Automakers must always improve if they want to be competitive in today’s midsize car industry. Kia expects that the new Optima’s improvements would be welcomed by customers. Even if the competition is still fierce, the 2019 Kia Optima is ready to take on the task. The Optima not only proves to be a fantastic value but also offers a smooth street performance. Learn more about the new Optima and why it might be your best choice.
The 2019 Kia Optima has received some significant improvements from Kia. The updated UVO infotainment system for the sedan will undoubtedly catch the attention of many drivers. Its well-liked styling has also been updated.
In This Article...
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Kia OptimaThe Pros
A Fantastic Vehicle for the Money
In the class, the 2019 Kia Optima is likely the finest value. Prices begin at around $23,000. Priced at less than $32,000, even the more thrilling SX Turbo model is affordable. For a car that feels and looks more expensive than it actually is, this is a good price. The 100,000-mile powertrain guarantee from Kia adds to the Optima’s appeal. A competitive number of amenities are included as standard equipment, including a sophisticated safety package and Kia’s freshly revised UVO infotainment system.
2. Four-Cylinder Engines That Are Reasonably Efficient
The 2019 Kia Optima comes standard with a 185-horsepower engine. The vehicle has enough power for conducting daily errands thanks to it. On normal petrol, the combined fuel efficiency is 27 mpg. The 1.6T EX variant is the one to consider if you want greater efficiency. With a dual-clutch automatic transmission and a smaller turbocharged engine, this model can save the most fuel. You should expect to achieve a combined 31 mpg, according to the EPA ratings.
3. Athletic SX Model Provide More Fun
Check out the 2019 Kia Optima SX if the other trims don’t thrill you. The Optima lineup’s sportiest model is this one. It has a bigger turbocharged four-cylinder engine from Kia that produces 245 horsepower. Despite not being as speedy as the brand-new Honda Accord Touring, the Optima SX managed a respectable 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds. The SX variant feels more grounded on the road thanks to a suspension that has been modified for sports.
4. Calm, Secure Handling, and Composed Ride
A excellent alternative to the new Kia Stinger sports sedan is the 2019 Kia Optima. The Optima doesn’t feel as sporty, but it drives extremely steadily. In bends, a multi-link suspension improves stability. The Optima is a simple sedan to operate thanks in part to predictable steering. Good ride comfort is also provided. The Optima retains its smoothness while changing from one type of road surface to another.
5. Styling Continues to Improve
The majority of auto critics already thought the Optima had stunning appearance. The 2019 Kia Optima, however, offers an even more appealing exterior. The 2019 model bears a remarkable resemblance to the new Stinger sports sedan thanks to subtle stylistic changes. Although the base Optima LX is undoubtedly worthy of consideration, the S model’s svelte look is improved by the rear spoiler. The SX model, meanwhile, has 18-inch sport wheels and dual exhaust pipes.
6. Designed for Families
You won’t be unhappy with the Optima’s available space. The backseat can accommodate both tall and short passengers, just like the front seats can. The available four-way lumbar for the driver’s seat is another feature you’ll appreciate. Although the Optima is built for the daily grind, its comfy interior makes it an excellent choice for a lengthy road trip. The amount of storage is exceptional for a midsize vehicle.
7. Excellent Safety Score
The NHTSA awarded the 2019 Kia Optima a perfect score for overall safety. Additionally, the IIHS awarded it “Top Safety Pick+” certification. Even the Optima’s headlamps scored well for visibility at night. Furthermore, a standard safety kit is included with every trim in the lineup. Lane change assistance, forward collision warning, and driver attentiveness alert are all great features. There is an optional surround-view camera.
8. Best-In-Class Entertainment System
UVO infotainment system upgrades made by Kia are significant. The interface is currently among the best in its class. The touch screen’s quick response time and high-resolution images will appeal to you. Most importantly, using this infotainment system doesn’t need any mental effort. Accessing mobile apps should be simple once your smartphone is connected.
UVO Link 9.
Kia unveiled a new UVO connection feature this year. You can use your smartphone to operate some of the features of the vehicle. For instance, you can change the climate before you even get in the car. Drivers can remotely lock and unlock the doors using UVO link as well. It is simple to get roadside assistance.
Hotspot Wi-Fi 10.
