Model Year Matters

← All Kia models · Optima, all years

2010 Kia Optima

Sedan · 2010–2020 · Optima, Optima Hybrid, Optima Plug-In Hybrid

2010 Kia Optima
2010 pictured. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Which year to buy

Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.

2010GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.8× usual Extended coverage

61 serious complaints of 75, the most about power train (24) and air bags (17); per car on the road, 0.8× this model's usual year. 1 recall.

What owners report

“The car lurches or jerks when slowing down or stopping at about 20 mph . Lurch or jerking is enough to jerk to the driver . Has anyone got answer to why the Kia Optima 2010 does this.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Feb 2022

“The contact owns a 2010 kia optima. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 63,100.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Feb 2014

Fixes and extended coverage

  • Extended coverage The warranty extension will address failures of the ocs sensor mat as reported by some vehicle owners. Is extending the warranty coverage for the front passenger occupant classification system (ocs) sensor mat for certain 2008-2011 my rio vehicles produced after december 8, 2007 and all 2006-2010… (WTY002DEALERP, Jun 2016)
  • Extended coverage If the sensor mat is not working properly, the airbag warning light on the cluster will illuminate and dtc(s) b1447, b1448, b1449 and/or b1450 may be stored. Kia is extending the warranty for the ocs sensor mat for the affected vehicles to 15 years / unlimited mileage, starting from the date of… (WTY002BULLETINOP, Aug 2016)
  • Extended coverage This warranty extension addresses failures of the ocs sensor mat as reported by some vehicle owners. To that end, kia is extending the warranty coverage for the front passenger occupant classification system (ocs) sensor mat to 15 years with unlimited mileage, starting from the date of first… (WTY002OWNEROPT, Jun 2016)
  • Extended coverage q and a: wty002 - certain 2008-2011 my kia rio vehicles and all 2006-2010 my kia optima vehicles front passenger ocs sensor mat kia new vehicle limited warranty extension (WTY002QA, Jun 2016)
  • Repair program tsb: voluntary service campaign - application of additional anti-corrosion material (sc122) - to improve customer satisfaction, kia is launching this bulletin to apply additional anticorrosion protection to various vehicle underbody components of some 2010~2013my soul (am), 2004~2009my spectra… (TSBSC122, Jul 2015)
  • Repair program Will be conducting a voluntary service campaign, as a preventative measure, to add additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody of all 2006-2011 my rio, 2004-2009 my spectra, 2006-2010 my optima, 2010-2013 my soul, and 2007-2010 my rondo vehicles originally retailed and/or currently… (DEALERPSC122, Jul 2015)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

75 owner complaints · 1 recall (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 23–25 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2010 trims and features

Every Optima year's verdict →

Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.

Trims and features

20102011201220132014201520162017201820192020

What changed for 2010

First year we have trim data for.

2010 Optima trims

EXLXSX
Powertrain
Engine2.4L I4: 2.4L I4
2.7L V6: 2.7L V6
2.4L I42.4L I4: 2.4L I4
2.7L V6: 2.7L V6
Horsepower2.4L I4: 175 hp
2.7L V6: 194 hp
175 hp2.4L I4: 175 hp
2.7L V6: 194 hp
Torque2.4L I4: 169 lb-ft
2.7L V6: 184 lb-ft
169 lb-ft2.4L I4: 169 lb-ft
2.7L V6: 184 lb-ft
TransmissionSportmaticAutomatic: Sportmatic
Manual: —
Sportmatic
Gears555
Drivetrain2.4L I4 / 2.7L V6Automatic / Manual2.4L I4 / 2.7L V6
Size and capability
Seats555
Trunk15 cu ft15 cu ft15 cu ft
Ground clearance6.3 in6.3 in6.3 in
Length189 in189 in189 in
Curb weight2.4L I4: 3,197 lb
2.7L V6: 3,294 lb
Automatic: 3,197 lb
Manual: 3,157 lb
2.4L I4: 3,197 lb
2.7L V6: 3,294 lb
Tech
Apple CarPlayOptionalOptionalOptional
Android AutoOptionalOptionalOptional
AudioOptional—Optional
Speakers—6—
Comfort
SeatsLeatherClothLeather
Heated seatsOptional—Optional
Exterior
SunroofOptional—Optional
Wheels16 in + option16 in + option17 in
Packages and options (20)
EXLXSX
EX / SX Premium Package Optional—Optional
LX Convenience Package —Optional—
Chrome Front Grille StandardOptional—
Side-Mirror Turn-Signal Indicators StandardOptionalStandard
Floor Mats StandardOptionalStandard
Bluetooth Wireless Technology OptionalOptionalOptional
Navigation System Optional—Optional
Bright Silver OptionalOptionalOptional
Clear White OptionalOptional—
Ebony Black OptionalOptionalOptional
Metal Bronze OptionalOptional—
Midnight Blue OptionalOptionalOptional
Platinum Graphite OptionalOptionalOptional
Snow White Optional——
Spicy Red OptionalOptionalOptional
Beige Cloth —Optional—
Beige Leather Optional——
Black Leather and Sport Cloth ——Optional
Gray Cloth —Optional—
Gray Leather Optional——

Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.

