2018 Kia Optima Review: Reliable Midsize Sedan With Average Ownership Costs As It Ages

Alex Showalter

Aug 24, 2023

The 2018 Kia Optima lasts around 200,000 miles with some A/C and spark plug issues reported. At $14,250 to $24,150, it’s a good value for a midsize sedan with plenty of advanced technology features for the money.

The Good

There’s a lot of passenger room throughout the cabin, the stereo system is excellent and it has good safety features.

The Bad

The steering feels loose, the suspension is floaty, and rear visibility is poor with the small windows.

Is the 2018 Kia Optima a Good Used Car?

Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Kia Optima since it combines a decent interior with some great tech features. Owner reviews praise the luxury features, safety technology, along with the low fuel costs.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are relatively luxurious for a midsize sedan in its price range, the seats are comfortable on long drives, cargo space is also good in the trunk.
Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2018 Optima. Avoid models from 2011–2016 since they have engine issues, while 2017–2020 are more dependable.
Performance 7/10 – Performance is average from the base engine, while the turbo model is a bit stronger, making it slightly more engaging to drive.
Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Optima is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera along with parking sensors. Optional upgrades include lane departure warning as well as adaptive cruise control.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 31 MPG, giving 573 miles of range out of the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $25 cheaper than average at $160 per month.
Value 8/10 – The 2018 Kia Optima is cheaper than many other cars on the market while offering good features, giving it a high overall value score.

Positive Owner Reviews

Erik E

A powerful user friendly car.

I like all the technology in the car, but I especially the android auto app. I also like all the safety features that come in the car like lane assist and blind spot sensors.

Janet S

No problems! Great gas mileage, lots of interior passenger room. Lots of usable trunk room. The car looks sleek and fits great in a two car garage with a van

Great Warranty. Great interior space: way better than many other vehicles we test drove. Plenty of whistles and bells for the price as well

roy Y

Has many safety features and has a 5 star safety rating from nhtsa

Optima is a turbo powered engine with 245 hp...has many features for safety and gets good gas mileage

Caitlyn T

Spacious, practical, affordable family car.

Love the roominess of my car! It allows for plenty of space for people up front and in the back simultaneously. I love the tech features that it has to offer, even without being a higher trim. It drives comfortably, is not anything fancy and exactly right for daily driving. It definitely is not a great vehicle for driving in any snowy conditions but you can always rely on great gas mileage. Would recommend to anyone looking for a sedan!

Sally B

Black interior, white exterior.

I have never had any problems. Very comfortable with simple features. Take it everywhere I go so it is very reliable. There is nothing very fancy about it but it does the job for me. Would recommend the car to anyone that is looking for a car. It is quite roomy for a car too.

Jennifer M

Kia optima sports lx 2018.

Computer issues often. Leather is not high quality. I do however have one of the limited sports editions and it gets up there. Love how it moves. I am tiny and it fits me well. Came with very dark windows which I love. Has the option for economic drive for gas preservation.

Brenda M

The great safety features. You don't expect them in a car in this price range.

I love my new car. The car gets up and goes quickly. It drive very smooth, and handles easy. It has nice safety features the 2017 didn't have and comes with a great warranty.

Sierra B

The crash rating for this car is pretty good. It's roomy enough for kids as well.

This car runs super smooth. You can hook up your phone to the touch screen to use GPS. Gas mileage is pretty decent too.

Negative Owner Reviews

Yolanda Chatman

Nothing

When I purchased this vehicle it's about a year old now I quickly learned that the manufacturer put a unknown tire on my vehicle as well as the low grade in the paint I picked black brakes go out so easily I'm on my second said and it's just not what I thought it was and the service department where I bought my car at in Bakersfield California and had to have to have horrible customer service and the service department so you can take it there I wouldn't recommend anybody to buy this car because looks are deceiving I don't know how much time you drive your car is but I'm a uber Lyft driver I've done everything that the dealership has asked me to do for this car to air filter to brake lights causing expensively to buy in tires and to me I out of one out of a 10 I give it a two

Georgina Molina

I loved my car until problems starting piling up..

My 2018 optima the starter went out then, It kept on stalling on me, then my power steering was going out last as i'm driving my steering wheel symbol and brake light came on my dash board.. And i was just told because my battery was low.. NO.. That seems to be an electrical problem.. I'm very upset this is all happening within a 3 week span.. NO Good..

