why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Kia Optima

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 8 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Kia Optima

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Kia Optima Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.8

If midsize sedans were contestants on a dating show, the previous-generation Kia Optima would have been among the first would-be suitors kicked off. Bland to behold inside and out, and generally uncompetitive in every category but average selling price, the old Optima was easy to overlook. But things have changed in a big way for the 2011 model year. The Kia Optima is now one of the most stylish, most amenity-laden midsize sedans available, and qualifies as a viable, attractive alternative to the segment's heaviest hitters.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2011 Kia Optima backs up its standout styling with driving dynamics and an equipment list that outclass most of its competitors'. And price is still a strong suit.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Kia resale values are improving at a rapid rate, but the 2011 Kia Optima isn't predicted to prove as resilient as stalwarts like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

What's New for 2011

The 2011 Kia Optima is as all-new as it gets, offering sharper interior and exterior styling, new engine options (including a turbocharged variant) and new tech-savvy features

Driving the Optima

Driving Impressions We were impressed with the 2011 Kia Optima's balance of sport and comfort. Smooth and quiet on the highway, the Optima also corners as confidently as most anything you'll find...

in the category. We were only able to drive the EX trim level with the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine, but it did not disappoint. The engine was responsive and very smooth with more than enough power for passing and going up steep hills; its fuel-sipping qualities are an added plus. On the inside, the seats remained comfortable over long stretches, and the driver-centric dash was a welcome arrangement for making climate/audio adjustments on the fly.

Favorite Features

Exterior Styling
If the 2011 Kia Optima isn't the sportiest, most stylish midsize sedan out there, it's pretty close.

Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine
Who needs a V6 anyway? This four-cylinder has 274-horspower and an EPA highway estimate of 34 mpg.

2011 Kia Optima Details

Interior

The interior of the 2011 Kia Optima takes a different approach than other cars in the segment as its driver-focused center stack gives a cockpit-like feel. Leather touches abound - on leather-equipped models - and we appreciated the soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels. Taller passengers might take issue with the Optima's rear headroom.

Exterior

We call it "futuristically bold," but most would call just plain "different." From the cross-hatch front grille sandwiched between wrap-around headlights to the sweeping chrome arc that extends back to the sleekly styled rear end, the car exudes a luxurious feel that makes it look more expensive than it is. What makes it more interesting is the high beltline and sloping roofline that give the car a sporty profile. Depending on the trim, the Optima is equipped with a choice of 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Every 2011 Kia Optima offers Bluetooth phone connectivity, iPod/USB audio connectivity, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a cooling glove box that keeps drinks chilled. As for safety, the Optima comes with an impressive array of features including six airbags and electronic stability control. Like other base-priced models in its class, the entry-level Optima comes with 16-inch steel wheels and six-speed manual transmission.

Optional Equipment

Optional equipment highlights include a panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, Infinity sound system, touch-screen navigation system and back-up camera. In addition to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the top-of-the-line 2011 Kia Optima SX offers a lightly sport-tuned suspension and more aggressive styling cues.

Under the Hood

Offering more horsepower than the previous-generation Optima's V6 – and far better fuel economy – the new 2.4-liter engine is a welcome addition. It boasts more power and better fuel-economy than other cars in the category, while those wanting more power can opt for a turbocharged 2.0-liter (EX Turbo and SX trims only). Both engines are offered with a six-speed automatic, while the base-trim (LX) offers a six-speed manual.

2.4-liter in-line four cylinder
200 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
186 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/35 (manual), 24/34 (automatic)

2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder
274 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
269 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1750 - 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/34

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Kia Optima vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 166 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.4/10

Quality

9.3/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.6/10

Amazing style and comfort,drives beautifully

By Julie (MD) on Tuesday, July 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive"

Cons: "More bells and whistles then a lexus"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have always owned high end cars,Lexus,Mercedes,even this car can compete, luxury style and amazing comfort oh and not to mention Great Gas milage absolutely amazing gas milage"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Best kept secret in luxury

By Aviators (MO) on Sunday, July 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Drives like a sport car with luxuriousness"

Cons: "Zero in my world."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

""Don't buy a KIA." I heard that over and over. How wrong "they" are. This car has all the qualities of the best sport sedans in 2013. The body is what originally caught my eye. Once you look into all the design and convenience additions, you will agree the car is worth the rating it has been given -- especially for the price. If you are looking for a weakness, then you will notice the curve in the back passenger seating room for taller guests."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Excellent value

By MRu (CA) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "The best bang for your buck"

Cons: "The cloth part of seat very difficult to clean."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My Kia came as a complete surprise this car is not only sleek looking but is packed with power with its turbo engine and drives as well as any luxury mid size if not better."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Quick note..

By blondee (IN) on Thursday, July 11, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: accident - My approximate mileage is 26,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I was just in an accident in this vehicle. The car ended up being a total loss.. Luckily, We had I think 10 air bags go off just in the front seat.. Thank God for the craftsmanship of this vehicle! We walked away with scratches!! It could have been really bad!!"

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Love it. Great looking. Drives like a dream.

By Nanner (MO) on Thursday, July 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 38,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great all round!"

Cons: "Could use more leg room in back"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Gets great mileage. Roomy trunk. Beautiful wheels. Comfortable and I am a big woman. Love the roof, bluetooth, controls on steering wheel is great but audiio control of radio and phone is really convenient and much safer. Just a good car. Mine is a turbo and it does have a lot of power. It claims 34 highway and I only get about 28 driving back and forth to work, but on vacation when we drove about 3200 miles, we were actually getting 39! Very pleased. And we hit a big deer going 70 mph on the highway. The front was crumpled but Nobody was hurt. Drove it home."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Amazing Teen Car

By OptimaPrime (FL) on Saturday, June 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "Nothing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I'm 20yrs old, this is my first new car and i did a full check out of all the new cars on the market, I adore this car, so much space and cool specs make this either a great family car or grad gift. I wouldnt give up my Optima for anything...unless it was maybe a newer One."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse