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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Kia Optima

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Overview

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2012 Kia Optima Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.9

The 2012 Kia Optima sedan proves no matter what your past reputation in the market, if you build a superior product filled with features consumers want and wrap it in skin so sexy it smokes every other family sedan on the market, people will buy your car. Once a hardly noticed 4-door sedan, the 2012 Kia Optima now has customers lining up to get behind the wheel. Beyond its sinister good looks and impressive price point, the 2012 Kia Optima family sedan delivers good figures in the area of resale, fuel economy and safety. Covering all the bases, Kia builds a wide range of Optimas including a base model, a luxury model, a high-performance turbo model and even a hybrid. With the 2012 Kia Optima sedan, Kia has left no stone unturned and no competitor a safe place to hide.

You'll Like This Car If...

Beyond its stunning good looks, the 2012 Kia Optima sedan offers features and equipment unavailable even on some premium luxury cars, all at a price that undercuts the competition by a wide margin. Backing up the 2012 Kia Optima is a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Although the 2012 Kia Optima sedan holds better 5-year residual values than any Optima before it, those numbers still are not as strong as the values held by the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and even the Optima's sister car, the Hyundai Sonata.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.9
Driving Dynamics

7.6
Comfort & Convenience

7.2
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.6
Value

8.2
Safety

10.0

How It Ranks

#12

out of 29

MPG

#1

out of 29

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Kia Optima sedan receives a number of improvements and feature upgrades. Foglights and heated side mirrors are added to the standard-equipment list, while the LX trim receives automatic headlights. The Premium package, available on the EX, EX Turbo and SX, gains an 8-speaker Infinity audio system, Kia's UVO voice-activated infotainment system, and power-folding mirrors. HD Radio and power-folding mirrors are added to the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid's Premium and Technology package.

Driving the Optima

Driving Impressions After driving the 2012 Kia Optima sedan we came away rather impressed by both the car's driving dynamics and its 2.4-liter 4-cyinder engine. Confident cornering aided by a nicely weighted...

steering wheel gave us the permission to push the Optima hard, and the electronic traction and stability controls always intervened to save us when we pushed a bit too hard. The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine develops an impressive 200 horsepower. This gasoline direct-injection engine is smooth, powerful and able to cruise 35 highway miles on a single gallon of gasoline (24 miles in city driving). Whether it was passing slow-moving traffic or climbing steep grades, the 2012 Kia Optima's 4-cylinder engine never failed to impress us. Of course, there is a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine for those who crave more power. Equally as smooth and quiet as the 2.4-liter engine, the 2.0T pumps out 274 horsepower and is mated to a 6-speed Sportmatic manually shifting automatic transmission. Fuel-economy fans will likely flock to the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid sedan that earns an estimated 35 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

Favorite Features

Exterior Styling
The 2012 Kia Optima sedan is one of the sportiest, most stylish midsize sedans out there. We'd even put it up against the styling of some $40,000 European luxury brands.

Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine
Who needs a V6 anyway? This 4-cylinder engine has 274 horsepower and an EPA highway estimate of 34 mpg.

2012 Kia Optima Details

2012 Kia Optima Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

With a clear nod to Saab dash design, the Kia engineers have created an instrument panel that is quite frankly a refreshing change from the ubiquitous hooded gauge cluster and center-stacked audio- and ventilation-control layout. On upper-end EX and SX trims, customers can opt for such extravagant features as a dual-panel moonroof, heated and cooling front seats, heated rear seats and a voice-activated navigation and infotainment system similar to Ford's SYNC. While we love the look of the 2012 Kia Optima sedan's interior, some of the plastic on the dash and steering wheel still lack the quality look and feel found in Honda, Mazda and even some GM and Ford products. The front seats are pretty comfortable for tall folks, but the Optima's sharply raked rear roofline may cause some headroom issues for the rear-seat passengers.

Exterior

Looking a bit like something from the sci-fi movie Tron, the 2012 Kia Optima is a bold and original piece of work from the ground up. From its cross-hatch front grille and long sweptback headlight housing, to the weather-vane-style wheels on the SX trim, the Optima looks like it's going fast even when it's parked. There is a duality about the 2012 Kia Optima sedan, speaking to both luxury and performance all while masking its true nature to serve duty as a humble family sedan. Even base trims offer such nice features as heated side mirrors, chrome door handle inserts and 16-inch wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Every 2012 Kia Optima sedan 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 2012 Kia Optima sedan 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 includes 16-inch steel wheels and a 6-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, UVO infotainment voice-active system and rearview camera. In addition to a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the top-of-the-line 2012 Kia Optima SX offers a lightly sport-tuned suspension and more aggressive styling cues. The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid features lightweight wheels in your choice of standard 16-inch or sporty 17-inch casting, as well as the EcoMinder LCD panel with graphics and lighting that change to show when the car is achieving maximum fuel economy.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Kia Optima sedan doesn't offer the option of a V6, and why should it. The standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is nearly as powerful as some V6 engines and gets far better fuel economy. The Optima's 2.4-liter engine boasts more power and better fuel economy than other 4-cylinder cars in the category, too. Those wanting more power can opt for a turbocharged 2.0 liter (EX Turbo and SX trims only). Both engines are offered with a 6-speed automatic, while the base trim (LX) offers a 6-speed manual. The Optima Hybrid uses the 2.4-liter engine mated to a 40-horsepower electric motor for a combined output of 206 horsepower.

