2019 Kia Optima Review

2019 Kia Optima SX Sedan Exterior. SXL Package Shown.

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Generous amount of standard equipment
All trims get an impressive level of driver assistance features
Stylish interior with plenty of small-item and cargo storage
Infotainment system is easy to use

Cons

The 1.6T powertrain option is slow to respond and not very smooth
Sloping roofline cuts into rear headroom
Rear visibility sacrificed for exterior styling

What's new

Restyled exterior includes new headlights, wheels and trim pieces
Comprehensive driver assistance features now standard on all Optimas
Revised Uvo infotainment offerings
Part of the fourth Optima generation introduced in 2016

For 2019, the Kia Optima continues to offer some of the most feature-packed models you can buy in the midsize sedan segment. This year's updates are minor yet subtle styling tweaks that will help differentiate it from the outgoing model. Kia has also made its suite of driver aids standard across all trim levels.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$156/mo

$181/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

From the base LX to the top-of-the-line SX, wheels, headlights, taillights and trim pieces have been updated. Inside, there's new interior lighting, an improved telematics system and new two-tone leather options for the SX. And the standard suite of driver aids includes a forward collision warning system, lane keeping assist, a driver-attention monitoring system to combat drowsy and distracted driving, and lane departure warning.

But the Optima has a few drawbacks that aren't likely to change soon because they revolve around the car's sleek styling. Headroom is a bit tight, even for front passengers, and it gets even tighter if a sunroof is present. Rear-seat access and rear visibility also suffer due to the car's attractive sweeping roofline. And while the top-of-the-line turbocharged SX is fun to drive, the rest of the model range, though competent, can be a bit dull. That said, we still think the 2019 Kia Optima offers great value for the price and is definitely worth a look.

What's it like to live with?

To learn more about the Kia Optima of this generation, read about our experiences from a full year of living with a 2016 Kia Optima. We owned and tested the Optima for a full year, driving it 20,000 miles and covering all the features from cargo space to real-world fuel economy. Notable differences in the 2019 Optima include updates to standard and optional equipment, a refreshed exterior look, and revised infotainment options. But the 2019 comes from the same generation as the 2016 we tested, so most of our observations still apply.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Kia Optima SX (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	7.5
Interior	8.0
Utility	7.5
Technology	7.5

Driving

8.0

The Optima is not only easy to commute in, but it's also up for a bit of spirited driving. It's composed on the highway, and braking and handling inspire confidence. Strong power from the Optima SX's engine makes this sedan a solid performer.

Acceleration

8.0

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is responsive and punchy. Power delivery is also pretty linear. In Edmunds testing, we observed a 0-60 mph acceleration run of 6.9 seconds. That isn't the quickest time for a midsize sedan with an upgraded engine, but it's still properly quick. The SX makes freeway passing pretty effortless.

Braking

8.0

The brakes on the Optima are solid and easy to apply in day-to-day driving situations. The pedal has a firm, reassuring feel and progressive action that makes smooth stops a breeze. In our 60-0 mph braking test, the car came to a stop at 119 feet, which is better than average in this class.

Steering

7.0

The Optima's steering is light in both effort and feel in its default setting. At lower speeds, its light steering makes it easy to park and maneuver. But there's little to no feedback from the front tires when negotiating a corner. In Sport mode, the steering just gets needlessly heavy. The steering wheel centers quickly after turning and maintains good stability on straight highways.

Handling

8.0

The SX trim's sport-tuned suspension provides more responsive handling. There is still a bit of body roll, but it's less than what you'll feel in other sedans. The stability control system doesn't get intrusive during spirited driving.

Drivability

8.0

With an engine that delivers excellent low-end power and an eight-speed automatic transmission that operates quite smoothly, the Optima is great in terms of everyday drivability. You're bound to get wheelspin if you're too aggressive with the gas, so be mindful when turning and merging at the same time.

Comfort

7.5

The SX comes with a lot of standard luxury amenities such as heated and ventilated seats, comfortable leather sport seats and a heated steering wheel. The sport-tuned suspension rides a bit stiff, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Seat comfort

8.0

The front seats provide appealing cushioning and support. We found them comfortable on a long commute, and they should do equally well on a road trip. There's a great amount of seat adjustment in the SX's front seats, and the heated and ventilated functions both get to their desired temperatures swiftly. Rear seating is spacious and comfortable.

Ride comfort

7.0

Here's the trade-off for the SX's sport-tuned suspension: The ride quality is a little stiffer than others in the class. That said, it isn't unbearable either. Smaller bumps and undulations aren't an issue, but large dips are more apt to jostle cabin occupants.