Tiffany F

Kia- more affordable option for the everyday driver

Kia is a great affordable car option. It's not the most luxurious but I believe you get a lot of bang for your buck. The warranty is very good with the 10 year 100,000 miles. I drive the Optima. The upkeep is more affordable as I previously had a Lexus. I will say that has been very nice. The added bonus of Apple play has also been a nice feature to take the place of navigation I had on previous car. It takes regular unleaded gas which saves on money as well. All in all it is a good car for all types. It's not the highest luxury vehicle but it gets the job done.

Kia driver

Don’t buy under trim level S (lx, s)

I can start off saying that the car handles very well, and i love that you can switch between Sport, Normal, and Eco mode. On the other hand, the car feels cheap. Lots of cheap plastic, the doors shut loud, very loud on the road, and under powered. I’m not saying at all this is a bad car. The style is great, very roomy, but the ride is just okay. It’s just an okay car. I feel it neglected parts you’d expect to see in a 2018 vehicle like LED lighting, or a better sound system, vents in the back seat, and other simple things that would make the car that much better.- Kia Optima LX

Disappointed

2018

Had a forte with sunroof and traded for optima. Handling of optima is so much less and feel of the road non existent. This car is like driving a boat. 100% Regret purchase would not recommend.

Robert Charles

Air conditioning and tires

Problems. Air does not work and 80,000 mile tires replaced at 40 000 mile. The air did not blow cold air after 38,000 miles

Stephanie L

Kia optima is not “optimal

Car has weird transmission/engine stutter. Makes it annoying and difficult to drive in rush hour or any stop and go traffic. The car also jerks when trying to break or slow down causing you to physically jerk forward. Has done this since day one and Kia says there is “nothing wrong”.

Kia O

It is literally an okay car.

I am more of a sports car person, but couldn't find a sports car around my price range with great performance. So I decided to get a reliable car. It gets you from point A to B like any car. But the power is extremely underwhelming. Taking simple turns can easily throw the back end out. The engine noise can be very concerning when revs go up. Sounds like it is going to explode, but it is a 4 cylinder. It is pretty comfortable I guess. Decent features for the average person. Speakers are okay at best. Doors feel cheap at times. Lots of plastic everywhere. It is literally just an okay car.

What Do Critics Say About the Kia Optima?

Consumer Reports says the 2018 Kia Optima looks great and comes with more substance than earlier models, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
Edmunds rates the Optima at 4.1/5, enjoying the upscale interior for the money, but doesn’t like the limited rear headroom.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Optima a 4.1/5, praising the long 10-year/100,000 mile warranty, but owners don’t like the lack of driver assist technology.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Kia Optima Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Kia Optima include the A/C blowing warm air, worn-out spark plugs, and the headlights not pointing in the correct direction. Overall, these problems are similar to other sedans on the market, leading to average repair bills as the Optima ages.

The A/C blowing warm air is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Kia Optima, showing up within the first 30,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by a worn-out or damaged A/C resistor which has to be replaced. Changing out the resistor costs around $200, depending on local labor rates.

Worn-out spark plugs have also been reported by Optima owners at around 25,000 miles, which is much earlier than other cars. Replacing the spark plugs fixes the problem for around $250, and there are aftermarket plugs that tend to last much longer available in the same price range.

The headlights not pointing in the correct direction is another complaint from Optima owners within the first 5,000 miles. There are motors in the headlights that allow them to level and follow the road when you turn. If there are calibration issues then the lights may not point in the correct direction. Recalibrating the headlight motors costs around $100, but some dealerships will cover it for free.

There is one recall on the 2018 Kia Optima, which is better than some other midsize sedans from the same year. The recall is for the voltage protection device which may activate. Kia will remove the voltage protection device switch on affected models for free.

How Long Will the 2018 Kia Optima Last?

The 2018 Kia Optima can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other sedans like the Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other cars according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $351 per year.

As a used 2018 Kia Optima reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the power seat switch for $220, heater hose costing $290, along with the coolant tank which costs $350.

James S

I have had the car nearly two years and only one minor problem where the outside door handle was loose. No recalls of any type.

Malorie C

Yes it is very reliable. I am an uber driver and I use it alot driving back and forth. It runs great.

Chanda A

So far within the first year this car has been very reliable. Typical maintenance upkeep and haven't had any recalls we are just now over a year and will be looking into tires and an alignment with the next few months.

Keith C

Yes it is reliable it gets me to and from any destination. I just leased the car this year so no there are not any problems.

Lenny S

No it does not have any problems. It is fairly a new car so I think that is the reason. I look forward to driving it everyday.

Shametria W

It is very much so reliable. I have taken many out of town trips. The only problem was that I needed a new battery too soon.

Steven C

Extremely reliable car. Great on gas as well! If you drive properly, you can get over 30 mpg. Excellent vehicle. My favorite Kia so far! Love the turbo!

Ma T

I have had no problems with it thus far. I change the oil regularly and that is maintenance it has needed.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is great for a midsize sedan, offering a relatively large 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all models.

Standard safety technology is better than some competitors with:

Rearview camera
Rear cross traffic alert
Blind spot monitoring
Rear parking sensors

Optional driver assistance features include:

Autonomous emergency braking
Lane departure warning
Automatic high-beam headlights
Forward collision warning
Adaptive cruise control
Surround-view camera

Is the 2018 Kia Optima a Good Value?

Yes, the 2018 Kia Optima is a reasonably good value since it’s less than many other midsize cars on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $14,250 to $24,150, making it less than a Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy. When new, the price range was $22,600 to $30,600. Depreciation is similar to other cars, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Kia Optima?

There are five main models of the 2018 Kia Optima from the entry-level LX all the way through to the more luxurious EX or sportier SX. All Kia Optima models come with front-wheel drive.

LX is the entry-level model with:

16-inch alloy wheels
Automatic headlights
Heated mirrors
Remote locking and unlocking
Cruise control
Driver information display
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Height-adjustable front seats with two-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver
60/40-split rear seat
Bluetooth, 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system with USB, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD, and satellite radio
Rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Optional Convenience package: noise-reducing front window glass, 10-way power-adjustable driver seat

LX 1.6T is a step up, adding:

Turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine
Unique wheels
Includes features of Convenience package
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

S is next in the lineup:

Combines features of LX 1.6T with engine and transmission of LX
17-inch wheels
Fog Lights
LED tail lights
Rear spoiler
Cloth and leather upholstery
Optional Panoramic Sunroof package: panoramic sunroof, gloss black exterior accents
Optional Panoramic Sport package: 18-inch wheels, larger front brakes

EX adds features such as:

LED daytime running lights
Power-folding mirrors
Illuminated door handles
Keyless entry and ignition
Hands-free unlocking trunk
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Rear air vents
Heated front seats
Four-way power lumbar for the driver, driver-seat memory settings
Interior chrome accents, leather upholstery, two charge-only rear USB ports
Premium package: auto-dimming rearview mirror, 10-way passenger seat, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof
Technology package: sport body kit, LED fog lights, larger front brakes, electronic parking brake, adaptive cruise control, 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic braking

SX is the flagship model with:

Similar to EX with Premium package
18-inch wheels
Adaptive LED headlights
LED fog lights
Rear spoiler
Dual exhaust tips
Sport-tuned suspension
Flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles
Larger driver information display
Temporary spare tire (other trims have tire repair kit)
Technology package: includes EX’s Technology package, plus automatic high-beam control
Limited package: chrome wheels and exterior trim, premium headliner, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, upgraded leather upholstery, rear window sunshades, 360-degree parking camera system

185 HP 29 MPG

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185 HP 26 MPG

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LX 1.6T

178 HP 31 MPG

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185 HP 28 MPG

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245 HP 25 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Kia Optima?

2.4L Inline-4 Engine: The base engine in the 2018 Kia Optima is a 2.4L inline-4 that produces 185 horsepower at up to 25 MPG. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 0-60 mph time for this engine is around 8.5 seconds.
1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: Another option is the 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 engine, which generates 178 horsepower while getting 31 MPG. This engine comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It reaches 0-60 mph in an estimated 7.5 seconds.
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: The sportier choice for the 2018 Kia Optima is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine, producing 245 horsepower at up to 24 MPG. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It boasts a faster 0-60 mph time, completing the sprint in around 6.8 seconds.

What Colors Does the Kia Optima Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Kia Optima?

The 2018 Kia Optima is widely praised for its comfort, offering a refined experience for both drivers and passengers. The seats are designed with cushioning and support that make long drives more pleasant, and higher trim levels provide options for leather upholstery, heating, and cooling functionalities. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom, making the car suitable for families or transporting adult passengers.

The ride itself is smooth, with the suspension system adeptly absorbing road imperfections, providing a comfortable drive on various terrains. Noise insulation is also well-executed in this model, minimizing road and wind noise, contributing to a quiet and relaxed cabin environment. The user-friendly infotainment system and the ergonomic layout of the controls further enhance the overall comfort, making the 2018 Kia Optima a strong contender in the midsize sedan segment for those prioritizing a cozy and enjoyable ride.

How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Optima Have?

The 2018 Kia Optima is known for providing ample storage space, making it a popular choice among midsize sedans. The trunk space in this model measures 15.9 cubic feet, which can easily accommodate the daily needs of a family or individual. With such a generous amount of room, it is suitable for carrying several suitcases for a vacation, a bulky stroller, or even an average-sized bicycle with the front wheel removed.

The spaciousness of the 2018 Kia Optima’s trunk is further complemented by cleverly designed compartments, making it ideal for transporting groceries, sports equipment, or other daily essentials without hassle. The rear seats can also be folded down to provide additional room, allowing for even more flexibility in transporting large items.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

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

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

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

2017: Upgraded LED headlights on the SX and SXL models, new options packages introduced.

2018: Sportier S model introduced, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard.

2019: Small exterior styling changes including new headlights, more standard driver assistance features, upgraded stereo system.

2020: Pedestrian detection is now standard on all models, small changes to standard features, final model year for the Kia Optima.

How Does the Kia Optima Compare to the Competition?

The 2018 Kia Optima is a decent midsize sedan, offering some good technology features with one of the longest new car warranties, making it a great choice for shoppers.

The Hyundai Sonata is another midsize car available for about $1,200 more. Both the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima are built on the same platform, although the interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Sonata. We recommend the Kia Optima since it’s essentially the same sedan, but at a more affordable price.

The Honda Accord is a popular sedan which can be found for about $2,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Honda Accord, while the Kia Optima offers more efficient engine choices. We recommend the Honda Accord since it has a better track record of reliability, although both are very similar and worth testing to see which you prefer.

Ranks #6 Midsize Cars by Owners

2018 Toyota Camry

4.63

2018 Honda Accord

4.62

2018 Kia Optima

4.53

Do Owners Recommend the Kia Optima?

James S

Yes. Roomy, comfortable and great on gas. Sporty looking and nice sounding entertainment system. Everything about the car is smooth and comfortable.

Malorie C

Yes. I have had it for a year and it runs excellent. I have only had to do refuse maintenance on it.

Chanda A

Yes, great on gas and very comfortable. This vehicle was all we could get into at the time. We have no regrets on the purchase of this vehicle. We were looking for roomy and trunk space as we do a lot of sport activities.

Keith C

Yes it is very dependable car, works good on gas and very comfortable to drive. It comes with good features like back-up camera, touch screen dash, Bluetooth radio, and also motion sensor detectors for when other drivers are near your blind spots.

Lenny S

Yes it is one of the best vehicles that I have ever driven in my entire life. Drives so smooth and the new car smell is great.

Shametria W

Yes it is good vehicle because it is almost a luxury car to me and it rides smooth. Plus I have never had a sunroof before.

Steven C

Best vehicle I have had the pleasure of driving. I love the lane assist and collision detection. Awesome sound system as well. Beautiful car, extremely comfortable. Heated and air conditioned seats, as well as a heated steering wheel! Plus custom colored lighting, depending on the drive mode. 5 stars from me!

Callie A

Yes. I have had no mechanical issues with it so far. It rides comfortable and gets great gas mileage.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

A. on October 16, 2023

Issues: door locks and engine, wipers, no heat

Car is 5 years old, 2 drivers. The doors don’t always stay locked. I lock them from inside or with the fob, and sometimes they don’t lock. The car does not output heat. Heat can be turned up all the way on full heat, and it blows cold air. Been like that since bought new. Not fun in the dead of winter. BAs well when it is super cold out the wipers won’t work. Latest issues is the engine. Car has 128,000km on it.At highway speeds the car starts to shake and does the whole time until turned off. Brought it back to the dealership, they said that is how it is built.

JC on July 15, 2021

2018 Kia optima LX

2018 bought vehicle new after over 40 months and almost 50000 miles not one issue noted.Great car for the money, nice stereo, good AC , roomy ,fast pickup , good gas mileage even tires are still good.

Jennifer M on June 18, 2021

Kia optima sports lx 2018.

Sam L on June 15, 2021

Easy car maintenance for Kia optima.

Drives are smooth, cannot really feel any bumps on the road. Car is reliable and mileage is amazing. Only problem is that newer models do not have a spare tire only a repair kit, so if you are in a bind you are stuck. Worst experience when you are alone looking for a tire. I changed the battery once after 3 years. Car maintenance is easy and not expensive.

Novak N on June 7, 2021

Most comfortable car I ever had.

Great performance, run really smoothly, great for long and short trips. Has enough space for all my friends. Really comfortable and great for every type of weather. Gas consumption is pretty good. Acceleration wise it could be better. Love the screen in the front and great speakers.

William S on June 2, 2021

How awesome and reliable are Kias. Thank you Kia!

I have had no problems with the vehicle whatsoever, great car on gas and loud audio system. I got a black Kia, and my family almost all have a Kia at their home. The speed is usually like a sports car. I do like how the newer the vehicle are with Kia, the more room inside the car you have for family and carrying goods.

Joana B on June 1, 2021

The optima is optimal for everyday life.

I love my Kia optima. The handling is smooth and the ride feels like your driving on a cloud. The technology is wonderful. My only negative is that your phone has to be plugged in to use apple car play. You cannot you apple through the Bluetooth. That is frustrating especially when my phone is already charged to 100 percent. The trunk space is quite large which is nice when you are lugging around sports equipment for the kids. Overall it is a wonderful car.

Adrian L on May 31, 2021

One of the best kids out there!

This is definitely one of the best cars I have owned. Smooth handling, great gas mileage. With a 2.4l engine this thing really zips around in sports mode. Even in eco mode the car handles with a 2.0l and still gives you the great power as an optimist has. Kia is a great company that provides a great 10 year warranty. My family members all own kids and it's easy to see why!

Loretta C on May 30, 2021

I would definitely recommend the Kia optima for performance, safety, and style.

My car rides very smooth. You cannot hear the engine when it is running, sometimes I'm not sure it is running, it is that quiet. I love the hands free calling and answering. The lane assist alarm is my favorite feature. It has saved me at least twice from changing lanes with a car in my blind spot! The gas mileage is amazing.

Reanna G on May 27, 2021

Ungraded technology throughout the car including blind spot sensor.

The 2018 Kia's have short battery life and most often need to be replaced within a few years. Other than that I love my car. This car is very reliable and great on gas. There is a lot of room on the interior and the radio set up is very nice. I have a family of five and this car fits us all comfortably until we can afford a SUV.

Kayla P on May 20, 2021

Beautiful car with great features!

I haven't really had any types of problems with my vehicle. I absolutely love the heated and air conditioned seats. I also really wanted a car with a sunroof so it is perfect for me! I love the exterior and interior look of my car. I think it is awesome that it also has eco and sport mode. This vehicle has not had any problems since I purchased it in 2018. This car is perfect for someone looking for a fast, classic car look. The car also has amazing safety features like the backup camera and lights on the side mirrors to let you know when someone is driving next to you and will beep when you are trying to get over but someone is there. It also has a auto tinted mirror so that peoples lights from behind the car do not blind you. Overall, I love this vehicle.

Jared M on May 17, 2021

Kia optima s 2.4. Very nice riding vehicle.

Very spacious comfortable car, with good performance and amazing reliability. I have had this car since 2018 and have put 33k miles on it because it is such a blast to drive. Anybody looking for a nice car but do not want your typical Camry or accord should definitely look into this car.

Janis T on May 15, 2021

Kia Sorento - great car at a great price.

We have had absolutely no problems with this vehicle. It runs great. Air is ice cold. Heat is as hot as you want. Plenty of room for 5 people. Very big trunk. Seats are very comfortable for road trips. Rides nice. Plenty of cup holders. Handles the road well. Great gas mileage.

Jaclyn M on May 9, 2021

10/10 would recommend 2018 Kia optima.

I absolutely love my 2018 Kia optima! It is a super reliable vehicle at an affordable price. I have never had any mechanical issues with my vehicle. The interior is super spacious. Plenty of legroom for back seat passengers and a large trunk. The technology in the vehicle is super easy to use, and will not leave you frustrated and anxious. The car itself rides very smooth and very quiet. You do not hear any road noise while driving.

Brandon T on May 9, 2021

A very amazing quick vehicle.

It is a very nice vehicle. It drives very smoothly, and acceleration is amazing. I have not had it long but I do love it, and I do plan on buying another if something ever happens to this vehicle I am driving now. I hope nothing ever happens to this vehicle because I absolutely love it.

Roger R on April 23, 2021

I love my 2018 Kia optima.

My optima has performed beyond my expectations. Excellent ride and gas mileage. We have found out it is very hard for a 'big' person to get in the front passenger seat. On a negative side, I feel the paint or 'sealer' is not as good as other automobiles we've owed. Many paint chips or pits.

Cassandra C on April 16, 2021

My Kia optima. In a nutshell why I love my car.

My Kia optima is very beautiful and efficient very low on gas very stylish it rides so smooth small enough to be a compact vehicle year the body is nice enough to halfway be a luxury vehicle with plenty room. For me it comes with a spare tire along with the machine to fix a flat it is apple play ready I am still learning how to work it and been having it for two years.

Ryan H on April 12, 2021

The Kia optima is very reliable trustworthy the Kia can run up to 200,000.

The Kia optima is a smooth ride and composed handling. It is much more efficient on gas. You have the ability to plug in your phone and play music, use google maps and check/respond to messages safely. Only problems is the back windshields are to small. But it may not be a problem for you or others. Other than that the cars is really spacious and comfortable for other passengers in the car and it is and eco option for gas, regular or sport. The price for it is really good for the lx it could go for 22,000 or 23,000. This car is really good for traveling it is cheap on gas $20 to fill the gas tank up, I only spend $20 every two weeks, I have traveled from San Diego to San Francisco and only had to stop for gas about 3 time from there and back and it is a really nice look of a car. It is just a very reliable car to have it is safe and trustworthy to have.

Kristin K on April 9, 2021

Kia optima, Kia is optimal in killing the car game.

This is my first car. It rides smoothly. You can go into three different driving modes depending on how fast you want to go, or if you are trying to save on gas. Technical stuff is easy to setup as well. Lots of seating but seats also fold down so you can transport a lot of things at once.

Liane D on April 3, 2021

2018 Kia optima base package meets luxury.

My vehicle, 2018 Kia optima, is absolutely the best car I have ever owned. It has so many amazing features, even the base model. Most makes of vehicles make their base models so cheap and a huge lack of features but not Kia. They make the base model seem like it is a very high quality model. It is one of the most comfortable cars and there is so much room. The backseat is actually very open and not crammed. The trunk is huge. It gets amazing gas mileage & I love that it has eco mode, sport mode and normal mode. I do not think I'll ever buy any vehicle that's not Kia.

Ty M on March 31, 2021

The ride of the year if you need to downsize or a good upgrade not too expensive.

It drives nice. But when driving long distance did notice how much I ran out of gas quicker than other times. I just recently purchase it so I am still learning all the great features myself. I do love the Bluetooth feature. The only part I wish was different would be a bit more spacious.

Rose W on March 28, 2021

I have a 2018 Kia optima.

The car is overall great, the only things I do not like is how long and wide it is which reminds me of a boat and occasionally my stock radio system will stop working. Otherwise I have driven this car across the country and back with no problems and it was a comfortable drive as well.

Chanda A on March 27, 2021

Best starter car around for a small family.

We love our Kia optima, it is roomy and great on gas!! It makes a great work car to go back and forth the 40 miles, it has been very reliable and only needed the typical maintenance as all vehicles need to keep going!! It does not suit a car seat very well but we name it work. The leg room is awesome though front and back!

Andrea B on March 26, 2021

A Kia optima is an economically and family friendly vehicle.

My Kia optima gets excellent gas mileage. I look the vehicle's looks and performance. I commute 70 miles per day and have to do fill ups once a week. Great gas mileage. The car is also roomy for my family that contains 2 teenage boys that are 6'1 and 6'3. I would strongly recommend this car for a commuter and family.

Jaslyn W on March 20, 2021

Highly equipped and good as new.

Has great performance sometimes it has engine issues but its new and well driven. Has great mileage and is easy on gas. I do wish it was a tad bit bigger because it has small trunk space for my family type when traveling. I has great features including aux connection phone connection great sounding speakers and bass and gives me option to use sports mode or eco mode to save on gas and cruise control.

