2015 Kia Optima Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$21,840 to $35,500

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.3

avg user rating

(32 reviews)
2015 Kia Optima Preview summaryImage

The Optima goes open-source as the 2015 car adds the Kia UVO system as an option for EX/SX trims and as a standard feature in the SXL Turbo. Bringing talk and touch tech to the Korean car manufacturer, the UVO system is compatible with both Android and iPhone smartphones, so you need not pick a side when picking your ride. Other upgrades for the 2015 Optima include some new upholstery and a reworked steering wheel, but otherwise the midsize 4-door sedan rolls into its next model year with little change after getting a slight refresh for 2014.

This only highlights the major strides Kia has made in the industry in the last 10 years. Once a rolling joke, we’re fast approaching a world in which new drivers won’t remember associating Kia with “cheap.” Today it’s more accurate to call Kia a “good value,” especially with one of the stoutest warranties around, but more impressive is the image transformation the company has achieved.

Of course that transformation becomes a lot easier when you hire a designer away from Audi/VW, and the Optima proudly sports Mr. Schreyer’s “Tiger Nose” grille, as well as the rest of his “vaguely European” styling.

In keeping with the European tradition, the Optima is motivated solely by 4-cylinder powerplants, with turbocharging providing the extra oomph for the top-tier engine. At the lower end of the spectrum, the LX and EX trims come with a 200-hp 2.4-liter engine that delivers 186 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels and an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city/34 highway thanks to a 6-speed automatic. Want to try that turbo? You’ll have to move up to the SX Turbo or SXL Turbo trim for that, but you’ll be greeted by a 2.0-liter engine that produces 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Despite the impressive power leap, you won’t get killed at the pump, as the same 6-speed automatic manages to mitigate that power and still return 20/31 mpg.

And it’s not just power you get with the SXs. The LX and EX trims are well-appointed with features like fog lights, 16-inch alloys, heated mirrors with integrated signals, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with auxiliary controls, remote keyless entry and a full power package, including a 6-way power driver’s seat. But the SX adds fun features like Drive Mode Select, which modifies transmission and steering profiles through Comfort, Normal and Sport modes, a sport suspension and leather sport seats. You’ll also get LED running lights and 18-inch alloys and can add heated and cooled front seats as well as heated rear seats, a rare nod to luxury in this price range. But the EX gets its own level of luxury with dual-zone climate controls, push-button start with a smartkey and leather trim. If you feel like adding a bit more to your EX, a sunroof and an upgraded audio system are worthwhile options. If top-tier is your game, the SXL Turbo offers all the fun features of the Premium and Technology packages - the panoramic sunroof, upgraded UVO, heated steering wheel, mirrors and front and rear seats, upgraded Infinity stereo, rearview camera, rear parking sensors with blind-spot monitor, 8-inch touchscreen and navigation - all as standard features.

Seats were recently upgraded and provide comfort and support alike—no compromise needed. However the slick profile and sloping roof that give a sorta-sporty appeal to the Optima mean taller folks will have to ride up front. That's good news for those of us over 6 feet tall, but an annoyance for passengers who think “shotgun” should dictate seating. The LX doesn’t have much to impress with regard to aesthetics, but the EX sports leather and wood trim, and the SX has brushed “aluminum” that works well without overstepping. The Limited trim boasts Nappa leather that is a very pleasant surprise at this level, but the best improvement of late is the acoustic windshield on all trims that isolates the cabin nicely from harsh outside noise.

All this adds up to a respectable option in a midsize sedan. It’s not sporty—it’s sportish. It’s not luxury—it’s luxury-lite. But there’s little to complain about, and it looks good, too. That’s saying a lot for a car you’d have felt compelled to apologize for just 10 years ago. Keep it up, Kia. You’re on the right track.

Michael Perkins
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
A CarGurus contributor since 2008, Michael started his career writing about cars with the SCCA - winning awards during his time as editor of Top End magazine. Since then, his journalistic travels have taken him from NY to Boston to CA, completing a cross-country tour on a restored vintage Suzuki. While his preference is for fine German automobiles - and the extra leg room they so often afford - his first automobile memories center around impromptu Mustang vs. Corvette races down the local highway, in the backseat of his father's latest acquisition.

User reviews for 2015 Kia Optima

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User rating:
by Jayden W
Dec 02, 2024
I love it it’s nice and dencent get me from too and fromDec 02, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 20, 2024
The EX model with navigation and 180-degree backup protection is super. Apr 20, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 18, 2024
The luxury variant has panoramic roof, inbuilt navigation, rear cam and adjustable driver seats with auto set. Also, heated front seats and comfort leg space.Apr 18, 2024

2015 Kia Optima Pricing

Original MSRP
$21,840 to $35,500
Price range
$9,159 to $9,695
Average price on CG
$9,159
YoY price change
$9,690 to $9,159

Trims & 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: mast · Bluetooth 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 · 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: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · 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: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

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 · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 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: Leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · 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: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

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: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

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

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 · Laminated glass: acoustic front side

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 · 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: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · 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: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

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: black with chrome accents · 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: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

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 · Laminated glass: acoustic front side

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 · 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: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · 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: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

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: black with chrome accents · 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 fuel level

Lights

Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

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

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

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 · Laminated glass: acoustic front side

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 · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7

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: Leatherette · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · 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: driver seat · 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: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

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: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: chrome accents · 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: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · 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: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

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

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic

See all trims (5)