not mistaken it needs a sensor and some other parts. I have compared it to other Optima LX, Ex that I have seen.Aug 10, 2023
by Melanie P
Mar 14, 2023
I love this car .. ever about it.. I hear all sorts of bad reviews about breaking down but if you take care of it I’m sure it will take care of you Mar 14, 2023
by Chris R
Feb 05, 2023
Features are perfects, besides the minor wear and tare scratches it’s perfect for me. Feb 05, 2023
by Jay J
Jun 29, 2022
Traded my 2016 Jeep Renegade for my 2013 Optima SXL... I love it an never turned back...Jun 29, 2022
by Kathy B
Jun 07, 2022
I love the kia Optima there great vehicle I would recall it to everyone Jun 07, 2022
by Raymond B
Apr 17, 2022
Idk,havent driven it.But if its like my 2014 I had,they are great cars,sharp looking.Apr 17, 2022
by Anonymous
Mar 01, 2022
Love this car!! Amazing value. Performs like a much more expensive car. Highly recommend. Mar 01, 2022
by Kirk B
Feb 06, 2022
Excellent car with great options . 2013 Optima Ex Feb 06, 2022
by Anonymous
Jul 01, 2021
We are very happy with this car - features and the way it handles . Jul 01, 2021
by Kenyata C
Apr 24, 2021
Good looking car can’t wait to see it and test drive it Apr 24, 2021
by Adrian J
Apr 10, 2021
It’s a great car and it’s very nice. Apr 10, 2021
by Anonymous
Mar 09, 2021
My budget was 10K and after test driving several vehicles including a Highlander, Corolla, Camry, and an Accord, I chose the Optima because of comfort, style, and the way it drives. Plenty of get up and go yet still refined. The only thing I dislike is the lack of a spare tire.Mar 09, 2021
by ADWAR M
Feb 13, 2021
it is Good Car about this model and is good value if the history of this car good without accident in the past ....Feb 13, 2021
by Tanya P
Oct 22, 2020
Its a great car to get. I love it.Oct 22, 2020
by Ephraim M
Feb 07, 2020
It rides awesome and very fast. The color is one of the reasons I bought and the body shape is really cool. Its a really nice car and took care of by previous owners, thanks guys. Feb 07, 2020
by Anonymous
Apr 11, 2015
this car is NOTHING like I had researched on, the one I got is definitely a bad nightmare, handles terrible,, mediocre gas mileage- the steering is a danger , as it drifts left to right,, you have to constantly correct it-something just is NOT right with the steering and I have taken it back to the dealer several times,,, they always said they cant find anything wrong,,,
On top of everything else the seating and comfort is horrible,for long drives,,just not a car that I will ever buy again,,,,Apr 11, 2015
by Patrick Y
Oct 06, 2014
Overall a great car, has options that European luxury cars don't have at twice the price, drives well, looks good. Feels a small bit underpowered and would like to see better gas mileage if not a more powerful engine. 4.5 out of 5 stars.Oct 06, 2014
by Anonymous
Sep 24, 2014
4.8 out of 9. Course the 2015 KIA Optima SXL turbo's have fixed all the changes I'd make and I wish they would supercharge the Cadenza and I'd upgrade to that because the Limited Cadenza will be my next Purchase. Kia is the Best Value for the money hands down and I've been in the Automobile business for 25 years.Sep 24, 2014
by Dustin D
Jan 16, 2014
I looked for this car for a long time and finally found the perfect one at the perfect price on cargurus.com! We saw a lot of LX models for the same price as we found the EX model (which was actually cleaner and had more upgrades than several of the LX's). Thank you Cargurus.com!Jan 16, 2014
by Anonymous
Jan 12, 2014
I bought the Optima new in July 13. It came loaded with every imaginable option from courtesy lights that light up at night when you approach to keyless entry and starting...all for under $26k. The turbo allows for effortless acceleration and averages 24 in town and 31 on the highway at 80 mph. Interior touches are sporty and luxurious and handling is spirited. The only down side is the view to the rear which is wanting due to the styling, the rear camera does help.Jan 12, 2014
by Anonymous
Oct 30, 2013
I love the car, which has 300 miles on it. But two days ago boom, I hit the curve on a tight spot at work. As soon as I stepped out I heard the air blasting out.
So I knew it was my fault, that it was not covered by warranty, that I had to buy a new tire. Sure. But somehow I had to get the car to a shop -- as you know, these cars don't have a spare. And the 'fix a flat' kit included wouldn't fix a 1" gash to the sidewall -- BTW, these 'low-wall' tires though sporty and nice, have a larger propensity to side-wall damage.
