2019 Kia Optima Review: Reliable Midsize Car With Average Ownership Costs As It Ages

Oct 10, 2023

The 2019 Kia Optima lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average steering and check engine light issues reported. At $16,275 to $28,775, it’s a great value for a practical midsize sedan with a comfortable cabin.

The Good

The cabin has plenty of passenger room, there’s a lot of standard safety technology and the stereo system is excellent.

The Bad

It’s slower than other midsize sedans, the steering feels loose and there are some blind spots due to the small rear windows.

Is the 2019 Kia Optima a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the Kia Optima since it offers a lot of advanced technology and a great cabin. Owner reviews praise the safety features, comfortable suspension, along with the long ten-year warranty.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a midsize sedan in that price range, the seats are supportive on longer trips, cargo space is also excellent.
Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems reported on the 2019 Optima. Stay away from models from 2011–2016 which have engine issues, but models from 2017–2020 are more reliable.
Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from all three of the engine choices, although none of them are particularly fast.
Safety 9/10 – The 2019 Optima is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with pedestrian detection.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 31 MPG, offering 573 miles of range from the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $19 cheaper than average at $194 per month.
Value 8/10 – The 2019 Kia Optima is cheaper than many other midsize sedans while still offering a lot of good features, making it a great value for shoppers.

Positive Owner Reviews

Theresa H

2019 Kia optima with all the perks and a panoramic sunroof.

Love the safety features on the optima that include auto-braking, beeps if you drift out of your lane and the auto driving feature is great for long trips. The selections for driving are wonderful too. Eco, comfort or sport are ways to save gas or that extra power to merge with fast moving traffic. The CarPlay feature is a nicety but also a safety feature to me. Allowing me to text, call, and get directions all with just my voice. People that have ridden with me in the back seat were impressed at the amount of room for their legs seeing as this is not a full size sedan. In the 2 years I have had my optima, I have not had any mechanical issues and it is still performing as well as the day I drove it off the lot.

Jason B

Sedan with a luxurious drive.

Optima has a good amount of interior and exterior features that make it very comfortable to drive. Feels luxurious. Car is quicker than I expected from looking at the engine specs. Lane assist can get annoying but easy to turns features like that on/off.

Candace C

Roomy back seats and comfortable seating.

I love my Kia optima! I haven't had any issues yet, but I just purchased it a few months ago. The seats are comfortable and the back seats are very roomy. I love the apple carplay feature where I can plug in my phone and have maps, siri, and Pandora, etc. Overall I am glad I made this purchase.

George G

Kia optima, great choice.

The reason we went with choosing optima, is just from the durability and reliability it has. Very comfortable, and smooth. The car has great space and leg room, alone with great seats that are comfortable and conform to your liking, with the driver side electric seat adjustments. Also, the cruise control works great, with the android auto feature.

Yoseph V

That new car smell is greater than I imagined.

It's very comfortable and does not have any problems the performance of the car is amazing and drives amazingly. The car handles like a dream and wasn't very expensive at all. I hope that you ll find this car as much as I did driving this beautiful and comfortable car.

Logan O

Kia optima for your next car.

The car is very quiet with a very smooth drive. It picks up quickly when getting on the highway and the gas mileage is amazing! It looks more and more like a sports car and the accessories like CarPlay are a plus! The larger screen is great for directions as well as reading texts while not being on my phone.

Judith C

I absolutely love my 2019 Kia optima.

My Kia optima is a fantastic car. I'drives really smooth. I'drives really fast. The maintenance is low and it is gorgeous and very roomy and comfortable inside. It has a great sound system, it is great on gas, I only wish I would've come with tinted windows when I bought it but other than that I love my Kia. I would buy another one in white because mines black with black leather interior.

Juna E

A car that surprised me more than expected.

I think buying this car has been the biggest silver lining for me. I was not convinced in the beginning but it ended up proving me wrong. I have enjoyed adapting to driving a bigger car and I really like how it feels good and safe driving that car. The only thing is that I find it hard to move the seats but it can get used to like everything else.

Negative Owner Reviews

Carlos ortiz

Worst car ever had

One star 2019 Optima type a worst car I ever had

William Chambers

2.4 lt. Engine blown at 7500 miles.

