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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 | 27 / 37 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,200 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 292 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $20,561–$27,196 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2019 Kia Optima is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.9/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.8/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.9/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
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 6.8/10 — 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 $20,561–$27,196, 25 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 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2019 Kia Optima will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology and performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
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 2019 Kia Optima ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $20,561 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 26%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Kia Optima scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.5 — 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 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $20,561 | |
| 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 campaign has 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.
| Forward collision avoidance / automatic emergency braking 19/07/2019 · 19V539000 | 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… |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.