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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.6L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM7) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 28 / 37 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,200 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 286 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $19,835–$24,347 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Kia Optima at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.8/10, while Technology at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. 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. We score reliability at 7.6/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.8/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $19,835–$24,347, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Optima sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.8/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Kia Optima is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance and technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 2018 Kia Optima ranks #802 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 39% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $19,835 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 28%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Kia Optima scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.3 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| 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 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $19,835 | |
| 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.
| Hybrid propulsion system 08/03/2018 · 18V161000 | 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. |
|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkages / Trunk lid / Latch 24/08/2023 · 23V594000 | 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… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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