Noise & vibration

7.0

Wind and road noise is ever-present in this vehicle, but that's not out of character for the segment. We noticed a bit of vibration coming from our test vehicle's lower front door panel when driving over minor dips.

Climate control

8.0

The climate system in the Optima SX is easy to operate. It gets to temperature quickly and maintains it properly under the auto setting. The air vents work well, although the far-left vent's airflow can get blocked by the driver's hand. The heated steering wheel works well and provides a comfortable amount of heat.

Interior

8.0

While the interior design is a bit pedestrian, it's functional and easy to use. The standard features really make you feel like you got a lot for your money. On the downside, the sloping rear roofline compromises a little headroom in the rear seats.

Ease of use

8.0

The Optima controls are easily accessible, logically placed and simple to use. The large knobs, buttons and high-contrast markings make for easy use during day or night. Touchscreen operation is just as simple, and the physical center-stack buttons allow you to select major functions quickly.

Getting in/getting out

7.5

All doors in the Optima open wide and provide large openings. In tighter spots, the door detents allow for enough room to comfortably get in and out. The easy-exit driver feature, which moves the seat back, is great, too. However, the roofline slopes a bit in the rear, which requires some additional ducking when getting in the back.

Driving position

8.0

The SX's power-adjustable driver's seat is widely adjustable and allows for many positioning choices. Combined with a steering wheel that telescopes toward you more than most, it should be easy for most people to find a comfortable driving position.

Roominess

7.5

The Optima is spacious and roomy. There's ample space in the front seats all around. It has slightly more rear headroom than average, but rear legroom isn't quite as good. Still, you can accommodate three adults without too much trouble.

Visibility

8.0

Forward visibility in the Optima is average. Rear visibility is a little obstructed due to the high rear decklid and rear headrests, but that's not uncommon for the class, either. A blind-spot monitor comes standard across all trim levels.

Quality

7.5

The Optima is solidly built inside and out. While there's still plenty of plastic used for the interior trim, it's textured or painted to provide a more upscale impression. The seats, armrests, handles, grips, and controls all feel sturdy. The doors sound solid when opened and closed.

Utility

7.5

The Kia Optima is competitive with the rest of the class when it comes to everyday utility. It has useful cargo capacity and a decent amount of small-item storage inside the cabin. The SX also has a handy automatic-opening trunk.

Small-item storage

7.5

The Optima matches the rest of the class with regards to small-item storage areas. It comes with standard-size door pockets with bottle holders. The storage compartment under the center armrest is fairly deep and has a removable storage bin for small items. A hidden storage area under the front center stack houses the USB and 12-volt power outlet connections. There's also a bonus square bin just ahead of the front of the cupholders.

Cargo space

8.0

The 15.9-cubic-foot trunk is marginally smaller than the Accord's. The remote seatback releases in the trunk are a nice touch when you want to fold the seats, though you still have to push down the seats after releasing them. One interesting trick is the automatic-opening trunk — if you stand next to the trunk with the key fob, the car will open the trunk after 3 seconds. We just wished the trunk opened all the way instead of merely unlatching.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

There are four LATCH anchors located in the rear seats between the seat bottom and seatback. They aren't too recessed and provide decent access.

Technology

7.5

The SX trim gives you a better tech experience than lower trims due to upgrades such as a navigation system and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system isn't world-changing, but it's intuitive to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

Audio & navigation

7.5

The infotainment interface looks a bit dated, but the screen is bright, the graphics are sharp, and the system responds with minimal lag. The menus are easy to understand and progress through, too. The upgraded Harman Kardon audio system sounds better than expected in this class.

Smartphone integration

8.0

When you connect a phone via USB, it pairs the phone and connects to Bluetooth as well. Other cars will connect and pair the phone, but Bluetooth requires a separate action. Once paired, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work very well. There are two 12-volt power ports in the front along with two USB ports (one data, one charge-only) and a USB port for rear passengers.

Driver aids

8.0

While it maintains a conservative following distance, the adaptive cruise control operates all the way down to a stop. The safety features (lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, etc.) included as standard in the Optima operate well and aren't overly sensitive.

Voice control

7.0

The native voice controls are standard for the navigation and phone system. They work well and are easy to use. Siri Eyes-Free is great to use if you're an Apple CarPlay user, and Google Assistant works equally well.

2019 Kia Optima models

The 2019 Kia Optima is available in four trim levels. The base LX comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 16-inch alloy wheels. The S is a sport-themed version of the LX with slightly different styling and tech features, while the EX gets its own unique powertrain. Commendably, Kia has kept the pricing close across these trims. The SX is more expensive, but its powerful turbocharged engine and additional tech and luxury features are enticing.

Under the hood of the entry-level front-wheel-drive Optima LX is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (185 horsepower, 178 pound-feet of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, cruise control, a driver information display, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable front seats (with two-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver), and a 60/40-split rear seat.

Also standard for the LX are Bluetooth, an 8-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and HD and satellite radio. Standard advanced safety equipment includes a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Lane keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, lane departure warning and forward collision warning are made standard for 2019 models.

The optional Premium package adds 17-inch wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting, some gloss-black exterior trim, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with two-way power lumbar adjustment.

The S adds to the features of the LX with 18-inch wheels, foglights, LED taillights, a rear spoiler, push-button start, and cloth and faux leather upholstery. The optional Panoramic Sunroof package includes a panoramic sunroof and gloss-black exterior accents.

The EX gets its own powertrain, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (178 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque) and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It loses the spoiler but receives acoustic front door windows, power-folding mirrors, illuminated door handles, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, a hands-free unlocking trunk, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, heated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, interior wood accents, an electronic parking brake, and leather upholstery. Front passengers have two rapid-charging USB ports at their disposal, while rear-seat passengers get one USB port and one power port.

One package is available on the EX. The Premium package adds a 12-way-adjustable driver's seat with a four-way power lumbar, a 10-way passenger seat with a two-way power lumbar, ventilated front seats, the panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, and a navigation system.

The range-topping SX is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (245 hp, 260 lb-ft) with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is equipped similarly to the EX outfitted with a Premium package, plus additional upgrades including 18-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, LED foglights, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust tips, a sport-tuned suspension, red brake calipers, a flat-bottom steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles, ambient interior lighting, metal interior trim, and a larger driver information display. It also adds a temporary spare tire compared to the tire repair kit on other trims.

A choice of three SX Limited packages is available (Aubergine, Black and Bronze), which differ mainly with interior color selection. The rest of the package includes 18-inch black wheels, a black headliner, upgraded door trim and higher-quality leather upholstery, heated outboard rear seats, perforated leather on the steering wheel, body-colored mirrors, rear side window sunshades, and a surround-view camera system.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#8 out of 28 among Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Kia Optima from 2008-2022.}

$373/yr

vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.85x/yr

vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

9.4%

vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Kia Optima.

5 (65%)

4 (26%)

3 (3%)

2 (0%)

1 (6%)

4.5

35 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Way better than Camry

Ronald O, 06/09/2019

2019 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

This was such a good option. The car practically drives itself on the highway. It’s modern and turns heads. The headlights could be better and I plan on replacing the bulb with LED headlight. The seats are comfy and the car has a nice acceleration. We chose this over the Camry and wouldn’t go back. This is way better and it has better reviews than even a Honda CRV!

Optimal comfort

Sarah Graham, 02/02/2019

2019 Kia Optima S 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

I have owned 2 kia's previously (Optima and Sorento EX), and my daughter has owned 2, (Sportage and Optima). I can say that my recent purchase of the 2019 Kia Optima S is the best by far. A luxury car with an affordable price. It has all the latest tech upgrades and the smoothest ride ever. I got every option I have always wanted in a car for an excellent price....I coudn't be more …

A great car.

Greg R, 02/22/2019

2019 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I have owned the ex 12,15,17,19. (non premium) The 12-15 was great overall cars, the 17 was comfortable but it was slow the 19 is a combination of a luxury and a sports feeling car. When I tested the car at the dealer I was amazed by the technology that it had. lane assist, blind spot and detection while in reverse. As far as comfort I am a big guy and I first tested the the S …

Best looking car on the road

John Marley, 12/01/2018

2019 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

Best Value for money. Safety features like Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot monitoring, front collision warning and automatic braking - all standard in the EX model. I recommend getting the EX model as lot of comfort and safety features are standard. Except for Panoramic roof and navigation ( which are options ), the EX has everything you need. Among the negatives - Interior color …

See all 35 reviews of the Kia Optima

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2019 Optima Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$22,990
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$156/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Optima models:

Dynamic Bending Light: Swivels the headlights to provide illumination around a corner while turning and adjusts the tilt to account for passenger weight.
Autonomous Emergency Braking System: Automatically applies the brakes if advanced safety systems determine a front collision is imminent.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Sounds an alert if a vehicle is passing or about to pass behind you as you back up.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.8%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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