2018 Kia Optima review
Kia Optima highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Contemporary interior features
- Intuitive infotainment interface
- Comfortable, smooth ride
Cons
- Rear visibility is lacking
- Limited rear headroom
- Base engine lacks power
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 31 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $14,599 - $14,998*
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All Kia Optima years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Kia Optima generation from 2012 to 2020
What is new for the 2018 Kia Optima?
- The Optima is available in a new trim called the S.
- The SXL trim has been discontinued for 2018.
- Optima trims have been upgraded with Panoramic Sunroof and Leatherette & Cloth as standard equipment this year.
- The LX trim now comes with Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitor, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Power Seat(s) as standard equipment.
- The EX trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
- The SX trim now comes with A/C Seat(s), Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitor, and Sunroof(s) as standard equipment.
2018 Kia Optima trims
Curious how Kia Optima trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesLX:
- 185-hp, 178-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
- 178-hp, 195-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
S:
- Includes all features available on the LX
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Rear Spoiler
- View our Kia Optima S inventory
EX:
- Includes all features available on the S
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Smart Key
- View our Kia Optima EX inventory
SX:
- Includes all features available on the EX
- 245-hp, 260-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Panoramic Sunroof
- A/C Seats
- Sunroofs
- Rear Sunshade
- Turbo Charged Engine
- View our Kia Optima SX inventory
Kia Optima photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Kia Optima
1. Turbocharged engine options
The 2018 Kia Optima is available with a number of engine configurations to suit your driving needs, starting with a 2.4L four-cylinder (185 hp) that's standard on its base LX trim. Meanwhile, a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder at 178 hp comes equipped on the LX 1.6T trim, and an even more powerful turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder at 245 hp is outfitted on the range-topping SX trim. Regardless of engine configuration, every 2018 Optima comes with front-wheel drive.
2. Spacious and comfortable design
Even on the base LX trim, the 2018 Optima offers a comfortable ride for front- and rear-seat occupants alike. Even on the base LX trim, height-adjustable front seats (with two-way lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat) are standard, which provides added comfort on longer road trips. Meanwhile, stepping up to the midrange EX adds dual-zone climate control for more customized temperature settings. In addition to the comfortable and spacious cabin, the 2018 Optima boasts a roomy 15.9 cu-ft. trunk for hauling groceries, luggage, and other essentials.
3. A trim for every driver
The 2018 Kia Optima is available in five trim options, so most drivers will be able to find a model that suits their tastes. Trim configurations include the base LX, turbocharged LX 1.6T, sporty S, luxurious EX, and the range-topping SX. Standard equipment on the base LX is generous and includes Bluetooth® connectivity, smartphone integration, a seven-inch touchscreen display, and a booming six-speaker sound system.
4. Plenty of driver aids
The 2018 Optima doesn't skimp on driver-assistance features—and you don't even have to pay extra for them. Standard equipment in this category includes a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Looking for a model with adaptive cruise control? Check out the range-topping SX trim for this and a lane-departure warning system with automatic emergency braking.
5. Sporty performance features
The 2018 Optima is a great choice if you're looking for a midsize sedan that has a second life as a sports car. This is especially true on the SX trim, where you'll find such performance features as a sport-tuned suspension, steering wheel paddle shifters, a rear spoiler, and dual exhaust tips.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.2 out of 5
23 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 15 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 4 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 3 |
RepairPal gave the Kia Optima an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Optima 8th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia OptimaKia Optima features and specs
Curious how Kia Optima trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
EX 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
185
Torque (ft-lbs)
178
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
110.4"
Overall length
191.1"
Width
73.2"
Height
57.7"
Leg room
F 45.5"/R 35.6"
Head room
F 39.8"/R 37.8"
Front tires
P215/55VR17
Rear tires
P215/55VR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Kia Optima FAQ
The 2018 Kia Optima is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- EX: 24 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- LX: 28 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- SX: 22 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- S: 23 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
The Kia Optima received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Kia Optima as 7 out of 28 among Midsize Car
The 2018 Kia Optima has received an average 4.2 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Kia Optima, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Kia Optima Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Kia Optima:
- S
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Parking Sensors
- Blind Spot Monitor
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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