2019 Kia Optima - A great value in a competitve field

The 2019 Kia Optima costs less and offers more than many of its impressive competitors, making it a great choice for anyone considering a midsize sedan.
Shop for the new 2019 Kia Optima on CarGurus: cargur.us/vQfzY
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata… all of these are great sedans. They offer impressive levels of standard safety and technology, drive well, and employ satisfying engines. Among this stiff competition, the Kia Optima still manages to shine. Starting at an unbelievably appealing $22,900, the Optima can be had in a variety of trims with a range of 5 powertrains and an impressive array of options and packages.
Chris Warldaw’s Optima SX Turbo uses a 2.0-liter, 245-horsepower turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 260 pound-feet of peak torque at a low 1,350 RPM. Fuel economy sits at 21 mpg city, 30 highway, 24 combined, and the as-tested price rang in at $33,505. This Optima was engaging to drive, although its brakes heated and faded after repeated (and spirited) use, and the Optima’s not-quite-a-sports-sedan chassis limited the vehicle’s ability on twisty roads.
Kia’s UVO, or Your Voice, infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen capable of running either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The car also boasts an impressive set of advanced safety features and scored well with both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
For more information on the 2019 Kia Optima, read Chris’s full review on CarGurus: cargur.us/vQfzk
Presenter: Chris Wardlaw
Cinematographer: Dan Sharp
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[@UvidCo]

My wife and I owned a 2012 optima Hybrid, we drove over 6000kms and it burned 429 bucks, we traded that after a few years on a Nissan rogue but my wife now has gone back to an Optima. The 2019s are the best looking yet. The "2011" you guys shown was actually a 2014 I believe.

[@NileshR12]

Yeah that was a 2014-15 SX Limited trim

[@fedoratheexplora7180]

Im a happy owner of a 2011 kia optima ex. It has 131000 miles on it. I use it as a daily driver and road tripper. I do add fuel additives every now and agian and ive changed out the transmission fluid and coolant twice now even though owners manual sais its not required i do it about ever 60 to 70k miles. I also use full synthetic oil and i replace oil every 5k miles.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Excellent and fair review of the Optima, I think. The complaint that KIA restricts color choice combinations and bundles a large set of individual options into trims and a few relatively expensive option packages is a common one in most of their vehicles. It's very different from the practice of European manufacturers and to a slightly lesser extent American and Japanese brands that offer individual feature options and a vast choice of color combinations on various trim levels. Even more puzzling to some is that the range of color combinations actually shrinks as one moves up the trim ladder. But there's are reasons for KIA's (and Hyundai's) approach. First and foremost it constrains production costs. A simplified assembly process combined with the advantage of purchasing a greater volume of components from suppliers means the overall cost of producing a vehicle is significantly lower than an approach that enables a consumer to select literally hundreds of combinations of color combinations and individual options. Bundling options into a few packages and restricting color combinations are key to KIA's pricing strategy. And it doesn't end there. Restricting the combinations of options and color combinations on upper level trims means that dealers are less likely to have less popular combinations sitting unsold on their lots for longer periods of time until they are ultimately sold at greater discounts. Those upper trim levels are the most profitable to dealers and the manufacturer. Avoiding flooring charges by selling top trims as rapidly as possible is the goal of every dealer. Does KIA lose some sales because they don't offer as many color combinations as competitors, especially in their most expensive trims? Undoubtedly. But would a KIA dealer be willing to sacrifice a potential customer who wants a vehicle in a rare color or option combination if they can sell the next customer who's happy with a more limited and conventional combination loaded with options at a significant savings compared to another brand? The answer is obvious. And that's why the top trim Optima has as many options including bells and whistles, but likely with fewer color combinations, as comparably equipped Honda Accords, Toyota Camry's and Mazda6's at an MSRP about $5000 less.

[@JosephMorin]

Hey Christian! Good to see you on here! Great review as always.

[@Kurumifan15]

I love my Optima. Had it for 4 years now and no problems soo far. Super reliable. My only complaint is that outside noise is bad. At highway speeds I constantly check the windows to make sure they are up because I cant believe it could get soo much road noise with the windows closed. 2013 model. Anyone else noticed this?

