Against 529 other 4-cyl cars rated 2018–2020, the Optima beats their 27.1 mpg average by 10.9 mpg, about $406 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2001, the 2L 4-cyl Hybrid (2017–2020), does 41.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 6-cyl (2001), 21: $910 a year apart.
Every Kia Optima engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl Hybrid | 39.3 / 45.5 | 2017–2020 | $919 | |
| 2L 4-cyl Plug-in hybrid | 38.3 / 43.3 | 2017–2020 | $953 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | 34.7 / 38 | 2011–2016 | $1,046 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 27.6 / 37 | 2016–2020 | $1,239 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 21.5 / 30.5 | 2001–2015 | $1,561 | |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 19 / 26.4 | 2002–2010 | $1,753 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 18 / 24 | 2001–2001 | $1,829 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Camry gets 37.1 mpg, the Honda Accord 40.5 mpg and the Toyota Prius 56 mpg, next to 38 mpg for the 2020 Optima.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2020) | $0.084 |
| Fuel per year | $1,011 |
| Fuel over five years | $5,055 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2018–2020 | −$406 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,256 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2020 Kia Optima gives up 6.7 mpg in town: 42 on the highway against 35.3 in the city, $174 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2020) | 35.3 mpg | $1,088 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 42 mpg | $914 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6.7 mpg (19%) | Typical for its type |
How the Optima changed over the years
The Optima peaked in 2020 at 38 mpg (35.3 city, 42 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2002 at 20 — 18 mpg apart, or $909 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2011: 24 to 31.5 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 35.3 / 42 | 3 | $1,011 | |
| 2019 | 34.7 / 41.7 | 3 | $1,029 | |
| 2018 | 35 / 42 | 3 | $1,019 | |
| 2017 | 35 / 42 | 3 | $1,019 | |
| 2016 | 31.5 / 37.5 | 2 | $1,129 | |
| 2015 | 29 / 35.5 | 2 | $1,219 | |
| 2014 | 29 / 35.5 | 2 | $1,219 | |
| 2013 | 29.5 / 36 | 2 | $1,200 | |
| 2012 | 29 / 36 | 2 | $1,219 | |
| 2011 | 28.5 / 35.5 | 2 | $1,219 | |
| 2010 | 21 / 30 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2009 | 21 / 30 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2008 | 20.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2007 | 20.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2006 | 20.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2005 | 19 / 26 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2004 | 19 / 26 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2003 | 19 / 26 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2002 | 18 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2001 | 18.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 44 EPA ratings of the Kia Optima — 7 engines across 2001–2020. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,256. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2020 Kia Optima get?
38 mpg combined, 35.3 city and 42 highway, per EPA; its 3 versions that year range from 31 to 42. Across every year since 2001 the Optima has averaged 29.3 mpg.
Is the 2020 Optima more efficient than the 2019?
About the same: 38 against 37.3 mpg combined.
Which Optima year has the best gas mileage?
The 2020, at 38 mpg combined (35.3 city, 42 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Optima get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
About the same: 38 mpg for the 2020 Optima against 37.1 for the 2021 Toyota Camry.
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