Kia Optima Fourth Generation (2016-2020)
The fourth generation of Kia’s mainstream midsize sedan hit the North American market for the 2016 model year. Although it was a clean-sheet redesign, the 2016 Optima looked a lot like the version it replaced. Its steeply sloping rear roofline was beautiful but impacted rear-seat passenger space. The latest version of Kia’s tiger-nose corporate grille was pinched in the centre and filled with an interesting mesh pattern.
Underneath the slender sheet metal was a unibody structure that used more high-strength steel than the previous version, improving stiffness and enhancing safety. The wheelbase was stretched by 10 millimetres, and the width was up by 30 mm. A set of 16-inch wheels came standard, but options up to 18 inches were available. In Canada, three trim levels were offered: LX (with available LX+ and LX Eco Turbo packages), EX (with available EX Tech package), and SX (with available SXL package).
As before, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine was standard in LX and EX models and produced 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. A 2.0-litre turbocharged engine was again available and standard in SX models with a reduction in power at 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sent that power to the front wheels in both. New for 2016 was a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine equipped with the LX Eco Turbo package that produced 178 hp and 195 lb-ft and was mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The 1.6-litre engine offered the best fuel economy of those available for 2016 with Natural Resources Canada estimates of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 6.1 on the highway, and 7.4 combined. The base 2.4-litre consumed 9.4 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 8.1 combined. The powerful 2.0-litre turbo was still reasonably efficient at 10.9 L/100 km city, 7.4 highway, and 9.3 combined.
The 2016 Kia Optima offered a good amount of room inside. Our review referred to it as “an entry-level luxury car” and described the rear seat as “generous” and “expansive.” Trunk space measured 450 litres, which was 13 litres larger than the outgoing version.
Kia’s UVO touchscreen infotainment system was standard in the fourth-generation Optima. LX and EX models had a small 5-inch unit, and EX models could optionally be equipped with the largest 8-inch unit that was standard in the SX models. In a first for the brand, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported on models fitted with 8-inch screens. In addition to the touchscreen, a series of buttons on the steering wheel or certain voice commands could be used to control the infotainment tech. A six-speaker audio system was standard, but an upgraded Harman Kardon system with 10 speakers was available.
The 2016 Optima could optionally be equipped with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. A rearview camera was standard on all versions but the base LX, and the SXL package came with a surround-view camera system.
The 2016 Kia Optima earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with the top Good ratings in all crashworthiness tests. It also received the top five-star overall safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with matching five-star ratings in each of the NHTSA’s crash tests.
Early in 2016, Kia announced a new Optima Hybrid model for 2017. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine was paired with a 38-kW electric motor to produce 193 combined horsepower. A compact 1.62-kWh lithium-ion battery pack was located underneath the trunk floor. With NRCan-estimated ratings of 6.0 L/100 km city, 5.1 highway, and 5.6 combined, Kia claimed the fourth-generation Optima Hybrid was 10% more efficient than the outgoing version.
Also new for 2017 was a Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid model that also used a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. A 50-kW electric motor mounted inside the six-speed automatic transmission casing got power from a 9.8-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, which equated to a 60% increase in capacity over the old Optima PHEV and allowed the 2017 version to travel up to 47 kilometres on electricity. The onboard charger could use either 120- or 240-volt outlets, and the latter allowed for a recharge in less than three hours.
The LX Eco Turbo model was discontinued for 2018.
The Optima lineup was refreshed for the 2019 model year with revised styling, new wheels, and added driver assistance features, and the 8-inch infotainment screen became standard. For 2020, which would be the final year for the Optima nameplate, the Canadian line-up was pared down to two trims (EX and EX+) and the 2.0-litre turbo engine was unavailable. Kia introduced the K5 sedan as a replacement for the Optima starting in 2021.
According to CarGurus.ca used car pricing data, the average price for a fourth-generation Kia Optima ranged from around $6,000 to $20,000 at the time of writing. CarComplaints.com shows a lot more complaints for 2016 models than 2017 to 2020 Optimas, and J.D. Power similarly rates the 2018 to 2020 models higher for reliability than earlier ones.
Kia Optima Third Generation (2011-2015)
Kia introduced an all-new third-generation Optima in 2011 and with it set a new standard for classy exterior design. It was sleek and refined with an almost fastback roofline, flared wheel arches, and a bold front fascia highlighted by a grille that was pinched in the centre and flanked by projector headlamps. A set of 16-inch wheels was standard on LX models, while the EX got 17-inch alloy wheels and the EX Luxury package and top-level SX models wore 18-inch wheels. The latter also featured LED a body kit that included sport bumpers, a sport suspension, and a rear spoiler.
The 2011 Optima was 43 mm longer and sat on a wheelbase that was stretched 73 mm over the outgoing model. A stronger unibody chassis resulted in improved handling characteristics. A 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine was standard and sent 200 hp to the front wheels. A turbocharged 2.0-litre with 274 hp was optional. Base LX models came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but most versions were equipped with a six-speed automatic. Kia also introduced an Optima Hybrid in 2011 that paired a 2.4-litre engine with a single electric motor for a total of 206 hp.
Optima models powered by the base 2.4-litre engine in 2011 were rated by NRCan to deliver 10.0 L/100 km in the city, 7.0 on the highway (6.8 with the manual), and 8.6 combined. Turbocharged Optima models were rated at 10.5 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and 8.9 combined, while 2011 Optima Hybrid sedans consumed 6.9 L/100 km city, 6.2 highway, and 6.6 combined.
All 2011 Optima models came standard with heated front seats, a USB audio input jack and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Optima EX and SX models featured a 7-inch infotainment screen that ran UVO by Microsoft software. A power panoramic sunroof, leather seats, a memory driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were optional.
Dual front, side, and side curtain airbags were standard along with anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control. The IIHS awarded the 2011 Optima with a Top Safety Pick rating, and it received the top five-star overall safety rating from the U.S. NHTSA.
The Optima was refreshed for the 2014 model year with new styling front and rear. An all-new fourth-generation Optima replaced the third-generation version in 2016.
Average prices for used third-generation Optimas ranged from around $3,000 to $13,000 at the time of writing.
Unfortunately, third-generation Optima models had far more reliability issues than other years. Some of the problems — such as complete engine failures, excessive oil consumption, and engine knocking — are serious enough that buyers should consider skipping the 2011 to 2015 model years entirely. On the plus side, CarGurus.ca used pricing data suggests a reasonably good Optima from 2017 or 2018 can be found for less than $10,000.
Kia Optima (Magentis) Second Generation (2007-2010)
The second-generation Kia Magentis midsize sedan launched in 2007. As before, major components were shared with the Hyundai Sonata, but the two vehicles looked different. The new Magentis was larger, more stylish, and more refined than the model it replaced. Along with the Sonata, the new 2007 Magentis competed on nearly level ground with other contemporary midsize sedans including the Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry, while undercutting them on price.
The 2007 Magentis was offered in LX, LX V6, LX Premium, and LX V6 Luxury trim levels. A 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 162 hp and 164 lb-ft was offered with either manual or automatic transmissions, both with five speeds. Four-cylinder Magentis models were rated at 11.1 L/100 km city, 7.6 highway, and 9.5 combined with the automatic transmission and 0.1 L/100 km less in each measure with the manual. A 2.7-litre V6 engine was optional and produced 185 hp and 182 lb-ft, offered only with the five-speed automatic transmission. It received NRCan-estimated fuel consumption ratings of 12.0 L/100 km city, 8.5 highway, and 10.4 combined.
Anti-lock brakes and dual front and side curtain airbags were standard on 2007 Magentis models, but stability control and traction control were not. The IIHS crash tested a 2007 Kia Magentis (which was sold as the Kia Optima in the U.S.) and gave it Good ratings in the moderate overlap front test, an Acceptable rating in the side impact test, and a Marginal rating in the roof strength test. The car received the top five-star rating from the U.S. NHTSA in its frontal and side-impact crash tests.
The second-generation Magentis was updated for the 2009 model year with revised styling, and stability control and traction control were made standard. Both engines were upgraded with the 2.4-litre four-cylinder producing 175 hp and the 2.7-litre V6 194 hp. Two sportier trim lines, the SX and SX V6, were added for 2010, which would be the final model year for the second-generation Magentis.
CarComplaints.com shows relatively few complaints for Magentis models built between 2007 and 2010, but many were for serious issues. Online data suggests the 2007 and 2008 model years had more engine troubles than the updated 2009 and 2010 models, so it’s worth sticking to the latter. Either way, you’re not likely to find much selection as Magentis models are now a rare find on the Canadian used vehicle market. Any car you’re able to locate in decent condition should be priced below $5,000.
Kia Optima (Magentis) First Generation (2001-2006)
Though it was never sold in North America, Kia’s first midsize sedan was known as the Credos. The Magentis replaced the Credos in 2001 and was heavily based on the Hyundai Sonata. Both Korean sedans had to compete with popular midsize cars in North America including the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry, all of which sold in very high numbers.
To persuade buyers to consider a new car from an unknown brand, Kia equipped the first-generation Magentis with a generous list of standard features for the time including air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and variable wipers. Cruise control, remote keyless entry, a CD player, a moonroof, and a power driver’s seat were available.
A 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine came standard with the 2001 Magentis and produced 149 hp, while an optional 2.5-litre V6 produced 170 hp. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, and a four-speed automatic was optional.
Fuel economy for the four-cylinder and manual transmission came in at 12.5 L/100 km city, 9.1 highway, and 11.0 combined. The automatic increased those figures to 12.8 L/100 km city, 9.7 highway, and 11.4 combined. The V6 returned 12.8 L/100 km city, 9.7 highway, and 11.4 combined with the manual, or 13.8 city, 10.2 highway, and 12.2 combined with the automatic transmission.
Kia introduced a new 2.7-litre V6 engine in 2002. With ratings of 178 hp and 181 lb-ft, the new V6 was a solid upgrade over the old unit.
A facelift for the 2003 model year introduced a new front fascia with small round lights in addition to the normal headlamps and a new grille with bold vertical bars rounding out the front end. Additionally, the interior design was updated and the base LX model got more standard equipment including cruise control. Though the engine options carried over, their power outputs were revised to 138 hp for the four-cylinder and 170 hp for the V6.
Another new grille showed up for 2004, but the small round secondary lights remained. Kia made a few minor changes to the Magentis sedan in 2005 and 2006, and an all-new second-generation model was introduced for the 2007 model year.
The first-generation Kia Magentis was generally reliable. Common complaints focused more on the quality of trim pieces than engine or transmission failures. Still, Kia’s first midsize sedan for the North American market wasn’t quite as refined as the majority of its competitors.
The first-generation Magentis is now a very rare find on the Canadian used car market. When they appear, they should cost less than $5,000.
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