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Independent review & score by Carivo
| 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 Base is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.7/10, while Value at 7.0/10 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. On safety, it scores 8.7/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.2/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. On technology it rates 8.3/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $20,561–$27,196, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Optima Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. At 7.0/10 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 Base will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and 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 Base 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 Base 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.