2.4-liter in-line 4
200 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
186 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/35

2.0-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged
274 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/34

2.4-liter in-line 4 Hybrid
166 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
40 horsepower @ 1,400-6,000 rpm (electric motor)
154 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
152 lb-ft of torque @ 0-1,400 rpm (electric motor)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 35/40

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Kia Optima sedan starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of under $20,500 and stretches past $32,000 when fully loaded. The 2012 Optima Hybrid starts just under $27,500. Feature for feature, the 2012 Kia Optima sedan offers more for the money than competitors like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion. As for resale value, we expect the new redesigned Optima to hold its value better than the Ford Focus, Dodge Avenger and Chevy Malibu, but not on par with segment standouts like Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

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2012 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 158 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.4/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.6/10

My Won't Let Me

By My Wife's Car (KY) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Kids and Wife Love it"

Cons: "Should have ordered the sun roof"

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

"I got to drive the car on the test drive, now my wife has hidden my keys.... We get looks and likes all the time, great pick up and smooth ride, price was good too. Going to steal her keys while she is sleeping just to get a chance to drive it."

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Love my SX turbo

By ryan2714 (PA) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,500

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, 8 speaker audio, turbo"

Cons: "bluetooth tech, inaccurate MPG info"

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

"I've had this car for about 4 months now and I love the car. Expensive for a Kia but not expensive for what you get. Car is fully loaded bluetooth, nav, 8 speaker audio, turbo, leather, on and on the stuff that packed in there. I don't regret my purchase at all and would buy again. The only thing I don't like about this car is the fact that the nav system takes UVO and HD radio out of the car and leaves a very basic and very limited tech/bluetooth functionality. No memory, artist, song, etc info streaming via bluetooth. Another thing is the USB port doesn't charge my iPhone 5, your retricted to the Kia iPod dongle accessory to enable it to charge. No way to scroll through playlists on iPhone/iPod. I'm a tech person so these are my views on the short comings of the car, for most people this stuff isn't imperative or important."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I love this car!!!!

By shockwave_13 (CA) on Friday, April 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000

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: "Quick and powerful"

Cons: "Middle seat in back is not comfortable."

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

"I bought this car based on Kia's old history of being disposable. I became quite impressed with its handling, quick get up and go, and amazing highway mileage. I have had this car for 8 months and 22,000 miles. I drive 160 miles a day as a commute and it has never let me down. The The power seat is amazing even my wife likes driving it. Will buy the next generation when it comes out!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great car - wish I had purchased instead of leased

By Kia Lease (SC) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "just overall great car"

Cons: "not much"

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

"I love this car. I've had it about 15 months now. I have the turbo with everything except navigation. iPhone covers that for me and on the car since there is bluetooth. It looks great and complete stangers approach me about it. I have the spicy red and love the color. I'm heavy on the gas, but still get 32-34 mpg on the highway and about 25 in the city. I'm actually trying to decide whether to buy out the lease (wonders of wonders even without a down for the lease the buy-out is less than current market value. I had a Cadillac STS a few years back with the same features. I like this car so much better. Maybe its the $25,000 less on the pricetag."

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I Love My Optima

By BeansRER (TN) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,800

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: "Feels like I am driving a Luxury Sedan. Styling"

Cons: "Do Not Buy Pre-paid Maintenance Program!"

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

"I am 67yo and this is beyond a doubt the best car I have ever owned. For a 4 cyl the GDI (gas direct inject) sure gives it the pickup. Sitting the driver's seat, it feels and acts like I am driving a luxery sedan. 22,800 miles and absolutely no problems with it. However, I strongly advise that a buyer not purchase the pre-paid maintenance program. If you move, not all dealers honor them without a hastle, and Hyundia/Kia will not stand behind them. You are on your own. May not buy this brand again because of the money I wasted on it."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Love the car would not do anything different

By DJ (ND) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 700

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Lot of features, excellent styling, affordable"

Cons: "None worth walking away from it for"

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

"I have been putting off buying a new car for some time and like to research. I finally decided to take the plunge after looking at about 12 different cars. My dad bought a 2011 ex turbo a couple of years ago and loves it never a problem and nothing but looks of envy from people trying to figure out what it was and surprise when learning it was a Kia. I bought a 2013 ex with premium package and absolutely love it. While I have driven his turbo on numerous occasions I have found that the 2.4 ltr has more than enough power for most people myself included, as a matter of fact there have been a couple of times when I punched it on the interstate to pass a semi and looked down only to realize I was pushing 100 and believe me you could not tell unless you looked at the speedometer because the car itself is smooth and quiet. The features on the car are nice and easy to use I have the UVO system and find it to be handy especially when driving in heavy traffic. If there was any feedback that I would give it would be that with UVO you do not get navigation and in order to access and store music onto the hard drive you must put it into a special format. Believe me this is not a reason to not get this car because in one word it is "awesome""

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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