Keenan D on March 20, 2021

Great safe and stylish car.

This car was exactly what I was looking for in a new car. The car drives great, with plenty of room for me and my family. The options that come on the base model is mind blowing. They come standard with all the options you had to pay extra for on the 2017 and less models. I am very happy with this 2018 Kia optima.

Robin W on March 18, 2021

You should know the gas mileage it gets. You should know whether or not it has a spare tire.

I love my car. I have no complaints. It was brand new when i bought it.

Brandon G on March 17, 2021

It has android/apple auto compatibility. Easy handling, overall it is a great car.

Car is really comfortable. Super smooth driving, lots of legroom for someone my size and the cargo area is pretty big also.

Natasha N on March 13, 2021

The shape of the car and color is great

My car is so comfortable and it's very reliable. I drive 80 miles everyday to and from work and it drives good. It has sensors that warns you when there is a car near by and I have no problems it's very reliable. It also has Bluetooth. Its specious for a big family.

Sam E on March 7, 2021

The car comes with many safety features.

Inside is very spacious. Very reliable and durable. Technology is very up to date. No major problems except for a few window problems. The leather inside is very durable. But not a lot of inside plugs for things such as chargers and aux. Very efficient on gas and eco friendly.

Kimberly R on March 5, 2021

The fundamentals of owning an eco 2018 Kia optima.

I haven't had my vehicle for very long, but so far I have had a really good experience with Kia. I like the style of the Kia optima. It is roomy and comfortable. It drives very well. Even when it is in eco mode. It gets good gas mileage. The features included with this 2018 optima are enough to make you feel safe.

Alicia S on March 1, 2021

Great gas mileage with the plug-in hybrid option save the planet!

Love the plug in hybrid - great gas mileage! Don't like the white interior and more road noise than expected

Heather P on February 27, 2021

Great and reliable vehicle.

The performance of this vehicle is great. It is roomy and comfortable. It is good on gas. It takes about $35 to fill it up. The back seat is roomy for passengers and the trunk is spacious. It is a very attractive vehicle. It rides smoothly and I love it!

Stephanie M on February 27, 2021

Can't complain, decent car, decent price.

Problems: transmission jerks when braking sometimes, or when sitting in traffic. . Performance: good, some get up and go smooth drive. Reliability: fantastic, 30k miles so far and have had no major issues. Comfort: very good, wide seats, lots of adjustables on front seats for maximum comfort . Features: touch screen works great, adjustable volume on steering wheel, cruise control. Other: came with sturdy car mats for front and back, seat material is easy to clean.

Elizabeth P on February 27, 2021

Some of the things I love about my optima.

I love everything about my Kia optima, except for one thing. The resale/trade-in value. Other than that, it is fantastic. It is reliable, comfortable. I love that it has sport mode, dual heated/cooled seats. The trunk has an amazing amount of space. More than I thought it would have. Mine has the panoramic sunroof, which I absolutely love. It has a lot of gadgets/buttons, but is also incredibly easy to figure out.

Daniel R on February 25, 2021

Review of a 2018 Kia optima lx.

Car runs great. Have had no issues. Very reliable. Features include sport mode and eco mode, apple carplay. It's not fully loaded but it is definitely a great car to get that is not expensive. The sport mode feels great for a non sports car. Great gas mileage. I cannot hate anything on it for the price. $14,000.

Jamielyn F on February 24, 2021

It drives great on and has 3 driving modes, sport, eco, regular.

I love my 2018 Kia optima! It drives great and has 3 driving modes (sport, eco & regular). What I like about the Kia optima the most was the body style with the sunroof. Also, the cool thing about the interior of the car is that is it is water resistant! The only thing I do not like is that there is no vent for ac/heater for the back seats, but the ac/heat work pretty well and cools/heats inside of car.

Raven N on February 23, 2021

Being able to connect your phone and use the GPS.

This vehicle is wonderful very up to fate and modern. It is also a great gas saver and also very roomy. It is a good car for a small family. Altogether the interior and exterior of the car is wonderful.

Amber W on February 22, 2021

Overall, I am happy with my Kia optima purchase.

My Kia optima is a great car. It performs well during long distance drives. The eco mode really helps gas mileage when driving long distances. Steering wheel is very responsive. The seats are comfortable. Trunk is very large. The display screen is big enough to see when you are driving. I wish the manufacturers would've made navigation standard instead of only on CarPlay.