[@smoothiii101]

Harry t mine is the same way. I have a 2013 and i hate the road noise.

[@Kurumifan15]

Kieraofkourse thanks. Making sure I wasn’t loosing my mind

[@ItsLuwee]

Really? I thought I heard there was an engine recall for 2011-2015 models.

[@Mark-hu9tf]

I love my 2014 SX. Power and refinement at a steal of a price secondhand. Loads of toys too.

[@streetkiazNewMexico]

Same

[@MalamIbnMalam]

I have a 2018 Optima SX with Tech package, it's practically this car reviewed here but mine is Platinum Graphite

[@sarkerm2]

Any problems with the GDI engine?

[@isaacsmiranda4902]

Standard Features 1st:Cargo Mat 2nd:Screen 3rd:Climate Control 4th:Led Headlights 5th:18 Inch Wheels 6th:Paddle Shifters 7th:Gauge Cluster 8th:Panoramic Sunroof 9th:Black Mirror 10th:Heated Seats 11st:Cup Holders 12nd:15.9 Cubic Feet 13rd:Apple Carplay 14th:Android Auto 15th:Backup Camera 16th:Black-Lip Spoiler 17th:Navigation 18th:Blind Spot 19th:Lane Keep Assist 20th:Adaptive Cruise Control 21st:Forward Cillsion Alert 22nd:Sport-Tuned Suspension 23rd:Led FogLights 24th:Heated Steering Wheel 25th:Gulf Box 26th:Bluetooth 27th:Harmon Kardon Audio 28th:Lane Departure Warning 29th:Rear Parking Sensors

[@streetkiazNewMexico]

Geeezus

[@GhostSal]

Standard for the SX

[@fw6313]

Hello does a little piece of the metal exhaust show (under the black side bottom lip) when looking from the profile side view?

[@maxrockatanski9422]

Thank you for the daily driver insights .. I will passing this one up.

[@medellon]

I chose to go with the Hyundai Sonata, the Kia does look sportier but they are virtually the same car. Kia could not give me the deal I was able to get on the Hyundai. Thanks for the informational review.

[@La-yt1wr]

I personally love my 2015 Optima sxl Turbo it has more power than the current Optima, Sonata, and Kia Stinger 2.0t what I love about mine the most is that I have warranty forever and other cool perks but if Hyundai brings the next generation Sonata N-Line I would probably buy that or the next generation Optima or Stinger

[@oldshowfanatic77]

I'm hoping to trade my 2017 Optima in on a Sonata soon. I made the mistake of getting the 1.6 liter turbo with the dual-clutch transmission. Love the car, hate the powertrain. Always feels like the transmission is slipping.

[@ITALYRS]

Yeah I did notice Kia dealerships struggle a lot more than Hyundai dealerships

[@William971]

just sold my kia optima and couldn't be happier - parts suck on it and they get expensive

[@William971]

@@ITALYRS biggest reason for selling, they treat you like a piece of shit unless you know what you're talking about.

[@gregnixon1296]

Great review of the positives. Have the Optima's electrical problems been solved?

[@icecreamjunkie6790]

My grandma has one that she really likes. I have a 2022 Hyundai Elantra and I’m amazed at how many similarities there are.

[@jdruso7]

does anyone know if the red seats and door panels of the 2016 SX are a plug and play swap? i love the all red seats and i think the red and black seats look like seat covers ;(. i really want to buy the 19, if i can swap the seats/panels no problem.

[@freestyle-yh8sh]

does anyone know if this car has tow hooks like the previous model? ty

[@fw6313]

Anyone have issues w breaks being squeaking from a dead stop upon releasing break? And wiggly paddle shifters? On a brand new. Any help is appreciated

[@secordman]

Good review, didn't sugarcoat things.

[@jmadluck]

there's no radio in the base trim...?

[@bySterling]

2 3 year leases later and as just coming to an end this month ❤️💪🏻🚗💯 but can’t stick w the same body and style going into another 3/thus 9 years NEED THAT 2021!!!

[@monkeylove178]

Is there any awd versions of the optima ?

[@blitzkrieg459]

Got the 2019 optima in April. Best choice I’ve made, plus they gave me 5800 for my 2005 Nissan Titan which surprised me.

[@EndlesSuffering]

Great choice, way better than a 2019 Altima or Camry. I personally own a 2008 Camry fully loaded and as much as I love it, I’m looking into the new 2019 optima or forte.

[@speed_797]

Which trim level did you get ? & hows the mpg ?

[@blitzkrieg459]

I Lost My iPhone I got one with the FE badge, but it’s an LX when I researched it, which is confusing. I still love the car, it averages 27 mpg for me, downside for me is that the seats feel kinda cheap. Also idk why but sometimes the front passenger side seatbelt keeps beeping when no one is in it. So I just keep the seatbelt clicked in. I do a lot of Uber so it probably confuses the sensor.

[@blitzkrieg459]

I meant seat belt warning light.

[@ItsLuwee]

Really? I am also an Uber driver. Which model would you recommend?

[@thetreblerebel]

These cars are affordable and awesome. You can get a 2.0T turbo 4cyl and got a sport saloon

[@johnholst]

This car is nice. But the all new model is coming out this November and it's a quantum leap better than this one. Options will include the all new 2.5T with almost 300hp, AWD, an 8 speed DCT and adaptive suspension. It will blow everything else out of the water in this segment. Can't wait!

[@rolyreyes5097]

Man, I really hope that is true...

[@johnholst]

@@rolyreyes5097 That's what they are reporting in the Korean news. It will be released here first.

[@Audiomainia2310]

If that's true, I may buy another one.

[@johnholst]

@@Audiomainia2310 These are the rumors they're printing in the media here in Korea. The top model will be like a "Stinger Lite". I hope so!

[@towelies4884]

That’s great news! I hope it’s true

[@jseels]

Just got my 2020 Optima SE (Special Edition - LX trim with SX looks) in Pearl White! We love it! Stole the thing off the lot at $22,000 :) (msrp: $28,045!!!) nows the time to buy my friends

[@peruvianblood1726]

Jseels really what a steal ! What state do you live in . I’m looking right now for a new Kia Optima myself . This car really has my attention .

[@jseels]

Peruvian Blood Utah

[@peruvianblood1726]

Jseels nice congrats on the purchase . How do you like it so far ? And how was the whole purchasing process like due to Corona virus . I’m hoping to buy one before July

[@jseels]

Peruvian Blood love it! There was no worry about the virus... but I think it did help the sale price :)

[@zays.695]

I’m considering a Kia myself how did you manage to get it for such a steal!?😱 are prices just really low ? Or is there a trick to it?

[@rlgwoody8966]

Chris, Please review the Kia Stinger. Again, please.....

[@stockey]

The next generation will look great.

[@smokestrong1000]

bought the s model 2019 with panoramic sunroof. really enjoy the car. think i read the ride quality on the turbo models are stiffer so it's a sports suspension won't ride as good.

[@isaiahmon21]

Looking to get that same exact trim with the panoramic sunroof. How much did you wind up paying? And what state are you in if you don't mind

[@smokestrong1000]

@@isaiahmon21 28,000 before tax. I paid more because grey was hard to find. Black was a lot cheaper 25k. in california

[@vanessad6549]

I just got the S in gravity gray for $22.600 out the door!! And it comes with the panoramic sunroof and leather and cloth seats. I got such a deal!!

[@Tre_Bar]

@@vanessad6549 do you still have it how’s it running. I’m looking at the same model

[@vanessad6549]

@@Tre_Bar it’s running good still, no issues!

[@Moe_510]

Make sure you do recall if the engine goes bad they will not cover the repair unless you do your recall update

[@watanyjordan8663]

The technology and the look is great but The seats very uncomfortable especially the driver seat, the long trip is torture .

[@zZiL341yRj736]

The hell that looked like a Camry.

[@davidd1692]

Love my optima

[@Audiomainia2310]

I had a 2014 SXL - car was gorgeous and I received nothing but praise. I would have bought another, but the engine hp dropped from 275 to 245, torque dropped, the interior design changed to a very bland laid out design / before it was designed as a driver's car - infotainment system was tilted towards the driver. The aesthetics changed, so I never bought another one. Look at the front end and interior design from 2014 / 15 to present.

