Kia · 2001–2020 · Gas
Kia Optima MPG by year
The EPA has rated 20 model years of the Kia Optima, from 2001 to 2020. The most fuel-efficient year is the 2020, at 31 MPG combined in its best configuration. The best 2020 model is 48% more efficient than the best 2001 model (31 vs. 21 MPG). The 2020 model is 38% more efficient than the median large car that year (31 vs. 22.5 MPG).
Combined MPG by model year
- Optima, most efficient version
- Range across configurations
- Class median
Shaded band: range across that year's configurations. Class median: same-year models in the same class, rated in MPG. Click a point to open that model year; the table below lists every value.
Every Optima model year
| Year | Type | Best combined | City / Hwy | Class median | Range | Configs | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Gas | 31 MPG lowest 24 |
27 / 37 | 22.5 | — | 4 | $1,500 |
| 2019 | Gas | 31 MPG lowest 24 |
27 / 37 | 22.5 | — | 4 | $1,500 |
| 2018 | Gas | 31 MPG lowest 25 |
28 / 37 | 22.5 | — | 5 | $1,500 |
| 2017 | Gas | 31 MPG lowest 25 |
28 / 37 | 23 | — | 4 | $1,500 |
| 2016 | Gas | 31 MPG lowest 25 |
28 / 37 | 22 | — | 4 | $1,500 |
| 2015 | Gas | 26 MPG lowest 24 |
23 / 33 | 27.5 | — | 2 | $1,788 |
| 2014 | Gas | 26 MPG lowest 24 |
23 / 33 | 28 | — | 2 | $1,788 |
| 2013 | Gas | 27 MPG lowest 26 |
24 / 34 | 26 | — | 3 | $1,722 |
| 2012 | Gas | 27 MPG lowest 26 |
24 / 34 | 24 | — | 3 | $1,722 |
| 2011 | Gas | 27 MPG lowest 26 |
23 / 33 | 24 | — | 3 | $1,722 |
| 2010 | Gas | 25 MPG lowest 23 |
22 / 32 | 22 | — | 3 | $1,860 |
| 2009 | Gas | 25 MPG lowest 23 |
22 / 32 | 22 | — | 3 | $1,860 |
| 2008 | Gas | 25 MPG lowest 23 |
21 / 31 | 22 | — | 3 | $1,860 |
| 2007 | Gas | 25 MPG lowest 23 |
21 / 31 | 22 | — | 3 | $1,860 |
| 2006 | Gas | 25 MPG lowest 21 |
21 / 31 | 21 | — | 6 | $1,860 |
| 2005 | Gas | 23 MPG lowest 21 |
20 / 27 | 21 | — | 4 | $2,022 |
| 2004 | Gas | 23 MPG lowest 21 |
20 / 27 | 21 | — | 4 | $2,022 |
| 2003 | Gas | 23 MPG lowest 21 |
20 / 27 | 21 | — | 4 | $2,022 |
| 2002 | Gas | 21 MPG lowest 18 |
19 / 26 | 20.5 | — | 4 | $2,214 |
| 2001 | Gas | 21 MPG lowest 19 |
19 / 26 | 20 | — | 4 | $2,214 |
Fuel cost uses today's default prices for every year so model years compare like for like. Sort any column.
Compare Optima model years
See how much a newer Optima would save over an older one.
Models similar to the Kia Optima
Other Kia Optima versions
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Optima year has the best fuel economy?
The 2016 Kia Optima, rated up to 31 MPG combined. At 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, that works out to about $1,500 a year.
Which Kia Optima year has the worst fuel economy?
The 2001 model, whose most efficient version is rated 21 MPG combined (about $2,214 a year to fuel).
What is the fuel economy of the latest Kia Optima?
The 2020 Kia Optima is rated up to 31 MPG combined.