Meg R on February 21, 2021

Best car I have ever bought.

I love my car. It is fun and reliable. It looks good both on the inside and the outside. It has great gadgets. The storage space in the truck is amazing. The rear heated seats are nice in the winter for guests riding with me. I will be keeping this vehicle till it completely dies and I cannot fix it.

Alan T on February 18, 2021

2018 Kia optima sxl specs.

This vehicle has been really great to be honest. Haven't had any problems to the car besides things out of my control. I would recommend it to someone who wants a nice affordable luxury car. It has lots of specifications in it for the price. Fits my lifestyle pretty well. Every time gets in my car they're blown away, on how much my car has to offer. The technology in it is really amazing such as the apple CarPlay. It has a 360 degree camera amazing for parking or tight spaces. Something that is cool but not really my favorite is the automatic brake system when to class it activates way to early even if on slow reaction setting.

Brooke D on February 15, 2021

Stellar safety features and comfortable driving experience.

This vehicle has been incredibly reliable because it has this feature that will automatically break for you if you fail to see another vehicle coming. It also has a back-up camera that allows you to see everything behind you without having to crane your neck and turn around. The safety features are incredible and sometimes life-saving. The seats are super comfortable too.

Marie J on February 15, 2021

If you like to travel this is the car for you.

Very comfortable seating. Lots of legroom for those who are tall. Huge trunk for luggage space. Roomy back seat area. Drives very well. Good gas mileage. Lots of drink holder options. Big console to store items in as well as a place for your sunglasses. Lots of storage for those long road trips. We love to travel so this car is perfect for us.

Desiree U on February 13, 2021

The car is very worth it. It drives smooth. The mileage is good.

It is a very good dependable car. It has a lot of mileage on it. It has Bluetooth inside for a phone to hook up to it. It can fit up to 6 people in the car. It is very big for a single mom. And the gas is pretty cheap to fill it up. The air and heat work good. It drives so smooth, it is amazing.

diana S on February 10, 2021

Amazing car ever. Classy and sophisticated.

Most enjoyable ride ever. Smooth and classy looking car. Very spacious and low maintenance. Bluetooth is amazing. Truck is very spacious as well. Just have to be careful with the speed. You would lose track if your not paying attention. I would recommend this car to anyone.

Joe C on February 7, 2021

Economical yet very powerful.

It has good gas mileage in eco mode but can change to great power in sport mode. Very good sound system. Comfortable seats and stylish interior. Equipped with apple carplay and Sirius radio which is very convenient. Sunroof is great as well. Spacious trunk.

Cheryl P on February 5, 2021

This car is good for families that have children that are going to college.

No complaints. I just got it a few days ago. Good gas mileage and lowered my car payment. Like the interior of the car and the trunk.

Kari S on February 2, 2021

Comfortable ride, economic choice for sporty and quality

I love it. Love the sunroof and the half leather and cloth seats. Rides nice and great gas mileage

Laura D on February 2, 2021

The smooth and sleek Kia optima.

I love the 100,000 mile warranty, which was a deciding factor in our purchase. The electric folding mirrors have malfunctioned since, literally, the first day we bought it. I have a hard time reaching back for the driver's side seat belt; it is pretty far back. And the seat belt does not effectively go back into it is slot when I turn off the car; I have to actually help push it back in most of the time and it often falls outside the door when I open it. Aside from those annoyances, I do love the car. It is a smooth ride and it is sleek looking and pretty.

Karen S on January 28, 2021

Mom car that keeps us safe and gets us where we need, with just one tank of gas.

I love my Kia Optima, the seats are comfortable, there is ample space for my passengers, and best of all there is a ton of space in my trunk. I always get compliments on how smooth my car drives. There are three different drive modes, regular, eco, and sport. Eco allows me to drive over 500 miles without having to stop to fill up. Sport mode allows me to get that pick up when merging onto a highway. Overall I would recommend this car to anymore who wants a spacious reliable car.

Jamall W on January 26, 2021

Kia optima is a dependable vehicle!

I love all the updated features in my Kia. Heated seats and steering wheel. Drives smooth. Great mileage. I also have a warranty that will allow me to get a free oil change whenever I choose to go to the Kia dealership. Also low maintenance on my Kia optima.

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.