One of the most desired things in the car industry today is Wi-Fi. Thankfully, the 2019 Kia Optima now features an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. Your family will always have a dependable internet connection. You won’t have to put up with the annoyance of looking for a Wi-Fi connection anymore.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Kia OptimaThe Cons
1. Lack of AWD
Even though Kia has made significant improvements to the Optima, an AWD system is still not available. The front-wheel-drive Optima is available in all trim levels. An AWD system would give you additional peace of mind when you go outside on a chilly day. Consider the 2019 Subaru Legacy and the 2019 Nissan Altima if you need a sedan to manage slick roads. These two family cars both come with all-wheel drive.
2. Might Provide Better Gas Mileage
The 2019 Kia Optima is not a wasteful vehicle. Nevertheless, it performs worse than its rivals in terms of fuel efficiency. Competitors with superior gas mileage include the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. The Accord can achieve up to 30 mpg in the city, compared to the new Camry’s up to 41 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.
3. Less Exciting to Drive Than Some Rivals
The new Optima is exciting to drive. This is especially true for the SX model’s sporty tuning. The Kia Optima is still not as exciting to drive as other competitors, though. The Camry XSE V6 and the Accord Touring are faster. The Optima is also unavailable with a manual transmission.
4. The Transmission on the EX 1.6T Trim Is Not Accurate
The EX 1.6T comes with a unique dual-clutch automatic transmission from Kia. It’s designed to encourage greater fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, the transmission’s sloppy shifts have been noted by test drivers. The transmission prevents you from maximizing the engine’s performance while starting from a stop.
5. Less Headroom in the Rear
The Kia Optima gives up some headroom, like other vehicles with a sleek roof. Tall passengers will undoubtedly notice the lower roof of the vehicle. Verify that your family and friends can fit comfortably in your new Kia Optima before making the purchase.
The 2019 Honda Accord competes against the redesigned Kia Optima. Even while the Accord has a stronger performance, its warranty is not quite as generous. Additionally, certain buyers of automobiles will favor the Optima’s dynamic appearance.
2019 Toyota Camry may perhaps be something you’re thinking about. You should still take a test drive in the Optima even if the Camry is arguably the greatest vehicle in its class. In the end, you could be won over by the Optima’s excellent value.
Keep in mind the 2019 Mazda 6, which is renowned for its lively driving. It maneuvers quite nicely. Your family will have more room to spread around in the Optima, though.
The Kia Optima for 2019 is an excellent vehicle. Although the Optima has many endearing features, many automobile buyers will be drawn in by its stylish appearance. The Optima’s total value, which has been enhanced with a standard safety suite, is something else you’ll adore. Upgrade to the sporty SX variant for extra enjoyment on the road.
The Optima has some drawbacks despite being a family car that is highly recommended. The Optima has less rear headroom than other rivals, in addition to getting worse gas mileage. Even though the EX 1.6T model would cost you less at the pump, certain drivers might not appreciate the transmission’s performance.
Are Kia Optimas dependable vehicles?
The anticipated reliability rating for the 2020 Kia Optima is 83 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.
Kia Optimas: Are they worth it?
The Kia Optima is well known for its excellent ride quality and responsive handling. Whether you intend to purchase a new or used Kia Optima, the cost is unquestionably justified. It will be affordable for you to maintain and is a dependable vehicle. It also sells well secondhand.
Kia Optima Engine Problems
Owners of Kia Optima vehicles are now fully aware of the vehicle’s engine issues. The Kia Optima has reportedly experienced serious engine production and failure troubles over the years, which may be the reason why its bearings are wearing out too quickly. Premature bearing wear and strain occasionally might result in uncontrollable engine seizing, raising the likelihood of causing an accident. In order to assist customers with the free repair or replacement of their Optima engines, Kia did issue a recall in 2017.
Faulty Starter
Numerous Kia Optima vehicles have a history of having issues starting. Numerous owners have complained that their engines would abruptly refuse to start at all with no indication of the cause or that there was ever a problem. Several owners were able to cure the problem by merely changing the battery and/or parking sensor, despite diagnostic diagnostics not clearly identifying the root cause of the engine issues.