Before calling KIA Roadside Assistance I researched the tire and called a couple of shops close by to make sure they had the size in stock. BUT KRA would ONLY tow to nearest dealership!
So that's 10 and 20 miles for the two closest to where I was. Even though Firestone is just behind my building (less than 1 mile away), and DT is a bit further out, they would NOT cover the tow, per their 'policy'. So either the dealership or nothing. To MAKE MATTERS WORSE, I had called BOTH dealerships and they did NOT have any tires in stock! So I would be stranded for 1-2 days while they ordered the tire. A loaner? No way, they said.
So my great warranty roadside assistance program ended up being my wife (and baby in tow), a trip to a parts shop to get a tire-plugging kit, and getting my hands dirty. The kit held the air long enough to make to Firestone, where they put on a new tire in 20 minutes.
KRA is such a joke. Yes, I get it that if anything else breaks under warranty a KIA dealership would know best. But tires???!! They are NOT even covered under their warranty! They are such commodity. Anyone can sell and put one on. In my scenario if KRA would have worked as it should, I would have had the car towed and fixed within 2 hours, vs 1-2 days + travel time to/from the dealership. What a SHAME!
If they insist you need to be towed to their dealership at least they need to ensure they have the tires in stock OR get you a loaner meanwhile.Oct 30, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 25, 2013
For the money you can't beat the Kia Optima!!
Former Acura TL, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry owner!!!!
And the peace of mind with the 100k warranty all manufactures should do this!!!
A must buy for anyone in the market for a midsize sedan!Jun 25, 2013
by jim D
May 29, 2013
I think the Kia is a great vehicle with very little to bring it down. it is a great family in car with lots of power. The fuel economy on this car is very good. Over all this is a good vehicle for around town, or even as a commuter car.May 29, 2013
by Anonymous
Dec 19, 2012
First it is very tempermental about allowing me to lock the doors with both the door fob and even manually. If I get out of the car and I hear the bell chiming, I know it isn't going to lock, but I've tried everything to find out why it's chiming. I can get in and drive across the parking lot and try it again and it will be fine, so I know it's not anything I am doing. Very aggravating since I'm replacing a vehicle that was stolen, I certainly don't want it to happen again. The next thing that happened is that my husband was backing the car out and put it in part and shut the car off quickly and the car totally locked up. It wouldn't let the key turn, and the steering wheel was locked tight. I had to call roadside assistance and they said to push in on the brake, turn the ignition and yank on the steering wheel to the left real hard at the same time. Well, that did work but again...very disappointing. Now today, I made a quick stop to run in to a convenience store and the key wouldn't turn to let me shut the ignition off. I tried several times and finally gave up. Then I made another stop and it was fine. Scared to take in too far away from home....this is my 3rd Kia and this is the first disappointment.Dec 19, 2012
What users have asked
Should Kia reimbursement me for the starter after engine seized
My 2013 kia optima broke down when driving on the highway. I tried to restart and smoke came from under hood. I had it towed to local mechanic. They replaced the starter and said the engine was siezed. So I had it towed to the dealership. They approved it to be replaced and gave me a rental car. I called kia to ask if they will reimburse me for the new starter that burnt up trying to restart the engine after it seized. They told me no. That it wasn't under original manufacturer warrantee. I explained that because the engine seized my starter burned up trying to start and this damage was caused in lieu of their seized engine defect
526 views
Key Is Not Detected Error message on 2013 Kia OPTIMA EX
Hello, I am hoping someone can help me out with this issue. I have a "Key is not detected" Error message when I try to start my 2013 Kia OPTIMA EX. Both of my key fobs were working to unlock, lock or starting my 2013 Kia OPTIMA EX and then stopped. To trouble shoot this issue I have: 1) Replaced the battery and tested both key fobs so the batteries are both new and good. 2) Replace the 12 volt car battery and it new and good. 3) Checked 7 fuses inside the car and under the hood that operate the keyless fob system as well as the None of the above has resolved the issue. I can start the car using the glovebox insert of the key fob to get the car started. This does work but obviously I need to get the fobs working What else can I test or try to get them working again? Thanks
117 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2013 Kia Optima?Compare this car
2013 Kia Optima Pricing
Original MSRP
$21,350 to $34,500Price range
$7,506 to $8,102Average price on CG
$7,506YoY price change
$8,102 to $7,506Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single 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: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · 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 · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · 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: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
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 · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · 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 · Dash trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · 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: chrome · 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: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
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 · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · 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: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: leather · 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
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · 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: chrome · 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 · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
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 · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8
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 cupholders · Dash trim: leather · 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
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · 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: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: chrome · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 4.2 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid
Lights
Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
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
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent