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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $23,645–$31,275 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2019 Kia Optima S is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.2/10, while Reliability at 6.9/10 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. At 6.9/10 for reliability, this sedan trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.4/10 — 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. On technology it rates 8.2/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $23,645–$31,275, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Optima S sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.1/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. 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 S will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on reliability 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 S 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 $23,645 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 15%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Kia Optima S scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.5 — and starts roughly $2,500 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 | $24,480 | Read review → |
| 2019 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $23,645 | |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $22,810 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $21,976 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $21,141 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $20,306 | Read review → |
We rate the 2019 Kia Optima S's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #585 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 55% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2019 Kia Optima S starts at $23,645 and ranges up to $31,275 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/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.