My beautiful 2018 Optima needs the engine replaced at 7500 miles. Dealer said computer detected engine knocking. They said engine on back order and not for sure when they can replace it. Do not buy a Kia Optima.

James

Scary issue with the car.

I own a 2019 Kia Optima. It has 54,000 miles and on 2 separate occasions I have had serious problems. The first time it lost power on the interstate and it would not go into gear. I took it the dealership where I bought it and they said they found nothing wrong. The second time I was on the interstate again and the steering wheel locked up and lost power again. Fortunately I was able to get it off the highway. I called for a tow truck and after waiting for 2 hours I decided to try and get it to the dealership, I was able to get it there. I waited for approximately 5 hours to get an answer on it, and eventually they told me they think it's the transmission. I went home that night expecting a call from the dealership the next day letting me know the status. Much to my surprise I had to call the he third day and ask. The response I got was we had to order a part for the transmission and its on back order. I asked when I could expect to get my car back and I was told they have no idea. This is unacceptable.

Cody W

It does pretty good for impact damage and is sturdy.

It's a decent car. It's just not what I was looking for at all and the seller basically pushed me into buying it. It's just too small in my opinion. Not enough room even for having a child. The seats too close to the car seat. Makes it hard for my husband to sit in the car with her cause his long legs. It's just not what I need.

Marlon

Engine

Engine problem. Gas smell inside the car and now a recall on the engine.

jim weisz

Trasmision & motor

The trans in this car is garbage. It bogs the motor it makes it choke spit and sputter. I think there is something wrong with it. The worst trans i have ever delt with.

Erik R

First time buyer review guide.

The car is pretty sturdy. Gets me from point a to point b pretty well. I love the gas mileage. It is very comfortable to drive in. I love the feel of the car. For the price I pay I believe I got my worth out of it. I recommend this car preferably to first time car buyers as this was my first car I bought.

Nadia B

Overall good; a few issues with air conditioning, but besides that, works well.

The vehicle is for the most part good; not too many problems. For the most part it does very well. I do not have a lot of issues with the vehicle, however, sometimes the air conditioning can take a very long time to start up. But other than that, it is a good vehicle for the most part.

What Do Critics Say About the Kia Optima?

Consumer Reports says the 2019 Kia Optima is a very competitive midsize sedan with competent performance, and it earns high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
Edmunds rates the Optima at 4.5/5, enjoying the stylish and comfortable interior, but doesn’t like the limited rear headroom due to the sloping roofline.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Optima a 4.1/5, praising the advanced safety technology, but owners don’t like the low suspension on rough roads.

What Common Problems Does the 2019 Kia Optima Have?

Common problems found on the 2019 Kia Optima include steering issues, check engine lights, as well as some excessive brake wear. Overall, these problems are similar to some other midsize sedans on the market, leading to average repair costs as the optima ages.

Steering issues are the most widespread complaint from 2019 Optima owners, showing up within the first 1,000 miles. The Optima uses electronic power steering, and there are some software updates available for the controller which make it more reliable. Dealerships will install these updates for free, which fixes the issues.

Check engine lights have also been reported by some Optima owners within the first 10,000 miles. If you get a check engine light, you will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the codes stored in the ECU. Once you know the source of the problem, repairs can range from $50 to $500.

Excessive brake wear is another problem mentioned on the 2019 Kia Optima, showing up at around 15,000 miles. The front brake pads in particular, tend to wear out quickly. Changing out the brake pads costs around $200, while new rotors are an additional $500 if they have been worn out.

There is only one recall on the 2019 Kia Optima, which is better than some competitors. The recall covers the collision-avoidance system, which may not engage. Kia will update the software on the system for free, to fix the problem.

How Long Will the 2019 Kia Optima Last?

A well-maintained 2019 Kia Optima can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other sedans, including the Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $461 per year.

As a used 2019 Optima reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the windshield washer pump for $150, strut bearings costing $200, along with the steering knuckle, which costs around $500.

Warren B

None that I am aware of. Bumper to bumper warranty will cover any manufacture defects and recalls. I have had the car for 4 months and have had no issues yet.

Deb C

Not only is it best in class in warranty which gives a type of security for reliability it has not had any issues at all.

