2018 Kia Optima
The 2018 Kia Optima is a full-size car, rated at 31 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
- Combined MPG
- 31
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $24,000
- Recalls
- 2
Watch: Optima reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Kia |
|---|---|
| Model | Optima |
| Model year | 2018 |
| Vehicle class | Full-size Car |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 1.6 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (AM7) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 28 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 37 |
| Combined MPG | 31 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 286 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2000 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Optima | 31 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Optima | 25 MPG combined |
| Optima | 28 MPG combined |
| Optima FE | 29 MPG combined |
| Optima Hybrid | 42 MPG combined |
| Optima Plug-in Hybrid | 40 MPG combined |
| Optima S | 26 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 28 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 37 MPG |
| Combined | 31 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 2% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $21,600
- Total interest
- $3,758
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≈ $1,297/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (2)
- HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM18V161000 · 2018-03-08
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH23V594000 · 2023-08-24
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2018 Kia Optima?
The 2018 Kia Optima is EPA-rated at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 37 highway).
Is the 2018 Kia Optima reliable?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2018 Kia Optima?
The 2018 Kia Optima earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2018 Kia Optima?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2018 Kia Optima costs roughly $1,297 per year to fuel, or about $6,484 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2018 Kia Optima?
The 2018 Kia Optima is classified as a full-size car. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC