Used Kia Optima for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

How much does the Kia Optima cost in today's market?

Used Kia Optima prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Kia Optima's current nationwide average price is $10,304, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $10,296 over the past year. Recently, prices have come down for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Kia Optima a good car?

Yes — the Kia Optima earns strong marks from owners across the full lineup, with praise centered on its stylish design, comfort, smooth ride, and value. The all-generations owner rating is 4.6/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners also repeatedly highlight its great fuel efficiency and well-rounded everyday character, while many appreciate the roomy cabin and broad feature content. Expert reviews rate the 2019 and 2016 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs show up in some recent expert reviews, where acceleration can feel leisurely, lower trims can feel less richly equipped, and a few versions bring firmer ride tuning or some body motion when driven harder.

28.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Optima models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Kia Optima for its comfort, smooth ride, stylish design, and strong fuel economy. Expert reviews also reinforce its polished, well-rounded character and its appeal as a family sedan with broad everyday usefulness.

• Owners rate the Kia Optima between 4.18 and 4.89 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, the long-term ownership picture looks strongest when you choose a well-kept example with a clean history and a trim level that matches your needs.

What should I look for when buying a used Kia Optima?

Across all model years, at 53.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Kia’s advanced driving assistance systems include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking-assist sensors, and a driver-monitoring system.
• Infotainment: An 8-inch touchscreen with Your Voice (UVO) technology, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera.
• Fuel efficiency: The former returns 41 mpg in combined driving, and the latter gives you up to 28 miles of pure electric range before reverting to gas-electric hybrid operation.

Which Kia Optima trim should I buy?

The 2019 Kia Optima offers these trims:

• LX: The entry trim brings the 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a full suite of driver-assistance tech, making it the value-focused starting point.
• S: Adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, including 9-1-1 Connect emergency response, for a more connected daily drive.
• EX Turbo: Adds satellite radio and UVO eServices, including 9-1-1 Connect emergency response, along with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine for stronger response.
• SX Turbo: Adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, navigation, HD Radio, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, sport-tuned suspension, bigger front brakes, and a rack-mounted steering setup.
• SX Turbo with the Limited Package: Adds chrome accents, plush quilted Nappa premium leather, improved interior materials, and other luxury touches for shoppers who want the most upscale cabin.

What Kia Optima do most buyers choose?

The Kia Optima years with the most listings are 2019, 2018, and 2020.

These higher-volume years tend to draw more shoppers because they combine broad availability with strong deal percentages. That gives you more choices at the price points many used-car buyers are targeting.

What is the Kia Optima's resale value?

Most model years are down year over year, which creates better entry points for used buyers. The steepest declines are concentrated in the newer years, while the smaller drops suggest some older examples are moving more gradually. Overall, the pattern favors shoppers who want to buy after prices have already softened.

The 2016, 2014, and 2015 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Kia Optima safe?

• 2019: 9/10
• 2016: 10/10

Kia’s advanced driving assistance systems include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking-assist sensors, and a driver-monitoring system.

For the safest used buy, the 2016 model posts the highest confirmed score of 10/10.

Should I buy a used Kia Optima now?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2019 model is at −7.89% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −8.39%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 31.1% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 31.1%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2019 model has the most listings at a current average price of $11,893. The Kia Optima offers a roomy cabin that makes it easy to live with every day.

If you're buying used today, the 2019 model year offers the best mix of value and availability.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.