[@vaughnbarksdale755]

Obsessive Progressive 2310 I have a 2014 sxl and I love it I walk new optimas and 4 cylinder stingers all day!

[@simonthomas5367]

Love the way cars are badged in the US! Bloody great Turbo badge on the side!! Just like Europe in the 80's when you guys where lumbering around in huge, heavy, thirsty V8's laughing at compact cars. Welcome to the modern world! 😂

[@adnantaj1643]

Its a good looking car but please buy this car i own this car last year after year i drove alot i was going up hill and engine flashing light on i check the code was same as previous cars had recall P1326 i think engine is done feeling so sad

[@tinhinnh]

looks like my wifes ‘13 camry

[@sophielane2744]

I just bought this car and the only thing I don’t like is there’s not a cigarette lighter plug :( so many accessories plug into that ... it just has one USB plug

[@gb2522]

You can install one very easily. Either yourself or a friend for about $15 or find a shop that’ll add one.

[@yellowtibby]

I would buy the 2019 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T over the Optima. They are pretty much the same cars features, engine, and price wise, but the Sonata 2.0T has an 8 speed transmission that is more fuel efficient and better at putting the power down.

[@UvidCo]

Looks aren't even close though.

[@balabolrustam507]

Take it to a highway with a little rough surface like most roads in USA It has a lot of road noise. Kia and Hyundai will teach you a good lesson not to select cars based on looks.

[@ItsLuwee]

Really? Which mid size sedan is better for an Uber driver?

[@balabolrustam507]

T Luis : Hard to say, not an expert in general . Only have experience with Kia. For Uber you need comfort and reliability, I would exclude Korean brands because of comfort, Mazda as too sporty , Ford as not reliable. Check what taxis are using. I guess Camry , but latest seems like more sporty and pricey. Buick Regal gets discontinued - a chance to get a deal. I would look at used Acura tlx as well , 2017 will cost less than 20k, but trunk might be too small for Uber. Don’t see many accords as taxies. May be malibu?

[@somedude6867]

Question just ordered one and it comes in on Thursday it's a 2019 kia optima s dark grey, okay so how does it sound on the highway?

[@isaacsmiranda4902]

Yes it is 2019 Snow Flake White Kia Optima SX Turbo FWD 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder 245 Hp 260 Torque 6 Speed Automatic Transmission 21 City 30 Highway 24 Combined With Price As Tested $33,505 Thousand Dollars!!!!!!!!!!!

[@IsangulovT]

I picked the 2018 sx for 26k with 0% financing for 60 months. it's easy to negotiate the price with Kia dealership.

[@dylanw890]

I love the Kia Optima but it's a shame that the SX Turbo doesnt get the Twin-Turbo V6 in the Stinger...

[@BassFace1776]

I agree but also there would be no point of the stinger.

[@dylanw890]

Ryan Dougherty The stinger would still be relevant, think of the A6/A7 or A5/A4 as points of reference. There is also the Mercedes E-Class and the CLS. I view the Stinger as a very modified, yet good looking, Kia Optima. It would be nice if the shared the same engines

[@gladdy02]

How this better then the Camry or Accord in any way?

[@jde0503]

Looks a hellava lot better than either. Accord has ugly rear end, Toyota has ugly front end.

[@gladdy02]

@@jde0503 ok, besides looks...

[@2004cyrus]

Well the warranty is very long so peace of mind for some people is worth it. Also has the panoramic sunroof and those fancy seats with multiple colors and materials. Of course the Camry offers red leather but the Accord doesn’t. The embroidery is unique in the seat as well. They also offer cooled seats

[@William971]

I drove an older optima and 2012 camry - camry's better on the highway - more predictable acceleration and alot more responsive. Drove 3000+ miles on each one across country - camry every day of the week, same hp and weight too.

[@molaroismorais1758]

Did kia ever fix the carbon build ups in their GDI engines?

[@ryanlittleton5615]

@Forced Induction In what market? We don't have any dual injection Hyundai/Kia vehicles in the states. This is the first I've heard of this.

[@joebrown9621]

Kia /Hyundai didn't have a major carbon build up issue.. i have owned the their first gen GDI no issues nor loss of power... could be how i have maintained my vehicles

[@ryanlittleton5615]

@@joebrown9621 It's not REALLY BAD like it is on VW's, but they do have it I've seen it. But if you've never had any issues that's great.

[@2004cyrus]

Forced Induction are you sure Mazda uses GDI engines? I owned 5 and never had a single issue with that and it was never mentioned. I truly didn’t know about it. I did own a Hyundai and was well aware of that and the dealer even mentioned it multiple times. I guess I’ve been lucky with Mazda. I’m not a car person.

[@ryanlittleton5615]

@@2004cyrus Mazda's Skyactiv engines are GDI.

[@hsvcommodore4111]

You literally call Every car sporty

[@regularguychannel2967]

In fairness a lot of cars are starting to be made sporty. Though I admit I haven’t seen any other of his reviews.

[@dean2663]

Almost got the SX Turbo but all the dealers were expensive! Ended up getting a 2019 BMW 330i loaded for $80 more a month and there is no comparison. The BMW is spectacular.

[@JDMSwervo2001]

dean2663 yep...you’re gonna regret it when the warranty expires

[@dean2663]

Jovaughn Gueno you think I’m that dumb? It’s a three year lease with maintenance included. Will never buy a luxury German again. Learned my lesson with a 2002 CLK 320.

[@JDMSwervo2001]

dean2663 lmaoooooo wise decision

[@2004cyrus]

dean2663 wow you really went in a new direction: you should have just started out at the BMW dealer but I can see why you didn’t since you mentioned being enticed by a payment versus the best selling price.

[@La-yt1wr]

My 2015 Optima Sxl Turbo has more power than the current Optima and Sonata I’ll wait for the next generation Hyundai Sonata N-Line or next generation Optima if not i might step up to the Stinger

[@mdmoore1984]

Same I have a 13 sxl and wont upgrade till they add more power

[@Kitcatt59537]

C pas la voiture que j'aime pas , c l'type il montre pas tout en détail

[@toddjasper8262]

Got 1 got stolen good car but it’s to easy to still

[@bextar6365]

IMO...I'd buy the all new Palisade for about $2k less. A lot more vehicle for the money.

[@swanblake]

Why would you be so wasteful nd get a three row if you don't need it?

[@stephenhendricks103]

And how would you compare apples to pineapples?

[@William971]

My conclusion on Kia after driving them and doing countless years of roadside assistance: the parts suck. Its a reason you get all these discounts. My buddy and I both had brakes jobs and I did mine with a local mechanic with good parts, compared it to my friend's optima's brake job from the kia dealership, and he was floored by the difference.They use some cheap "organic" material that apparently works better but he wasn't buying it and yep he sure payed more. They put a lot of money into making the Kia stand out by bringing in high end car designers to put a tiger nose on it but all that junk inside is still classic Kia.

[@ItsLuwee]

Really? Which mid size sedan is better for an Uber driver?

[@tagjones213]

At the beginning he said he will tell us shich Optima he would have sitting in his garage. That didnt happen

[@SpammsMcghee]

2:45

[@BrokenFiddles]

What does "European inspired" interior mean? Also, with Mazda6, Accord and brand new Sonata available, I don't see anybody choosing Optima over those models. The exterior and interior design is a generation too old.

[@2004cyrus]

BrokenFiddles European like BMW - in other words sporty.

[@Axl_colts]

Shipping fees are bullshit.

[@b.a.n.entertainment8425]

I sell new Kia's and every other brand pre owned plus classic's in Milford Ct. We ship all over the country !let me know if I can help anybody😁

[@Danny-sh9ib]

How much for the optima gt line?

[@b.a.n.entertainment8425]

@@Danny-sh9ib we don't have the GT line at least here where I am I'm not sure where you are you have a GT line in other models. I'm new to this brand so I had to check myself looks like they offered it in other markets around the world

[@speed_797]

How much for an ex premium ?

[@kingdarius5252]

That black rubber molding or whatever it is that connects the exhaust pipes is UGLY and kind of detracts from an otherwise nice design! What does it even do??? It looks like something that serves no legitimate purpose except being ugly and pissing off the customer of the car

[@piersandromannino4109]

Just get a Stinger for little for money or a Forte GT. The optima for me is a little obsoleted.

