2018 Kia Optima — Full Specifications
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The 2018 Kia Optima is a saloon/sedan offered with 4 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) / 31 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–50 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2L 4-cyl), returning around 50 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Kia Optima workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2017 Kia Optima: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 37 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) | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2L 4-cyl · 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (AM7) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 105 cu ft (2,973 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 37 combined / 34 urban / 44 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 31 combined / 28 city / 37 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 178 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2018 Kia Optima across 4 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 42 mpg (US), or 30 to 50 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (28/37) | 178 | $2,150 |
| 2L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 50 | 42 (39/46) | 132 | $1,600 |
| 2L 4-cyl (Plug-in Hybrid) | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 48 | 40 (38/43) | 60 | $1,700 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/31) | 224 | $2,700 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (24/34) | 199 | $2,400 |
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 105 cubic feet (about 2,973 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Kia Optima
Running Costs: 2018 Kia Optima
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Kia Optima at 37 mpg combined, expect roughly 983 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,150 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.
2018 Kia Optima Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Kia Optima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Latches/locks/linkages (1), Engine (1), Hybrid propulsion system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Latches/locks/linkages — campaign 23V594000, reported 24 August 2023. Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- Engine — campaign 21V844000, reported 29 October 2021. Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Hybrid propulsion system — campaign 18V161000, reported 8 March 2018. Risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 243 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Kia Optima. The most-reported areas are Engine (137), Unspecified (40), Electrical system (37). Complaints include 10 reported crashes, 10 reported fires, 9 reported injuries. That is well below the median of 617 complaints across the 11 Kia Optima model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 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 (1 recall campaign · 137 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (37 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Transmission & drivetrain (20 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Doors & latches (1 recall campaign) — Test every door, boot and bonnet latch and the central locking.
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 2018 Kia Optima's 37 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 178 g/km CO₂ figure is 29 g/km lower than the 207 g/km Kia average.
Of the 11 Kia Optima model years we cover, the 2018 is the most economical on its best configuration (37 mpg UK combined). 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 2018 Kia Optima
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Kia Optima have?
EPA lists 4 engines for the 2018 Kia Optima: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.6L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (am7).
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Kia Optima?
The most efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) combined, or 31 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 50 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 50 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2018 Kia Optima cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,150 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 2018 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 2018 Kia Optima have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Kia Optima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Latches/locks/linkages (1), Engine (1), Hybrid propulsion system (1). 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 2018 Kia Optima?
Among the 243 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (137 complaints), Unspecified (40 complaints), Electrical system (37 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 2018 Kia Optima have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 105 cubic feet (about 2,973 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.