DecodedCars2019 Kia Optima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- Hybrid 4dr Sedan, LX/LX+/EX/EX Tech 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)
- 41 combined · 39 city / 45 hwy
- Length
- 191.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,230–3,792 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 41 MPG combined — 46% better than the average 2019 midsize car (28.1 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 27 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 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 41 MPG combined (39 city / 45 highway), 46% better than the 2019 midsize car average of 28.1 MPG, for an estimated $1,650 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 213 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Optima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 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/EX Tech 4dr Sedan | 191.3 in | 73.2 in | 57.9 in | 110.6 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,230 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 | 3,558 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 / 45 / 41 | +46% | $1,650 | 215 |
| Optima Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 / 43 / 40 | +42% | $1,700 | 97 |
| Optima | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +37% | $2,150 | 292 |
| Optima FE | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 29 | +28% | $2,300 | 325 |
| Optima | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +19% | $2,500 | 327 |
| Optima | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +6% | $2,800 | 371 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.8% |
Similar 2019 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Kia Optima (this car) | 41 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota Corolla | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2019 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (1)
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking · Jul 19, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V539000 · 11,423 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected.
- Risk
- Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the FCA software, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC179.
Not every 2019 Kia Optima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Kia Optima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 93 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 30 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Electrical System — 22 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,449 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 2019 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 |
| 2018 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 244 |
| 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 →