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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Kia Optima

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Overview

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2013 Kia Optima Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.8

The famous automotive leader Bob Lutz once said it costs as much to build an ugly car as it does a beautiful one. In the 2013 Kia Optima sedan, Mr. Lutz's words have been proven spot on. Costing no more than a comparably-equipped Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, the Optima for 2013 outshines its competition with stunning good looks, compact car-like fuel economy, a great warranty and ever-improving resale figures. Add to the mix a panoramic sunroof and heated and cooling seats, and the Optima might appear to be the bargain of the century. Models range from the well-equipped entry LX to the luxurious EX to the fuel-efficient Hybrid. There's even a high-performance turbo model that will shame some premium brands costing tens of thousands more.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a fuel-efficient family sedan that isn't easily lost in a crowded parking lot, the 2013 Kia Optima is it. Combining stunning styling with an affordable price and an unbeatable warranty, the 2013 Kia Optima goes beyond the basic family sedan in features, performance and resale value.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2013 Kia Optima's styling may be a bit too over-the-top for some, and its sloping rear roof severely cuts into rear-seat headroom. Also, some of the Optima's interior plastics still look and feel a bit hard.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.8
Driving Dynamics

7.5
Comfort & Convenience

7.1
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.5
Value

8.1
Safety

9.9

How It Ranks

#8

out of 21

MPG

#2

out of 21

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

For 2013, Kia has added a Limited model to the SX trim than includes Nappa leather seating, LED daytime running lights, red brake calipers and 18-inch chrome wheels. The manual transmission on the LX trim has been dropped, as has the turbo version of the EX.

Driving the Optima

Driving Impressions After just a short time behind the wheel of the 2013 Kia Optima, we came away impressed, both by the car's driving dynamics and its 2.4-liter 4-cyinder engine. Confident cornering...

aided by nicely-weighted steering encouraged us to push the Optima sedan hard, and the electronic traction and stability controls always intervened 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 deliver 35 highway miles on a single gallon of gasoline. Whether it was passing slow-moving traffic or climbing steep grades, the 2013 Kia Optima's 4-cylinder engine never failed to impress us. There is also a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine for those who crave more power. Equally as smooth and quiet as the 2.4-liter engine, the 2.0 turbo pumps out 274 horsepower, but is mated to the same 6-speed Sportmatic manually-shifting automatic transmission.

Favorite Features

EXTERIOR STYLING
The 2013 Kia Optima sedan is one of the sportiest, most stylish mid-size 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 four-cylinder engine has 274 horsepower and an EPA highway estimate of 34 mpg.

2013 Kia Optima Details

2013 Kia Optima Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

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 2013 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 Kia's 2013 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 likes it's going fast even when it's parked. There is a duality about the Optima sedan for 2013, 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 2013 Kia Optima family 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 Optima has 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 automatic transmission.

Optional Equipment

Optional equipment highlights include a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, Nappa leather seating, 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 2013 Kia Optima SX and SX Limited models offer a lightly sport-tuned suspension and more aggressive styling cues. The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid features lightweight wheels in your choice of standard 16-inch or sporty 17-inchers, 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 2013 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. In fact, it has more power and better fuel economy than many other 4-cylinder cars in the category, as well. Those wanting more power can opt for the turbocharged 2.0 liter (SX trims only). Only one transmission is offered: A 6-speed Sportronic automatic with manual-shift mode. 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 inline-4 (LX and EX trims)
200 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
192 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle)
186 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
181 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/35 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (SX and SX Limited)
274 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/34 mpg

2.4-liter hybrid inline-4 + electric motor/generator (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 mpg

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Kia Optima sedan starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of under $22,000 and stretches past $35,000 when fully loaded. The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid starts around $28,000. Feature for feature, the 2013 Kia Optima sedan offers more for the money than the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion. Before heading to your local Kia dealer, be sure and check our Fair Purchase Price to see what the 2013 Optima is selling for in your area. As for resale value, we expect the newly- redesigned Optima to hold its value better than the Ford Focus, Dodge Avenger and Chevy Malibu, and to be only a few percentage points shy of the segment-leading Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

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2013 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 161 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

Great vehicle for the price!

By Georgie (MO) on Monday, June 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,301

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 6/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"-Great strong engine -Suspension and damping is really sporty and handles great. However, it can be tough and rough. -Front seats are not confortable. Really hard and sporty. - Overall great , fast-enough car, that can carry you and your family in style."

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My friends can't believe that it's a KIA!

By DwayneDaTub (OK) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

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

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great price, Awesome styling, Fun to drive"

Cons: "A little twitchy ride over bumps, bad blind spots"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought my Corsa Blue Kia Optima SX in October of 2012. Ever since it has been almost 14,000 miles of uninterrupted bliss. This car is awesome! It loves highway road trips. It eats them up coddling you in heated or cooled seats, listening to the booming Infinity audio system, and soaking in the stars through your huge two pane panoramic moonroof. It easily cruises at 70mph, passing slower traffic with ease, and returning a pretty good 31+ MPG. If you are looking for fun and practical this is your car. In terms of value, this thing has options on it that some Lexus and BMW models at twice the price don't even offer. And, the style knocks it out of the ball park! Everyday I get at least one compliment on it. It really draws eyes even at gas pumps and drive thru's. My friends can't believe that it's actually a KIA!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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One of the best cars I have ever owned.

By WD (NC) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

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: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great sedan; economical yet sporty; good looking."

Cons: "Rear visibility poor as on most newer sedans."

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

"My Kia Optima, 2011 EX, has exceeded my expectations: Better than expected gas mileage on trips (35mpg in eco mode); more power and excelleration; very comfortable with heated/cooled seats. Even has a heated steering wheel for gloveless winter driving. You can cool a coke in glovebox. Trunk is very spacious and back seats fold for carry lumber etc. I compared it to Accord and Camry and chose the Kia Optima and not just because it cost less than either of those."

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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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."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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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."

5 people out of 7 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!"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 161 reviews