MPG by Model

MakesKiaOptima

Kia Optima MPG

Its best-rated version reaches 42 MPG combined in 2017–2018 and 2020, the hybrid Optima Hybrid. Its weakest year peaked at 21 MPG (2001–2002).

Kia Optima: best and lowest EPA combined MPG of its versions, model years 2001–202015202530354045MPG200220112001200520102015202042 MPG peaklowest peak 21Kia Optima: best and lowest EPA combined MPG by model year15202530354045MPG2001200420062008201020122014201620182020
lowest to best versionbest versionbest version is a hybridmedian of its classengine list turned over
357.1 gal

a year at 15,000 miles for the best 2020 version, the Optima Hybrid. Put it next to its 2001 predecessor, at your own mileage.

Compare in gallons

The Kia Optima has EPA ratings for 20 model years, 2001–2020, every one of them among midsize cars. Its best version ranked second (tied) of 30 large cars in 2016, behind the class leader, the Ford C-MAX, and it placed in its class top five in nine model years.

The first plug-in hybrid version of the Optima arrived in 2017, when 14 of 186 cars offered one. From 2001 to 2020 its best rating went from 21 to 42 MPG, the fifth largest gain among 288 cars rated for eight or more years.

Among 55 midsize cars, 2020

The Optima placed eighth (tied). The class leader was the Toyota Prius at 56 MPG. The next higher rating, 44 MPG, is shared by two nameplates.

Best EPA combined MPG of each of the 55 midsize cars rated for 202020304050Optima 42median 28PriusBest EPA combined MPG of each of the 55 midsize cars rated for 202020304050Optima 42median 28

The Optima, five years at a time

Average rating of its best version per span, placed among midsize cars.

1999–0313th of 45
2004–0811th of 44
2009–13seventh of 46
2014–18tenth of 53

Where the engine list turned over

  • 2002

    New: 2.7-liter 6-cylinder. Best rating 21 → 21 MPG.

  • 2011

    New: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder hybrid. Best rating 25 → 36 MPG.

Powertrains under the name

  • Gasoline

    Rated in 2001–2020.

  • Hybrid

    Rated in 2011–2020.

  • Plug-in hybrid

    Rated in 2017–2020.

All 20 model years, best and lowest version
Model yearsBest versionCombinedCity / hwyLowest versionVersions
2020Optima Hybrid hybrid4240 / 45246
2019Optima Hybrid hybrid4139 / 45246
2018Optima Hybrid hybrid4239 / 46257
2017Optima Hybrid hybrid4239 / 46256
2016Optima Hybrid hybrid3735 / 38257
2014–2015Optima Hybrid hybrid3735 / 38244
2013Optima Hybrid hybrid3735 / 38265
2011–2012Optima Hybrid hybrid3634 / 38264
2009–2010Optima2522 / 32233
2007–2008Optima2521 / 31233
2006Optima (2006 New Model)2521 / 31216
2005Optima2320 / 28214
2003–2004Optima2320 / 27214
2002Optima2119 / 26184
2001Optima2119 / 26194

Version names in the EPA list: Optima, Optima (2006 New Model), Optima FE, Optima Hybrid, Optima Hybrid EX, Optima Plug-in Hybrid, Optima S.

Same class, 2020

Read next: How much more a hybrid version is rated · How to read this page