Mena G

It is very reliable and I haven't had any problems out of it. I get it serviced regularly and haven't took it in because of it breaking down.

K J

No to me it does not have any problems that I have ran into yet. I have only had my vehicle for about 3 months now if that and it was brand new right off the lot.

Courtney M

Haven't experienced any issues with it. It has ran as expected, drives smoothly and detects cars around you as it should.

Don D

Yes it is very reliable. This optima is my third optima and I've never had any issues with either of them.

Tammy G

The 2019 Kia Optima has been a very reliable car for us. We honestly feel as if we couldn't have made a better decision. It drives well. We have been hundreds of miles in the car and it gets great gas mileage.

Martha S

The car has been reliable and good gas mileage. I have only had the car a month, but haven't had any problems with this car.

How Is the Technology?

The standard entertainment technology is great, offering a larger 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a ten-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Standard safety technology is excellent for a midsize sedan, and includes:

Forward collision warning
Lane departure warning
Driver attention monitoring
Blind spot monitoring
Rear parking sensors
Automatic emergency braking
Lane keep assist
Automatic high-beam headlights
Rear cross traffic alert
Rearview camera

Optional driver assistance features include:

Pedestrian detection
Adaptive headlights
Surround-view parking camera system
Adaptive cruise control

Is the 2019 Kia Optima a Good Value?

Yes, the 2019 Kia Optima is a good value since it’s cheaper than most other midsize sedans while offering good features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $16,275 to $28,775, making it less than a Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy. When new, the price range was $22,990 to $31,990. Depreciation is similar to other sedans, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Kia Optima?

There are four main models of the 2019 Kia Optima offered from the entry-level LX through to the more powerful SX. All models come standard with front-wheel drive.

LX is the entry-level model with:

16-inch alloy wheels
Automatic headlights and heated mirrors
Remote locking/unlocking and cruise control
Driver information display and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Height-adjustable front seats with two-way power lumbar for the driver
60/40-split rear seat
Bluetooth, 8-inch touchscreen, and six-speaker audio system
USB port, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD, and satellite radio
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 (standard for 2019)
Optional Premium Package: 17-inch wheels, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting, gloss-black exterior trim, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way lumbar

S is a step up, adding:

Builds on LX features
18-inch wheels, fog lights, LED tail lights, and rear spoiler
Push-button start
Cloth and faux leather upholstery
Optional Panoramic Sunroof Package: panoramic sunroof and gloss-black exterior accents

EX offers more luxury with:

Excludes the S spoiler but adds acoustic front door windows
Power-folding mirrors and illuminated door handles
Adaptive cruise control, keyless entry/ignition, and hands-free unlocking trunk
Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents
Heated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, and interior wood accents
Electronic parking brake and leather upholstery
Two rapid-charging USB ports for front passengers, one USB and one power port for rear-seat passengers
Optional Premium Package: 12-way-adjustable driver’s seat, 10-way passenger seat, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, ambient lighting, heated steering wheel, navigation system

SX is the flagship model, which has:

Stronger engine variant
Similar features as EX with Premium package
Additional 18-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, LED fog lights, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust tips
Sport-tuned suspension, red brake calipers, flat-bottom steering wheel with paddles
Ambient interior lighting, metal interior trim, and a larger driver information display
Temporary spare tire (compared to tire repair kit on other trims)
SX Limited Package Options (Aubergine, Black, Bronze): Mainly interior color variations, 18-inch black wheels, black headliner, upgraded door trim, high-quality leather upholstery, heated outboard rear seats, perforated leather steering wheel, body-colored mirrors, rear window sunshades, surround-view camera system

185 HP 27 MPG

185 HP 27 MPG

178 HP 31 MPG

245 HP 24 MPG

What Engines Come In the Kia Optima?

The 2019 Kia Optima offers three engine options tailored to different driving preferences:

2.4L Inline-4 Engine: This engine delivers 185 hp and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Regarding fuel efficiency, it offers a combined fuel economy of around 29 MPG. Regarding performance, it can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in around 8.5 seconds.
1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: Offering a horsepower of 178 hp, this turbocharged engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It provides a slightly better combined fuel economy, clocking in at roughly 31 MPG. For those curious about its speed, it can reach 0-60 MPH in an estimated 7.9 seconds.
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: Exclusively available in the SX trim, this potent engine pushes out 245 hp. It works in tandem with a six-speed automatic transmission and delivers a combined MPG of around 24. As the sportiest option, it can sprint from 0-60 MPH in about 6.8 seconds.

What Colors Does the Kia Optima Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Kia Optima?

The 2019 Kia Optima stands out as a comfortable midsize sedan in its class, both regarding its ride quality and interior amenities. Its suspension is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, making sure that occupants experience a smooth and composed ride even on uneven terrains. The cabin is notably spacious, with both front and rear passengers enjoying ample legroom and headroom.

The seats are well-padded and provide substantial support, making long drives less fatiguing. Premium trims come with power-adjustable seats, lumbar support, and heated and ventilated options, adding an extra layer of comfort. Additionally, the Optima’s noise insulation is commendable, with minimal road or wind noise intruding into the cabin. Kia has also equipped the 2019 Optima with a user-friendly infotainment system, climate control, and other convenience features that enhance the overall comfort and driving experience for both the driver and passengers.

How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Optima Have?

The 2019 Kia Optima offers a great balance of style, comfort, and practicality, especially regarding storage space. The trunk provides 15.9 cubic feet of cargo room, which is generous for the midsize sedan segment. This amount of space can comfortably accommodate a family’s worth of luggage for a weekend getaway or several grocery bags. If you’re going golfing, for instance, a couple of standard golf bags would easily fit.

In addition to the primary trunk space, the Optima features a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, which can be lowered to accommodate larger items or bulkier cargo. Throughout the cabin, passengers will appreciate various small storage compartments, including door pockets, a glovebox, cup holders, and a center console bin. These compartments are handy for stowing items like sunglasses, smartphones, water bottles, and other personal belongings.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fourth generation of the Kia Optima was introduced for the 2016 model year.

2015: SX Limited model was renamed to SXL, Uvo stereo technology system has been updated.

2016: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new technology, styling, interior, and engines.

2017: Upgraded LED headlights on the SX and SXL models, more options packages available.

2018: New sportier S model launched, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard on all models.

2019: Minor exterior styling changes, including new headlights, additional driver assistance features, and an upgraded stereo.

2020: Standard pedestrian detection on all models, minor changes to the standard features, final model year for the Kia Optima before it was discontinued.

How Does the Kia Optima Compare to the Competition?

The 2019 Kia Optima is a nice midsize sedan, offering a lot of technology and a comfortable interior while also being a great value for shoppers on a budget.

The Hyundai Sonata is another midsize sedan, which costs about $1,500 more. Both the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata are built on the same platform, while the Hyundai Sonata has a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Kia Optima since it’s more affordable, but both are good choices for the 2019 model year.

The Nissan Altima is a popular competitor, which is available in the same price range. Performance is a bit better in the Nissan Altima, while the Kia Optima comes with more standard safety technology. We recommend the Kia Optima, although both are similar and worth test driving to see which you prefer.

Ranks #7 Midsize Cars by Owners

2019 Subaru Legacy

4.73

2019 Mazda Mazda6

4.71

2019 Kia Optima

4.55

Do Owners Recommend the Kia Optima?

Warren B

Yes, of headroom, safe vehicle, very comfortable to drive. Excellent out on the open road. Gas mileage approximately 35 mph on highway and 25 mph in city. Warranty program gives you piece of mind that any issues will be covered under warranty at no cost to owner.

Deb C

Yes it is! It combines luxury with sporty and economical! The warranty is absolutely top in its class as well!

Mena G

Yes it has been very good so far. I haven't had any problems out of it and it is great on gas. A good price for all the accessories you get also.

K J

Yes I love my vehicle. It drives smooth and very spacious for adults in the back seat. It is great on gas.

Courtney M

It runs great, decent gas mileage and comes with a backup camera as well as programs built in to find you the best price for gas near you. I would say it is a great vehicle.

Ruth E

Yes it is. Very good on fuel mileage and has a great warranty. It's a very good looking car and has great features for the cost of the car.

Melissa W

Yes it’s a great vehicle. It drives really well. The speakers are great for listening to music. It has music that plays when I enter and exit which is really cool. There is a lot of trunk space.

Steven G

I currently drive a 2019 Kia optima SX and love this car in comparison to my old car which was a 2016 Optima Lx. I do not recommend leasing.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Jerry R on June 25, 2021

Young or old a sleek and sporty drive.

My Kia is problem free in performance and reliability, it is sporty in feel and performance an excellent ride when taking long road trips. The convenient location of the accessory buttons allow ease of access without interfering with the safety of operation.

James on June 21, 2021

Scary issue with the car.

Susan K on June 17, 2021

Sleek, comfortable and great on gas mileage.

The mechanism to locate tire pressure, reset mileage after filling up with gas, and other information are difficult to locate on the steering wheel. Also, the back window takes a long time to clear with the defrosters. Besides that, I love aspects of my vehicle.

Roy J on June 13, 2021

Nice handling. Quiet ride. Spacious and comfortable.

The Kia optima is an excellent everyday car, it got smooth and quiet power, the cabin is really silent when you driving it without been an hybrid, the cons: the mpg is a little higher than vehicles in the same class. My car has a moonroof and the trimming was fading, but city Kia Orlando is taking care of the problem for free.

Hannah D on June 10, 2021

Reasons why I love my Kia optima.

I have not had any issues with my car. I bought it used in march and I have loved it every since I bought it. The car is very spacious and I can fit car seats in the back if needed and it is great to take on trips. The gas mileage is helpful when traveling and the comfort makes it easy to drive long trips. Around town my car still gets great gas mileage. I get around 24 miles to the gallon which makes it very helpful when having to drive to work every day. The trunk is very spacious which makes it easier when traveling or when moving things from one place to another. I am in love with my car and I do not plant get rid of it anytime soon. It has been by far one of the best decisions I have made this year. When I do decide to buy another car I will be looking for another Kia to own.

Payton S on May 31, 2021

Very picky about my car purchase and I am not disappointed with this car!

I have not had any problems or performance issues. This car is very reliable. It is so comfortable. The features are awesome. I love the large led screen and the Bluetooth capabilities. My favorite feature is the back up camera and all the driving assistances. The only thing I do not like is the gap between the windshield and the hood of the car where leaves and pine straw collects. I absolutely love my car.

Jason P on May 25, 2021

It is fast easy to accelerate and easy to break.

My car is a very capable car it has a fast acceleration and it is easy to break. My car has a lot of space that can hold all 4 of my children. It is easy to drive and can be adjusted to fit the driver whether it is me or my wife or my oldest son. Overall the car is just perfect.

Kim C on May 21, 2021

Great Kia for any family member.

No problems and I have had the car for almost 2 years. It is great on gas mileage whether local driving or highway driving. It is very spacious on the inside. The ride is very smooth. It has 3 different drive modes which makes it easy depending on what kind of driving you are doing.

Lori G on May 21, 2021

Kia optima lx turbo: the best that you could ask for!

I have a Kia optima lx turbo. The performance is spectacular. Pick up within a fraction of a second. You feel completely safe inside the automobile. Air conditioning, video of what is all around you, beep if something is out of view. All around automation. Exceptional.

Danny L on May 14, 2021

It is very pretty girly looking vehicle.

I am not sure I have only had it for six months but I am having a stall out issue if I just started and this is my second Kia due to the fact the first one had a lot of issues but I had to get this one because I was able to get into a brand new car with no money down that is the only reason why I got it.

Tamiya B on May 11, 2021

In love with my 2019 Kia optima lx.

I have had no problems with my vehicles besides flat tires. I really enjoy my Kia optima. It is very comfortable and reliable on gas. I love that it comes with lane assist and blind spot monitors. The apple car play on it is really nice. The display does not lag like some cars and I love the led headlights. There is a lot of legroom in the back seat and a spacious trunk space. It is a very wide and spacious car, so it is a good family car because of the available room.

Alyssa W on May 10, 2021

I just love my Kia optima!

I have had my car for 2 years so far and I love it. Have not had any problems yet. I like that the vehicle is affordable but has a luxury feel. I have had the same model of this car prior and loved it so much I got another one. Very smooth drive would recommend to anyone.

Amber P on May 1, 2021

Kia optima is spacious, reliable, comfortable, and helpful with its features.

2019 Kia optima is very comfortable I have yet to experience any problems. Kia optima have carplay where you can access your phone through your car. It also features a backup camera which is very convenient. Kia optima also have a huge amount of room in the back seat.

Erika S on April 26, 2021

I love my Kia optima 2019.

This is one of the best cars I have ever had by far. It glides and I have yet to have any problems with it yet. I would highly recommend this vehicle. It is very spacious on the inside and the truck has more than enough space. It is extremely good on gas I only fill up once a week.

Seth S on April 21, 2021

Kia optima 2019 - terrific car!

Very comfortable, rides great! Good gas mileage and a lot of space. I have done numerous road trips with 4 people in the car comfortably. I do not think there’s any better bang for the price! It has auto drive so it basically keeps you between the lines and lets you know if you are going outside them!

Jennifer B on April 2, 2021

Sleek new mom car that is comfortable to drive without breaking your budget.

Kia optima is so comfortable to drive. Just the right size for a family with great gas mileage. Enough room for the kids but sleek aesthetic. It is features are easy to use and not too overwhelming. I also love the ability to pop open the trunk with a push of a button when I am heading out of the grocery store. It looks great in every color. The owner's manual is easy to read through and find what you're looking for.

Corina E on March 31, 2021

An amazing fuel system like no other.

I recently bought this car, and it is amazing. It has really good gas mileage that lasts a long time before you have to fill up. Haven’t had any problems yet, but the features are amazing, and it was super affordable as well. A great car for an even better price.

Marissa H on March 28, 2021

Black Kia optima; first Kia.

I personally love my Kia optima. In the year I have had it I have had no mechanical issues. The ride is smooth and quiet. The backup camera and touch screen are some of my favorite features along with the tire pressure sensors. It is my first Kia but now I am a forever Kia client.

RL K on March 27, 2021

Got cool little stash features.

There are not any problems with it, but it could use better technology. I would wanted to have a push button start, better phone screen capabilities, etc. It is good on gas, dependable, I wish it had dual climate control, but otherwise I do not have too many complaints.

Nicky M on March 27, 2021

Great car! Spacious, alerts you of cars in your blind spot, and kid friendly.

It's an excellent car. There is a lot of leg space in the back seat. I am able to fit two car seats comfortably in the back. The truck is spacious. It is great for traveling or a lot of shopping. The car has great features. It lets you know if someone is in your blind spots. It alerts you if you start to get out of the lane. You can adjust your seats. You can put a lock on your windows. The car does not lock if the keys are inside.

Angel Z on March 23, 2021

Optima: luxuries yet sporty.

I love my Kia optima, it drives very smooth and it is easy to maneuver in all type of terrains. Optima inside of vehicle looks as it were a luxury car with many features such as auto hold, were once you step on the break it will stop the vehicle until you press the gas to resume drive. Perfect during rush hour or when stuck in traffic. It also has lane detection and cruise control, so for those long journeys, it helps drive the vehicle for most of the trip.

Alexandra M on March 18, 2021

Amazing commuter car for everyone.

I have not had any problems with it this car, but I wish that it had heated seats. It drives well and is reliable, and I love the features such as apple CarPlay and the sunroof. I would recommend this car to anyone, it is especially good for commuting.

Diana C on March 17, 2021

My Kia optima and how beautiful it is.

My car is fast. It notifies when a mechanical issue is found. Has sensors for right and left of the car. Has three different drive modes, including eco which helps saves gas. I love the color. It's a perfect size so fitting in parking spots is a cool breeze. It also has a reverse camera which is always a plus.

Corina R on March 17, 2021

Kia is great; the more popular they are, the less value you get for your money.

The 2019 Kia optima ex is definitely subpar to the 2014 Kia optima ex. They took a lot of the upgrades and moved them to the sx. One of the features they removed was the mirrors closing when you turn the car off. I really miss that feature, as well as the directional symbol in my mirror.

Johanna C on March 14, 2021

No real issue with car. Beautiful body design.

The computer system sometimes freezes up and stops responding. Other than that no other problems. Driving features are useful. They have already prevented an accident. Had an ongoing issue with a tire. Reader kept marking as low, however findings reveal there was a nail in the tire. So tired reader works well.

Melanie B on March 14, 2021

Rides nice, somewhat comfortable. It's an okay car.

The car rides nice, the screen and all the buttons are hard to get used too. The seat controls are just ok. They should put seat heaters in all cars. There is no spare tire, just a kit to use, and it's not that great. Speakers on radio crackle often. Controls on steering wheel are hard to get used to, usually avoid them.

Hailey D on March 14, 2021

Kia has made some key improvements to its uvo infotainment system.

It is a great car for the money it has reasonably efficient four-cylinder engines. Different drive modes. A composed ride and secure handling. Styling keeps getting better and better. Definitely made for families. Also has a perfect safety rating. Comes in lots of colors.

Theresa H on March 10, 2021

2019 Kia optima with all the perks and a panoramic sunroof.

Candace C on March 10, 2021

Roomy back seats and comfortable seating.

Marlon on March 7, 2021

Engine

Engine problem. Gas smell inside the car and now a recall on the engine.

Linsie E on February 24, 2021

Amazing fuel efficient car!

Very comfortable and sleek. Huge sunroof, that extends in back seat. Amazing sound system with multiple adjustable settings. Collision warning. Lane change warning. Freezing cold ac. Quick heat up heater. Bluetooth. Multiple USB outlets. Leather with cloth in the middle. Easy to clean. Red interior lights. Engine sport mode. Engine eco mode.

Stephanie R on February 15, 2021

Comfort and quality equals the Kia optima!

My optima is one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever driven. It is comfortable especially on long trips and excellent on gas. This is my se old optima and I will definitely purchase another one in a few years! I would recommend Kia to anyone who is looking for a change in vehicles!

Christopher K on February 15, 2021

The optima is a great value for your dollar.

Great value for $ and the car feels solid and like a top of the line vehicle not a low - mid priced sedan. It feels well engineered, drives like I spent 15k more than I did. This is my second optima the last one I owned for 7 years & drove it 150k miles.

Victor C on February 15, 2021

Superior car at an excellent price.

This is one of the best cars in its class superior fuel economy you cannot hear the road noise when you are inside the vehicle. It is fast and stops on a dime. And has a lot of trunk space and legroom so you are not cramped it has the feel of a car that is way more expensive than it is. The Kia dealership goes out of the way to help you with any issues or problems. I get compliments on the car all the time.

Cynthia E on February 14, 2021

Best car on the road. The new Kia optima.

The Kia is a dream car that has not been recognized properly yet. It is a comfortable and reliable ride with features like heated seats and a moonroof. Lots of technology when you want to link your phone to the dash for hands free conversations. Of course there is a GPS to help you find your way. Definitely add the Kia to your car shopping list. You will be pleasantly surprised especially when it comes to the price.

Brianna G on February 11, 2021

Great car, great space, great features.

The optima is a great car. Great space. Drives amazing-in city & on highway. Backup camera & side alerts are great added features. If you've been driving too long, the car tells you to take a break (which I think is great). Trunk space is large, can fit 3 rectangular laundry baskets in it.

Vanessa C on February 9, 2021

The awesome 2019 Kia optima.

I love my Kia optima. It is a beautiful car. I love that it has three drive styles: eco, sport, and comfort. Eco is the most fuel efficient but it is slower to respond. Sport is the worst on fuel but it is very responsive and very fun. Comfort is right in the middle. The panoramic moonroof is amazing, especially when it rains. So far I have not had any issues with it.

Kimberley L on February 8, 2021

This is a simple car with great apps and trunk space.

No real problems with the car. It drives ok but the seats are very uncomfortable. It has awesome features and a variety of apps on the dash along with the back up camera with a light for nighttime usage. My car uses regular gas, which is a blessing. The front lights look like halogen soft white lights. The trunk is extremely huge that is what really attracted my attention to the car. The coloring of the car caught my attention as well. The take off in the car is awesome. It drives very well on the highway. It saves on gas when you are travelling. The car snugs the street when turning corners. The heating and air works well. It gets very cold in there during these hot summer days and in the winter it gets very hot and toasty in there as well. The performance rating wasn't to high on this car but it has served me well and I have decided to keep the car.

