Makes›Kia›Optima›2018

2018 Kia Optima

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Class: Midsize Cars
Body styles: Hybrid 4dr Sedan, LX/LX+/EX/LX Eco Turbo 4dr Sedan, PHEV 4dr Sedan, Sx/Sxl 4dr Sedan
Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower: 154–185 hp
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Seats: 5
Fuel: Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best): 42 combined · 39 city / 46 hwy
Length: 191.3 in
Curb weight: 3,225–3,792 lb
NHTSA rating: ★★★★★
Recalls: 3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 54% better than the average 2018 midsize car (27.2 MPG).
Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

Modest powerUp to 185 hp, versus about 245 hp for similar 2018 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Kia Optima is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,490 lb (Hybrid 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (39 city / 46 highway), 54% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,600 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 244 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2018

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Optima — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Optima →

Trims, performance & features

Engine185 hp2.4L 4-cyl

Engine154 hp2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid

Engine154 hp2.0L 4-cyl hybrid

Transmission6-speed automatic

DriveFWD

Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

LXEXPHEV EXPremium

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingOptional

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard

Forward collision warningOptional

Blind-spot monitoringSome trims

Lane departure warningOptional

Adaptive cruise controlOptional

Parking assistSome trims

Backup cameraStandard

Automatic high beamsStandard

Adaptive driving beamOptional

Keyless startStandard

Built in: Hwasung, South Korea

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Optima configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

Body	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Track F / R	Curb weight	Weight F/R
Hybrid 4dr Sedan	191.3 in	73.2 in	57.5 in	110.6 in	62.2 / 63 in	3,490 lb	61/39
LX/LX+/EX/LX Eco Turbo 4dr Sedan	191.3 in	73.2 in	57.9 in	110.6 in	62.2 / 63 in	3,225 lb	61/39
PHEV 4dr Sedan	191.3 in	73.2 in	57.5 in	110.6 in	62.2 / 63 in	3,792 lb	61/39
Sx/Sxl 4dr Sedan	191.3 in	73.2 in	57.9 in	110.6 in	62.2 / 63 in	3,594 lb	61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

Version	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City / Hwy / Comb	vs. class	Fuel / yr	CO₂ g/mi
Optima Hybrid Hybrid	2.0L 4-cyl	Automatic (AM6)	Front-Wheel Drive	39 / 46 / 42	+54%	$1,600	212
Optima Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid	2.0L 4-cyl	Automatic (AM6)	Front-Wheel Drive	38 / 43 / 40	+47%	$1,700	97
Optima	1.6L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic (AM7)	Front-Wheel Drive	28 / 37 / 31	+34%	$2,150	286
Optima FE	2.4L 4-cyl	Automatic (S6)	Front-Wheel Drive	25 / 36 / 29	+26%	$2,300	310
Optima	2.4L 4-cyl	Automatic (S6)	Front-Wheel Drive	24 / 34 / 28	+21%	$2,400	321
Optima S	2.4L 4-cyl	Automatic (S6)	Front-Wheel Drive	23 / 32 / 26	+13%	$2,600	340
Optima	2.0L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic (S6)	Front-Wheel Drive	22 / 31 / 25	+8%	$2,700	360

10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)

10/10EPA greenhouse gas score

Save $6,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

27.2 MPG2018 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

Version	Overall	Frontal	Driver / passenger	Side	Side pole	Rollover	Rollover risk
2018 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD	★★★★★	★★★★★	5★ / 4★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	9.8%

StandardElectronic stability control

OptionalForward collision warning

OptionalLane departure warning

Frontal crash test — 2018 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Side crash test — 2018 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 midsize cars

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2018 Kia Optima (this car)	42 MPG	★★★★★	3
2018 Toyota Corolla	34 MPG	★★★★★	3
2018 Honda Accord	47 MPG	Not rated	6
2018 Chevrolet Impala	25 MPG	★★★★★	1
2018 Toyota Camry	52 MPG	★★★★★	8
2018 Nissan GT-R	18 MPG	Not rated	0
2018 Mazda 3	32 MPG	Not rated	0

Recalls (3)

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch · Aug 24, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V594000 · 319,436 vehicles

Problem: 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."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.

Engine · Oct 29, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V844000 · 10,731 vehicles

Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.

Hybrid Propulsion System · Mar 8, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V161000 · 1,710 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Kia Optima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

244Complaints to NHTSA since 2015

10Involved a crash

10Involved a fire

9Injuries reported

42,100 miTypical mileage at failure

Engine138

Unknown Or Other41

Electrical System34

Power Train21

Service Brakes17

Fuel/Propulsion System14

Steering13

Exterior Lighting13

Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Kia Optima buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
Engine — 138 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
Power Train — 21 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 42,100 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Optima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Optima years

Compare all years →

Year	MPG (best)	Length	Overall	Recalls	Complaints
2020 Optima	42	191.3 in	★★★★★	0	153
2019 Optima	41	191.3 in	★★★★★	1	213
2017 Optima	42	191.3 in	★★★★★	4	306
2016 Optima	37	191.3 in	★★★★★	5	764
2015 Optima	37	190.6 in	★★★★★	4	1,020
2014 Optima	37	190.6 in	★★★★★	7	580
2013 Optima	37	190.6 in	Not rated	10	1,352
2012 Optima	36	190.6 in	Not rated	6	917
2011 Optima	36	–	Not rated	6	544
2010 Optima	25	–	Not rated	1	41
2009 Optima	25	–	Not rated	1	55
2008 Optima	25	–	Not rated	3	60

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →