DecodedCars2018 Kia Optima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- Hybrid 4dr Sedan, LX/LX+/EX/LX Eco Turbo 4dr Sedan, PHEV 4dr Sedan, Sx/Sxl 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 42 combined · 39 city / 46 hwy
- Length
- 191.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,225–3,792 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 54% better than the average 2018 midsize car (27.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Kia Optima is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,490 lb (Hybrid 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (39 city / 46 highway), 54% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 244 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Optima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Optima →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid 4dr Sedan | 191.3 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 110.6 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,490 lb | 61/39 |
| LX/LX+/EX/LX Eco Turbo 4dr Sedan | 191.3 in | 73.2 in | 57.9 in | 110.6 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,225 lb | 61/39 |
| PHEV 4dr Sedan | 191.3 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 110.6 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,792 lb | 61/39 |
| Sx/Sxl 4dr Sedan | 191.3 in | 73.2 in | 57.9 in | 110.6 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,594 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima Hybrid Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 39 / 46 / 42 | +54% | $1,600 | 212 |
| Optima Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 / 43 / 40 | +47% | $1,700 | 97 |
| Optima | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +34% | $2,150 | 286 |
| Optima FE | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +26% | $2,300 | 310 |
| Optima | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +21% | $2,400 | 321 |
| Optima S | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +13% | $2,600 | 340 |
| Optima | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +8% | $2,700 | 360 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.8% |
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Optima (this car) | 42 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch · Aug 24, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V594000 · 319,436 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
- Risk
- A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Engine · Oct 29, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V844000 · 10,731 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Mar 8, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V161000 · 1,710 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
- Risk
- If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.
Not every 2018 Kia Optima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Kia Optima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 138 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 21 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 42,100 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Optima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Optima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 153 |
| 2019 Optima | 41 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 213 |
| 2017 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 306 |
| 2016 Optima | 37 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 5 | 764 |
| 2015 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 1,020 |
| 2014 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 580 |
| 2013 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 10 | 1,352 |
| 2012 Optima | 36 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 917 |
| 2011 Optima | 36 | – | Not rated | 6 | 544 |
| 2010 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2009 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 1 | 55 |
| 2008 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 3 | 60 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →