2015 Kia Optima — Full Specifications
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The 2015 Kia Optima is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) / 26 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 29–44 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.4L 4-cyl), returning around 44 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Kia Optima workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2014 Kia Optima: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 31 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 102 cu ft (2,888 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 31 combined / 28 urban / 40 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 26 combined / 23 city / 33 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 208 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 9 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2015 Kia Optima across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 24 to 37 mpg (US), or 29 to 44 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (20/30) | 231 | $2,800 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 44 | 37 (35/38) | 150 | $1,800 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/33) | 208 | $2,600 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2015 Kia Optima
Running Costs: 2015 Kia Optima
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2015 Kia Optima at 31 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,173 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2015 Kia Optima Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2015 Kia Optima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (3), Fuel system (1). 3 campaigns carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Service brakes — campaign 23V652000, reported 25 September 2023. Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Service brakes — campaign 21V331000, reported 10 May 2021. Risk: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
- Service brakes — campaign 20V519000, reported 27 August 2020. Risk: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Fuel system — campaign 18V907000, reported 19 December 2018. Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners have filed 1021 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Optima. The most-reported areas are Engine (627), Unspecified (140), Electrical system (140). Complaints include 31 reported crashes, 76 reported fires, 23 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is well above the median of 617 complaints across the 11 Kia Optima model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2015 Kia Optima
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (627 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (140 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Body structure (77 owner complaints) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
- Brakes (3 recall campaigns) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Kia models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2015 Kia Optima's 31 mpg is 3 mpg below that make average.
Of the 11 Kia Optima model years we cover, the 2015 ranks 9th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (31 mpg UK combined, against a high of 37 mpg). See every Kia Optima year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2015 Kia Optima
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2015 Kia Optima have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2015 Kia Optima: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.4L 4-cyl with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2015 Kia Optima?
The most efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, or 26 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 29 to 44 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 44 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2015 Kia Optima cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2015 Kia Optima have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2015 Kia Optima have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2015 Kia Optima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (3), Fuel system (1). 3 campaigns carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2015 Kia Optima?
Among the 1,021 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (627 complaints), Unspecified (140 complaints), Electrical system (140 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2015 Kia Optima have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.