Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2017 Kia Optima SL
The 2017 Kia Optima SL is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.2/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.1/10, while Value at 6.6/10 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.1/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.6/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.8/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.4/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $24,843–$31,743, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Optima SL sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. 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.
Verdict: The 2017 Kia Optima SL sits in the middle of the field. Until its value scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
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 →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2017 Kia Optima SL ranks #896 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 32% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $24,843 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 10%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Optima SL Year Should You Buy?
Across the Optima SL 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.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
✗ Where it falls short
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
Common Questions — 2017 Kia Optima SL
Is the 2017 Kia Optima SL reliable?
We rate the 2017 Kia Optima SL's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
Is the 2017 Kia Optima SL worth buying?
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #896 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 32% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2017 Kia Optima SL cost?
The 2017 Kia Optima SL starts at $24,843 and ranges up to $31,743 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Optima SL years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 6 Optima SL model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.4/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
Owner Essentials — Kia Optima SL
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More Kia Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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