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2018 Kia

Optima

Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo

Kia Optima: best and worst years
2018 Kia Optima
2018 photoThrowawayacc222CC0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Large CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (AM7)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP
178
Power to weight
0.051 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.17
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
37 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
28 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
31 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,000EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
286 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
7/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
3/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length
191 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
73 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
57 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
111 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,490 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Pass. Vol
105 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Cargo Vol
16 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
2
Owner complaints
223
Reported injuries
8

Feature availability

Which features come standard, cost extra, or are locked to a pricier trim arrives with the next data phase. Standard equipment shows here today.

Standard

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE39%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER11%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10%
  • POWER TRAIN6%
  • SERVICE BRAKES5%
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING4%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 323 total.

Kia Optima: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  • DP22003opened Sep 12, 2022ENGINE

    Loss of Motive Power

  • EA21003opened Dec 22, 2021ENGINE

    Engine Fires

  • EA19001opened Apr 19, 2019AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

    Electrical overstress

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.