Alicia S on February 6, 2021

Super reliable car. Great on gas.

Solid car, lots of bells and whistles. Super fast, super reliable. Great on gas. Tons of leg room. Great for daily driving. Speakers are great and the touch screen is a must. The ability to change driving mode from comfort to eco to sport is absolutely amazing.

Gab D on January 31, 2021

Has very good safety features.

It is a great car! I love how I'drives. Very roomy for legs. Good gas mileage and not expensive to fill up. The monthly payment is very affordable. Has great features very big sunroof. Back seat and trunk is very spacious. Steering wheel is cushioned and comfortable.

Crystal F on January 26, 2021

New from the showroom floor & one owner.

The car drives & rides smoothly. Apple carplay is a plus with the added safety features such as, the beeping sound when something gets too close to your car. Sometimes, a small light feature will ask you if you need a break from driving if it senses you could be swerving or driving to slow/fast or make sudden stops. The back seat has enough room for two large car seats & whatever else may be needed. The trunk is large & comes with a net. The net is useful to keep my books from getting strewn in the trunk as well as some breakables you may purchase when shopping.

James G on January 24, 2021

Optimus prime ready for action.

2019 Kia optima is a comfortable midsize sedan. I haven't had any annotated problems with this Kia. Performance wise the optima is very fuel efficient but those offer some reliable power and acceleration when necessary. Reliability has been top notch with no major issues or services being required. Comfort level I would rate extremely high as well due to front and rear passenger space of this family sedan. Features are as followed: android auto, sliding glass roof, power driver seat, blind spot, rear traffic alert and front crash brake mitigation.

Amara L on January 21, 2021

Kia is a great place to buy cars. I switched from an Altima and no regrets.

Some of the interior in the backseat is not as durable as expected. There are not any outstanding issues other than that. The car is a very good car for a smaller family. It is not as spacious as other cars. I would recommend this car for a first time buyer because it is on the less expensive side as well.

Adam M on January 19, 2021

Optima = comfort above all else.

So for we have had the car about a year and there has been no problems with it. It's very smooth and comfortable on longer rides. The only downfall I personally have is the drivers leg room. The moonroof is a blessing on nice summer days and I don't think I can purchase another car again that does not have android auto.

Ranaya R on January 18, 2021

Leasing a car with subtle issues.

I haven't had any problems so far. The car is leased with less than 40,000 miles. However, I believe there is something wrong with the brakes but the mechanic wasn't very thorough when examining my car. When driving I notice I have to press the brakes a little harder than usual while stopping,

Jessica S on January 18, 2021

I will be a lifelong Kia owner.

The performance and reliability are superb. The ac/heated seats are my favorite feature especially with the leather seats. The sunroof is amazing. The details in the interior such as the red stitching on the black seats, really help give it a sports car feel. My husband loves the turbo!

Hatton A on January 16, 2021

Very stylish, great mileage per gallon, and drives great!

I absolutely love my car! I got this car about a year ago and I love it so much. It has gotten me through some of the worst and best times. One of my favorite features on this car is my sunroof. It is so big and I love having it down all the time. It is very roomy which I adore. It has all the bells and whistles I was looking for and the drive modes are amazing.

Jessica C on January 16, 2021

Safest midsize sedan around.

The Kia optima is an amazing car. It is safe, reliable, and compact. This is now my second Kia optima, and it is hands down the safest car I have ever owned. I unfortunately was in a car accident with my previous optima, and the car is what saved my life. It is great on gas, has up to date features that are so convenient. It truly is an amazing car.

John L on January 16, 2021

Affordable, simplistic, luxury.

I have had no problems with my vehicle at all. There is a lot of legroom, (especially for me since I have long legs), it has a great sound system with a wide dynamic range, and is extremely comfortable to drive in. Not to mention, has great eco features to save on fuel.

Lauryce W on January 12, 2021

2019 Kia optima is a good choice.

I do not have any problems with the car. I just dont think I want to be in a sedan. I rather be in a SUV. This car is very comfortable and a spacious. Reliable. Has all the safety features included in the base model. Smooth handle. Feels like I am riding on a cloud. Sports mode is my favorite when needing to move between lanes quickly.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.