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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 6-spd |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 22 / 33 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 340 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $17,420–$21,256 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2013 Kia Optima is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 7.9/10. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.3/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.5/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.1/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.4/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $17,420–$21,256, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Optima sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. At 7.9/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2013 Kia Optima sits in the middle of the field. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2013 Kia Optima ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $17,420 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 37%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Optima model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $26,780 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $26,000 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.1/10 | $25,220 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $24,440 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.0/10 | $23,660 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $21,287 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $20,561 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $19,835 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $19,110 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $18,384 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $17,658 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 7.5/10 | $18,200 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 19/12/2018 · 18V907000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product… |
|---|---|
| Air bags / air bag/restraint control module 01/06/2018 · 18V363000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air… |
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 21/02/2020 · 20V100000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine… |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 27/08/2020 · 20V519000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 10/05/2021 · 21V331000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. |
Showing 5 of 9 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
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