2018 Kia Optima Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$22,600 to $30,600

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(15 reviews)
2018 Kia Optima Preview summaryImage

The Kia Optima has been a player in the midsize sedan class since 2001, but only in the past few years has it become a force to be reckoned with. Kia has been working to keep the Optima fresh in light of new and updated competitors, even in the years between generational redesigns or refreshes, and this continues with the 2018 model.

In both its previous generation and its current form, the Optima is considered to be one of the best-looking midsize sedans on the market. Details like a wide tiger-nose grille, LED accent lighting, a coupe-like roofline, and wheels ranging in size from 16 to 18 inches help set the Optima apart from its competitors. New for 2018 is the S trim, which is slotted between the LX and EX. Positioned as a sporting model, the S adds a unique front bumper, a rear spoiler, LED fog lights and taillights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Optima’s interior displays significantly less flair than its exterior, with a design focused on function over form. Controls are laid out in a logical fashion within easy reach and material quality is about average, with a combination of soft-touch and hard plastics throughout. The front seats provide enough comfort for long trips, although some will be wishing there was a bit more side bolstering when the Optima goes around corners. Rear passengers will find plenty of legroom but limited headroom, leaving taller passengers feeling somewhat cramped. Trunk space is large for the class at 15.9 cubic feet.

For entertainment needs, Kia’s UVO infotainment system with a 7-inch display, a reversing camera, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/MP3/satellite audio system comes standard on all trims. An 8-inch color touchscreen with navigation and a premium Harman Kardon Surround Sound system are available upgrades for the EX and SX trims. Both the 7- and 8-inch systems come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Optima offers a good selection of powertrain options. The LX, S, and EX trims come with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the LX 1.6T receives a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 178 hp and 195 lb-ft. The SX, meanwhile, features a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an output of 245 hp and 260 lb-ft. A 6-speed automatic transmission comes standard for the 2.4-liter and the turbo 2.0, while the turbo 1.6 gets a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Fuel-economy figures for the 2018 Optima range from 22 mpg city, 31 highway, and 25 combined with the turbo 2.0 to 28, 37, and 31 with the turbo 1.6.

The Optima’s 2.4-liter engine will be sufficient for most drivers, as it offers decent power for daily driving and a 6-speed automatic with smooth and quick shifts. The turbo 1.6 has plenty of oomph but is somewhat hampered by the DCT, which is programmed to quickly upshift for better fuel economy. For those power-hungry folks, the turbo 2.0 will fulfill your need for speed with its robust acceleration. Separate hybrid and hybrid plug-in models are also available.

Kia has been working on improving handling for the Optima, and the 2018 model shows sharp reflexes with little body roll on twisty roads. It’s a shame the Optima is let down by the steering, which is too light on weight and feel for truly exuberant driving. Ride quality is about average for the class—small bumps and imperfections are smoothed over, while larger bumps will cause some jostling. Some road noise does enter the cabin, but wind noise is almost nonexistent.

Kia has improved the Optima’s safety credentials for 2018 by adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors as standard equipment. Also standard are a full complement of airbags, traction and stability control, and anti-lock brakes (ABS). Optional safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, a surround-view camera system, and automatic high beams. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2017 Optima Top Safety Pick+ status, while the 2018 model earned a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2018 Optima starts at $22,500 for the base LX trim.

Published May 31, 2022 by William Maley

User reviews for 2018 Kia Optima

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User rating:
by Casey D
Jul 03, 2024
The car had engine problems. Los of compression. Jul 03, 2024
by Pamula W
Feb 22, 2024
Love it. Still trying to figure out all the buttons. Love the way it drives. Very smooth ride Color is awesome inside & outFeb 22, 2024
by Anonymous
Oct 02, 2023
Really like the vehicle, it has almost all the features I wanted. It drives like it should and is comfortable, nice sound system, and looks good. I thought it had Auto-Start but was mistaken it dont. (Disappointed with that - but my fault for not asking - so ASK!).Oct 02, 2023

2018 Kia Optima Pricing

Original MSRP
$22,600 to $30,600
Price range
$11,111 to $12,220
Average price on CG
$11,111
YoY price change
$12,220 to $11,111

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

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

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · 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: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: 800 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

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

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

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

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

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

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Pandora internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · 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: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

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): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: 800 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · 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 · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth · Upholstery accents: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

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 · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee 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 · Pandora internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · 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: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 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 · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.17

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: 800 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · 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: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · 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 · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

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 · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

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

Airbags

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

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: 800 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · 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 · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

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

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

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

Airbags

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

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · Touch screen display 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 · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: alloy · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: alloy · 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 · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery rating: 760 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · 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 · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

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

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

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