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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $19,110–$24,418 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.3/10, the 2017 Kia Optima Base earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.3/10, while Performance at 7.2/10 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. Reliability comes in at 8.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.5/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.2/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.9/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $19,110–$24,418, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Optima Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value lands at 7.8/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2017 Kia Optima Base, but it needs the right buyer. and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
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 2017 Kia Optima Base 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 $19,110 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 31%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →
Across the Optima Base model years we've scored, the 2017 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $19,110 | |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $18,384 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $17,658 | Read review → |
We rate the 2017 Kia Optima Base's reliability 8.3/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #802 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 39% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2017 Kia Optima Base starts at $19,110 and ranges up to $24,418 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