Faulty Door Latch
One of the most significant problems with the Kia Optima is its broken door latch, which makes it very challenging to open the car doors from both inside and outside. A defective door latch assembly is the root of this problem. Often, all that is required to fix the issue is to replace the worn latch.
Faulty Throttle Position Switch (TPS)
The check engine light turning on, along with misfiring and power loss, are the key signs of a bad TPS. Owner reports indicate that this problem usually appears shortly after reaching the 100,000-mile mark. The relevant parts have been improved by Kia, which helps to address this problem.
Weak Alternator
The poor alternator issue with the Kia Optima ranks highly among the complaints about this vehicle. This problem typically manifests when the car has been running with heavy electrical loads, such as the driver running the AC, lights, and other systems simultaneously, which results in inadequate battery charging capacity and makes it challenging to start your automobile. Jump-starting batteries or changing the batteries has been said to help owners resolve problems. But over time, more owners came to encounter the same problem. To fix this issue, Kia has introduced a replacement alternator that owners can buy and install.
With a better understanding of the most typical Kia Optima issues, you should be able to decide whether or not this car is suited for you with more assurance. Fortunately, the majority of modern automobiles are dependable, so even while a specific vehicle may not be flawless, as long as you perform the prescribed maintenance, the vehicle you select should offer you few to no problems. Call (385) 497-6442 or stop by our South Jordan, Utah auto repair facility if you have any questions about a specific auto repair. We are eager to help you with all of your automotive needs!
Are Kia Optimas prone to breakdowns?
Kia has evolved from being a company that made low-quality vehicles out of subpar materials to one of the most dependable names on the market.
The Kia Optima is ranked eighth out of 24 midsize automobiles by RepairPal, placing Kia third overall in terms of reliability. The Optima receives a high reliability rating of 83 out of 100 from J.D. Power.
The Kia Optima is now one of the most economical options on the used car market, offering dependability, longevity, inexpensive maintenance, and standard safety features across all trim levels with the introduction of the K5, Kia’s flagship next-generation midsize sedan.
What drawbacks exist with Kia vehicles?
Kia may have improved in a number of areas, such as the electronic and hybrid market, but some of their models still fall short when it comes to safety. For instance, reviews of the Kia Seltos have been mostly negative due to the lack of safety features that are commensurate with the vehicle’s pricing.
Both hill hold and brake assist are absent. At the moment, features like an electric parking brake are rather widespread. The Kia Rio, which lacks adaptive cruise control, a review camera, and even blind-spot monitoring, is the same.
How durable are Kia engines?
People used to love to despise Kia as a brand. Although Kia is now known for producing high-quality cars like the Telluride, the South Korean carmaker has had a difficult past. You may have be aware that Kia has turned the corner and is now one of the most well-known brands on the international market.
There are undoubtedly plenty of Kia models available if you’re interested in purchasing one. However, some individuals may still remember Kia’s previous reputation for being unreliable, leading them to wonder: How long do Kias last?
In this article, we’ll examine the typical lifespan of Kia automobiles. How many miles should your Kia last? Is it a dependable, enduring brand? Which Kias have the longest lifespan and are the most dependable? These inquiries and others will be addressed.
How Far and Long Can You Drive a Kia?
What’s the real scoop on how long Kias last? Kia vehicles are predicted to last up to 200,000 kilometers when driven responsibly. Owners that provided their Kias with the necessary TLC report that they were able to get 200,000 to 250,000 miles out of them and keep them on the road for ten years or longer.
Of course, each driver’s experience with car longevity will be different (pardon the pun). Numerous elements, such as ownership maintenance and driving conditions, have an impact on longevity.
While the more modern Kia lines can clock 200,000+ miles on the odometer, the earlier Kias from around 20 years ago won’t win any medals for dependability.
These figures are competitive with brands like Honda and Toyota. For instance, Reader’s Digest claims that the Kia Rio subcompact sedan can reach 250,000 miles, while J.D. Power rates its dependability well.
You can always be sure that you got the greatest value possible since CoPilot scans your neighborhood and notifies you if there is a better deal on a comparable vehicle nearby. The best approach to purchase a car is through the CoPilot app.
Kias Reliability Ratings
The general reliability of a vehicle is one of the most important variables affecting its longevity. This raises the issue, are Kias trustworthy? How durable are Kias?
In a nutshell: Kia is a trustworthy company. Please, though, don’t take our word for it; instead, let us direct you to the professionals.
Kia has a reliability score that is above average. Although Kia first gained a reputation for being unreliable when it entered the American market, the South Korean manufacturer has since gotten its act together and is now one of the most dependable companies.
It currently ranks as the third most reliable car brand on the market with a RepairPal dependability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. Only Honda and Acura, two businesses renowned for their legendary dependability, can surpass Kia.
With a low yearly repair cost of $474 as opposed to the country’s average of $652 for all models, Kia also received top marks for cost of ownership. Kia vehicles stay on the road longer than many brands thanks to 0.2 times as many unscheduled maintenance visits per year and a 10% likelihood of significant repairs.
Which Kias are the Most Reliable?
Kia sells premium automobiles for reasonable pricing. Like many automakers, Kia has some models that are better engineered than others. A vehicle has a better probability of remaining on the road and traveling farther if it is more dependable. Some of the most dependable Kias that will last you a long time are listed below:
Kia Rio
As basic a mode of transportation as you can find is the Kia Rio. The Rio won’t blow anyone away, but it provides adequate comfort, usefulness, and acceptable fuel efficiency at a fair price. The base Rio models are quite basic, but the higher trims are fully equipped cars that do the job admirably.
The Kia Rio will last you for a very long time with the right care and maintenance thanks to the combination of Kia’s top-tier guarantee and excellent safety ratings. As previously noted, some Rio owners asserted that their tiny car had logged 250,000 miles.
A quick check of RepairPal reveals that the Rio ranks 6th out of 21 subcompact cars with a dependability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.
Until you use the CoPilot car shopping app, you won’t understand how out of date other car search applications are. CoPilot does the legwork for you by scanning through every listing in your region and smartly compiling a customized list of the best deals that fit your criteria.
Kia Soul
The boxy sheet metal Kia Soul is a big-hearted vehicle that usually draws attention. The Soul, however, is more than simply a quirky SUV since it has great utility, great fuel economy, and a ton of contemporary technology. Although many individuals find the base trim to be a little too basic, the Soul’s low price is undoubtedly its biggest selling point.
The Kia Soul requires proper care and maintenance, just like any other vehicle. The Soul may travel up to 200,000 miles and even more if you give it the proper care. The Soul will reward you with 1013 years of dependable service if you maintain your oil changes and dealership servicing.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage belongs in the classy subcompact SUV category. If you’re searching for a chic and versatile suburban SUV, the Sportage is a good choice. It’s not just one of the more visually appealing subcompact SUVs on the market; it’s also lavishly furnished with contemporary features and cutting-edge safety technologies. The Sportage is an SUV that will last even though it doesn’t have a powerful performance.
Again, assuming the Sportage is well-maintained, it should have no issue reaching 200,000 miles or more. Many Sportage owners with more over 200,000 miles on the odometer can be found if you visit some well-known automotive forums. Kia offers 5-year/60,000-mile standard and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties, so you can drive more miles with greater confidence.
According to RepairPal, the Sportage is ranked sixth out of 26 compact SUVs with a dependability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.
Make Your Kias Last
How durable are Kias? Actually, as the owner, it will also depend on you. It would be beneficial if you drove carefully and responsibly, in addition to adhering to your routine maintenance plan and taking care of repair concerns as soon as they arise.
You might not be particularly knowledgeable about your car’s brakes unless you’re a mechanic or a super-committed auto enthusiast. How much time do they usually last? How frequently should brakes be replaced? We have solutions.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The simplest way to purchase a car is using the CoPilot auto shopping app. You may create a customized list of the top car listings in your area by telling us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area.
Just seeking for more recent models? The search engine for virtually new vehicles is CoPilot Compare. only observe recentfive years or lessautos with little mileage. The greatest place to look for off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO vehicles is CoPilot Compare.
What’s best? We have more information on each vehicle than our rivals since CoPilot was developed using the same technologies that dealerships use to acquire and sell their inventories. Since CoPilot doesn’t partner with automakers, there aren’t any sponsored posts or other dubious tacticsjust the most information about the best vehicles. To learn more about CoPilot’s operation, see our About Us page.