Kia Optima — All Years
We have Kia Optima specifications on file for 11 model years, 2010–2020, covering saloon/sedan trims. Across those years EPA data lists 5 different engines. Combined fuel economy runs from 28 to 37 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 10 of the 10 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.
| Year | Engine(s) | Fuel | MPG (UK) | CO₂ g/km | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 29–50 | 181 | 5★ | 0 | 150 |
| 2019 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 29–49 | 181 | 5★ | 1 | 211 |
| 2018 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 30–50 | 178 | 5★ | 3 | 243 |
| 2017 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 30–50 | 178 | 5★ | 4 | 305 |
| 2016 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 30–44 | 178 | 5★ | 5 | 760 |
| 2015 | 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 29–44 | 208 | 5★ | 4 | 1021 |
| 2014 | 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 29–44 | 206 | 5★ | 7 | 617 |
| 2013 | 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 31–43 | 203 | 5★ | 10 | 1438 |
| 2012 | 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 31–43 | 205 | 5★ | 6 | 1028 |
| 2011 | 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 31–43 | 205 | 5★ | 6 | 627 |
| 2010 | 2.4L 4-cyl / 2.7L 6-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 28–30 | 221 | — | 1 | 75 |
Best and Worst Kia Optima Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows
Across the 11 Kia Optima model years from 2010 to 2020 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 617 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:
Fewest owner complaints
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Engine History
- 2.4L 4-cyl — 2010–2020
- 2.7L 6-cyl — 2010
- 2L 4-cyl turbo — 2011–2020
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo — 2016–2020
- 2L 4-cyl — 2017–2020
Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.
Compare the Kia Optima With Rivals
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- Kia Optima vs Mazda 6
Frequently Asked Questions
What years is the Kia Optima covered on this site?
We have data for 11 model years of the Kia Optima, from 2010 to 2020.
What engines does the Kia Optima come with?
EPA data lists: 2.4L 4-cyl (2010–2020); 2.7L 6-cyl (2010); 2L 4-cyl turbo (2011–2020); 1.6L 4-cyl turbo (2016–2020); 2L 4-cyl (2017–2020).
Which Kia Optima year has the best fuel economy?
The 2020 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 37 mpg on its most efficient configuration.
Does the Kia Optima have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?
Yes — the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating on record here.
Which Kia Optima model years have the most recalls and complaints?
The 2013 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (10), and the 2013 has the most owner complaints (1,438). NHTSA lists no recalls for 2020. Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.
What body style is the Kia Optima?
The Kia Optima is classed as a saloon/sedan on this site.
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