Cars · Top 10
Best Kia Optima and K5 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
Direct answer
The 2020 Kia Optima is the best Optima or K5 model year, with the 2017 Optima Hybrid at #2 and the 2019 Optima at #3. The 2020 earns 5 NHTSA stars overall, 27 mpg combined and 0 NHTSA recall campaigns; the 2017 Hybrid is rated 42 mpg combined.
At a glance
| # | Pick | EPA combined MPG | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2020 Kia Optima (JF) | 27 mpg combined (24 city, 32 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want an Optima with no NHTSA recalls listed |
| 2 | 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid (JF) | 42 mpg combined (39 city, 46 highway) with the 2.0 L hybrid (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Commuters who want the best fuel economy on this list |
| 3 | 2019 Kia Optima (JF) | 27 mpg combined (24 city, 33 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want standard collision and lane warnings in a late JF |
| 4 | 2022 Kia K5 (DL3) | 31 mpg combined (27 city, 37 highway) with the 1.6 L turbo (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the modern K5 body with standard driver aids |
| 5 | 2021 Kia K5 (DL3) | 31 mpg combined (27 city, 37 highway) with the 1.6 L turbo (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the first K5 at the lowest K5 age |
| 6 | 2018 Kia Optima (JF) | 28 mpg combined (24 city, 34 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want a JF with 28 mpg and 5 stars |
| 7 | 2016 Kia Optima (JF) | 28 mpg combined (24 city, 34 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the first year of the JF body |
| 8 | 2015 Kia Optima (TF) | 26 mpg combined (23 city, 33 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the last and most updated TF |
| 9 | 2013 Kia Optima (TF) | 27 mpg combined (24 city, 34 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers shopping a TF who will check recall work |
| 10 | 2011 Kia Optima (TF) | 27 mpg combined (23 city, 33 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the oldest and first TF |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2020 Kia Optima (JF)
Best fuel economy
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid (JF)
Best modern K5
2022 Kia K5 (DL3)
Best older TF
2015 Kia Optima (TF)
Most recalls to check
2013 Kia Optima (TF)
The ranking
1
2020 Kia Optima (JF)
Photo: SsmIntrigue / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cleanest recall record of the group.
EPA combined MPG: 27 mpg combined (24 city, 32 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: 5 stars overall; 5 front, 5 side and 5 rollover; forward collision warning and lane departure warning are standardNHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed for the 2020 OptimaGeneration: Fourth generation (JF); in June 2020 Kia unveiled the US-market K5, renaming the car from the Optima, so 2020 is the last Optima model year
The 2020 Optima is the last Optima before the K5 rename: 5 NHTSA stars overall, 27 mpg combined with the 2.4 L four and 0 recall campaigns listed.
Go ifBuyers who want an Optima with no NHTSA recalls listed
Skip ifYou want the newer K5 body style
Why #1 over #2: Its 0 recall campaigns beat the 2017 Hybrid’s 2.
2
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid (JF)
Photo: Zytonits / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe mileage champion, with an engine recall to check.
EPA combined MPG: 42 mpg combined (39 city, 46 highway) with the 2.0 L hybrid (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: 5 stars overall; 5 front, 5 side and 5 rollover; forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optionalNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed for the 2017 Optima Hybrid, including 21V844000 (connecting rod bearings in the engine may wear prematurely, so Kia dealers inspect the engine) and 23V594000 (trunk latch base may crack)Generation: Fourth generation (JF), on sale from the end of 2015 on the same platform as the 2015 Hyundai Sonata
The 2017 Optima Hybrid is rated 42 mpg combined; NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns, including 21V844000 for engine bearing wear.
Go ifCommuters who want the best fuel economy on this list
Skip ifYou want a car with no engine-related recall
Why #2 over #3: Its 42 mpg combined beats the 2019 Optima’s 27 mpg.
3
2019 Kia Optima (JF)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictLate JF with one recall.
EPA combined MPG: 27 mpg combined (24 city, 33 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: 5 stars overall; 5 front, 5 side and 5 rollover; forward collision warning and lane departure warning are standardNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed for the 2019 Optima: 19V539000, a software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system on 1.6 L and 2.0 L turbo carsGeneration: Fourth generation (JF); the facelifted Optima was revealed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show
The 2019 Optima has 5 NHTSA stars, standard forward collision and lane departure warnings, and 1 listed recall, 19V539000, a software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system.
Go ifBuyers who want standard collision and lane warnings in a late JF
Skip ifYou want a car with zero recalls
Why #3 over #4: Its 1 recall beats the 2022 K5’s 5.
4
2022 Kia K5 (DL3)
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe newest design, with a longer recall list.
EPA combined MPG: 31 mpg combined (27 city, 37 highway) with the 1.6 L turbo (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: 5 stars overall; 4 front, 5 side and 4 rollover; forward collision warning and lane departure warning are standardNHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed for the 2022 K5, including 21V519000 (fuel may leak at the pipe connection on 2.5 L turbo cars) and 22V760000 (limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired)Generation: Fifth generation (DL3); the 2021-2022 K5 was awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick+; base 1.6 L turbo makes 180 hp, the GT 2.5 L turbo 286 hp
The 2022 K5 is rated 31 mpg combined with the 1.6 L turbo and has standard collision and lane warnings; NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and rates front crash and rollover at 4 stars.
Go ifBuyers who want the modern K5 body with standard driver aids
Skip ifYou want the fewest recalls or a 5-star front rating
Why #4 over #5: Its 5 recalls beat the 2021 K5’s 6 and it has standard forward collision warning.
5
2021 Kia K5 (DL3)
Photo: Throwawayacc222 / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first K5, with the most K5 recalls.
EPA combined MPG: 31 mpg combined (27 city, 37 highway) with the 1.6 L turbo (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: 5 stars overall; 4 front, 5 side and 4 rollover; forward collision warning is optional, lane departure warning is standardNHTSA recalls: 6 recall campaigns listed for the 2021 K5, including 21V164000 (occupant classification air bag module) and 25V794000 (a damaged check valve can allow air into the fuel tank)Generation: First K5 for the US: Kia unveiled it in June 2020 as the US-market renaming of the Optima; the 2021-2022 K5 was awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick+
The 2021 K5, the first K5 for the US, is rated 31 mpg combined with the 1.6 L turbo; NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns, including 25V794000.
Go ifBuyers who want the first K5 at the lowest K5 age
Skip ifYou want forward collision warning as standard
Why #5 over #6: Its 31 mpg combined beats the 2018 Optima’s 28 mpg.
6
2018 Kia Optima (JF)
Photo: Throwawayacc222 / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA solid JF without standard driver aids.
EPA combined MPG: 28 mpg combined (24 city, 34 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: 5 stars overall; 5 front, 5 side and 5 rollover; forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optionalNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed for the 2018 Optima, including 23V594000 (trunk latch base may crack)Generation: Fourth generation (JF); the facelifted Optima was revealed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show
The 2018 Optima is rated 28 mpg combined with the 2.4 L four, has 5 NHTSA stars and 2 listed recalls, including 23V594000.
Go ifBuyers who want a JF with 28 mpg and 5 stars
Skip ifYou want collision warning as standard
Why #6 over #7: Its 2 recalls beat the 2016 Optima’s 5.
7
2016 Kia Optima (JF)
Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first JF, with five recalls.
EPA combined MPG: 28 mpg combined (24 city, 34 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: 5 stars overall; 5 front, 5 side and 5 rollover; forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optionalNHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed for the 2016 Optima, including 16V705000 (the right front axle driveshaft may crack on some 2.4 L cars built November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016)Generation: First year of the fourth generation (JF): on sale from the end of 2015 on the same platform as the 2015 Hyundai Sonata
The 2016 Optima began the fourth generation, with 5 NHTSA stars, 28 mpg combined and 5 listed recalls, including 16V705000 for the right front axle driveshaft.
Go ifBuyers who want the first year of the JF body
Skip ifYou want fewer recalls
Why #7 over #8: Its 5 NHTSA stars in every category beat the 2015 Optima’s 3-star driver-side side crash rating.
8
2015 Kia Optima (TF)
Photo: EurovisionNim / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe last TF.
EPA combined MPG: 26 mpg combined (23 city, 33 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: 5 stars overall; 5 front, 5 side and 5 rollover; the driver-side side crash rating is 3 stars; forward collision warning and lane departure warning are not offeredNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed for the 2015 Optima, including 20V519000 (brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit)Generation: Last model year of the third generation (TF), which was facelifted for 2014 and unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show
The 2015 Optima is the last TF, rated 26 mpg combined, with 4 listed recalls including 20V519000 and a 3-star driver-side side crash rating.
Go ifBuyers who want the last and most updated TF
Skip ifYou want the best driver-side side-crash rating
Why #8 over #9: Its 4 recalls beat the 2013 Optima’s 9.
9
2013 Kia Optima (TF)
Photo: RL GNZLZ / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictNine recalls; verify the repairs.
EPA combined MPG: 27 mpg combined (24 city, 34 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: 5 stars overall; 5 front, 5 side and 5 rollover; the driver-side side crash rating is 3 stars; forward collision warning and lane departure warning are not offeredNHTSA recalls: 9 recall campaigns listed for the 2013 Optima, including 17V224000 (machining errors may cause premature bearing wear within the engine) and 22V560000 (headliner plates may not be secured properly)Generation: Third generation (TF), designed under Kia design chief Peter Schreyer and built at West Point, Georgia from the 2012 model
The 2013 Optima is rated 27 mpg combined and has 9 listed recalls, including 17V224000 for engine bearing wear.
Go ifBuyers shopping a TF who will check recall work
Skip ifYou want a short recall list
Why #9 over #10: Its 9 recalls are more than the 2011 Optima’s 5, but it has the later TF styling.
10
2011 Kia Optima (TF)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first TF.
EPA combined MPG: 27 mpg combined (23 city, 33 highway) with the 2.4 L four (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: 5 stars overall; 5 front, 5 side and 5 rollover; the driver-side side crash rating is 3 stars; electronic stability control is standardNHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed for the 2011 Optima, including 17V224000 (machining errors may cause premature bearing wear within the engine) and 18V363000 (air bag control module)Generation: First year of the third generation (TF), with sales beginning in fall 2010; the 2011 Optima received an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating
The 2011 Optima launched the third generation, rated 27 mpg combined, with 5 listed recalls, including 17V224000, and an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.
Go ifBuyers who want the oldest and first TF
Skip ifYou want the newest safety equipment
How we ranked these
We ranked each model year on NHTSA 5-star Safety Ratings, the number of NHTSA recall campaigns listed for that year, EPA combined mpg and generation. We do not state used prices or reliability scores. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Kia Optima year?
On NHTSA, EPA and recall data the 2020 Optima ranks first: 5 stars overall, 27 mpg combined with the 2.4 L four, and 0 NHTSA recall campaigns listed.
Which Kia Optima year has the best gas mileage?
The 2017 Optima Hybrid is rated 42 mpg combined by the EPA, against 31 mpg for the K5 with the 1.6 L turbo and 26 to 28 mpg for the 2.4 L Optimas.
Which years were the Kia Optima and which were the K5?
In June 2020 Kia unveiled the US-market K5, renaming it from the Optima, so the 2020 model year is the last Optima and 2021 is the first K5 on this list.
Did the 2011-2014 Kia Optima have an engine recall?
Yes. NHTSA campaign 17V224000 covers certain 2011-2014 Optima vehicles where machining errors may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
EPA combined mpg at a glance
2015 Kia Optima (TF)26 mpg
2020 Kia Optima (JF)27 mpg
2019 Kia Optima (JF)27 mpg
2013 Kia Optima (TF)27 mpg
2011 Kia Optima (TF)27 mpg
2018 Kia Optima (JF)28 mpg
2016 Kia Optima (JF)28 mpg
2022 Kia K5 (DL3)31 mpg
2021 Kia K5 (DL3)31 mpg
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid (JF)42 mpg
Official sites
- 2020 Kia Optima (JF) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid (JF) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2019 Kia Optima (JF) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2022 Kia K5 (DL3) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2021 Kia K5 (DL3) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2018 Kia Optima (JF) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2016 Kia Optima (JF) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2015 Kia Optima (TF) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2013 Kia Optima (TF) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2011 Kia Optima (TF) · en.wikipedia.org
Sources
- fueleconomy.gov
- nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.