[@swanblake]

This is no longer an attractive option. Styling is unattractive compared to the Mazda 6, Accord, Altima. That 2L turbo is such an under performer that the 1.6L T does nearly the same real world performance. Kia needs to redo this asap. For 32k I'd get the Kia Stinger GTS with its $10k off incentives

[@2004cyrus]

Blake Swan lmao you are always so negative on every car review Blake!! I’d love to know what gig drive.

[@William971]

I drove kias and did roadside assistance, the parts suck guys, its a reason you get all these discounts. My buddy and I both had brakes jobs and I did mine with a local mechanic with good parts, compared it to my friend's optima's brake job from the kia dealership, and he was floored by the difference.They use some cheap "organic" material that apparently works better but he wasn't buying it and yep he sure payed more. They put a lot of money into making the Kia stand out by bringing in high end car designers to put a tiger nose on it but all that junk inside is still classic Kia.

[@geraldthompson4633]

Not really convinced. Our 2002 with the same warranty didn’t last past 70k. Wasn’t too desirable to the bank when we told them to pick it up. Sat outside under a tree for a year before they sent someone to collect it. Clearly Hyundai/Kia have been in North America since 67 and have only now tried to get up to speed. Also, it’s always the same old with them. Let’s showcase that 2.4 grenade that most of us will buy instead of the super turbo. You know most of the sales will be the 2.4. Lastly, I guess I never see a slew of 150k plus stories from the Kia ranks in any significant numbers. With Honda/Toyota, it’s a common thing. Maybe another decade will do it....

[@geraldthompson4633]

ourworlds atwar let me say this. Anything built by man is subject to fail, and despite decades of improvement, there are certain characteristics that ring true years or decades later. To wit, the twins, Hyundai/Kia have grafted in lots of improvements but are still not quite there yet. After 20 yrs in the car biz, all I can say is they will take you from a to b, but never pay, or finance, one too long or for too much , and make sure sign up for as much warranty coverage as possible...that 10/100 has a few flaws that have persisted from the bad old 02 days

[@geraldthompson4633]

ourworlds atwar exactly. You’ve done good for yourself and you have a good 100k story to boot....

[@geraldthompson4633]

ourworlds atwar and of course they’re are plenty of KZbin videos to help along the way...

[@geraldthompson4633]

As to obsolescence, know what you mean. My 06 accord is at 265k. No issues except airbags, but our new ones feel great but like everyone else they’ve all gone tech happy. Might have to go preowned to keep some of this tech at bay...

[@UvidCo]

@@geraldthompson4633 I had a 2007 accord that died after 80,000kms trust me all auto makers have issues. Kia and Hyundai just back theirs up with a 5 year bumper bumper warranty. That tells you something right there.

[@MoCityBeau]

Yeah but its ugly

[@paulm6481]

Listen to him say the car is creaking and making noises after 12,000 miles. No Honda Accord or Toyota Camry will be losses goosey after that few number of miles. This is cheap Korean junk. You get your money’s worth gong Accord or Camry. Stay away from Korean four cylinder with engine fires, recalls and stalls on highways. They are full of gimmicks and change tuning every year.

[@b286guy]

Paul M I was surprised by that comment too. 12k miles isn’t much beyond the first oil change 😆

[@smokestrong1000]

lol toyota and honda used to be good until they decided to put cvt transmissions in most their cars. cvt anything = dogshit. I'd put my money on the optima out living a 2020 corolla or civic or just try going up one of those steep hills in san francisco and i bet those cars won't make it or cause serious damage to it.

[@streetkiazNewMexico]

Better than all the competition

[@UvidCo]

Hmmm yet my accord died on me at less then 80,000kms. You talk about junk yet kia and Hyundai aren't scared to backup their "junk" with one of the best warranties in the business. Before you say "your accord was a Limon" my friend had a 2017 accord and the front end went before 20,000kms.

[@paulm6481]

@@UvidCo Boy, the reason Koreans give you long extended warranties is because people won't buy them otherwise. Whats the point of fighting dealer service department for warranty defects and waste time? Accord and Camry have proven themselves over time for millions and millions of customers and sell most despite gove you 3 years 36.000 mile warrantly. You personal experience is not the norm as proven by consumer reports.