Year by year

YearEnginesDriveFuel economyCrash ratingRecalls Owner complaintsMost-reported problemCarPlay
2020 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp
2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp
2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp
2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp
FWD24–42 mpg 5 of 5 0 150 Engine (101) Yes
2019 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp
2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp
2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp
2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp
FWD24–41 mpg 5 of 5 1 211 Engine (91) Yes
2018 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp
2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp
2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp
2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp
FWD25–42 mpg 5 of 5 3 243 Engine (137) Yes
2017 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp
2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp
2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp
2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp
FWD25–42 mpg 5 of 5 4 305 Engine (191) Yes
2016 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp
2.4L 4-cyl hybrid, 185 hp
FWD25–37 mpg 5 of 5 5 760 Engine (427) Yes
2015 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
2.4L 4-cyl
2.4L 4-cyl hybrid
FWD24–37 mpg 5 of 5 4 1021 Engine (627) Yes
2014 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
2.4L 4-cyl
2.4L 4-cyl hybrid
FWD24–37 mpg 5 of 5 7 617 Engine (299) No
2013 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
2.4L 4-cyl
2.4L 4-cyl hybrid
manual available
FWD26–37 mpg 5 of 5 10 1438 Engine (625) No
2012 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
2.4L 4-cyl
2.4L 4-cyl hybrid
manual available
FWD26–36 mpg 5 of 5 6 1028 Engine (470) No
2011 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
2.4L 4-cyl
2.4L 4-cyl hybrid
manual available
FWD26–36 mpg 5 of 5 6 627 Engine (275) No
2010 2.4L 4-cyl
2.7L 6-cyl
manual available
FWD23–25 mpg Not rated 1 75 Power train (24) No

Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.

Which years have…

Apple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingHybrid, plug-in hybrid or electricAdaptive cruise with stop and goBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroofPanoramic roof

Apple lists CarPlay for: Optima 2015–2020 (Apple).

Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
YearVersionStarsForward collision warning Lane departure warningRecallsComplaints
2020 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD5 StandardStandard 0148
2020 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD5 StandardStandard 01
2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWDNot Rated StandardStandard 01
2019 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD5 StandardStandard 1210
2019 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD5 OptionalOptional 1210
2019 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 1210
2018 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD5 OptionalOptional 2232
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD5 OptionalOptional 23
2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 3243
2017 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD5 OptionalOptional 3256
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD5 OptionalOptional 226
2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWDNot Rated OptionalOptional 223
2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD5 OptionalOptional 5756
2016 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD5 NoNo 04
2015 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD5 NoNo 41009
2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD5 NoNo 012
2014 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD5 NoNo 7586
2014 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD5 NoNo 031
2013 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD5 NoNo 91383
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD5 NoNo 255
2012 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD5 NoNo 5919
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD5 NoNo 3109
2011 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD5 NoNo 5593
2010 Kia Optima 4-DR w/SABNot Rated NoNo 175

Source: NHTSA.

Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
YearEPA modelEnginesCombined
2020OptimaAuto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
24–31
2020Optima FEAuto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 29
2020Optima HybridAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L 42
2020Optima Plug-in HybridAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L 41
2019OptimaAuto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
24–31
2019Optima FEAuto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 29
2019Optima HybridAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L 41
2019Optima Plug-in HybridAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L 40
2018OptimaAuto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
25–31
2018Optima FEAuto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 29
2018Optima HybridAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L 42
2018Optima Plug-in HybridAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L 40
2018Optima SAuto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 26
2017OptimaAuto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
25–31
2017Optima FEAuto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 29
2017Optima HybridAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L 42
2017Optima Plug-in HybridAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L 40
2016OptimaAuto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
25–31
2016Optima FEAuto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
25–29
2016Optima HybridAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 37
2016Optima Hybrid EXAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 36
2015OptimaAuto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
24–26
2015Optima HybridAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 37
2015Optima Hybrid EXAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 36
2014OptimaAuto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
24–26
2014Optima HybridAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 37
2014Optima Hybrid EXAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 36
2013OptimaAuto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
26–27
2013Optima HybridAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 37
2013Optima Hybrid EXAuto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L 36
2012OptimaAuto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
26–27
2012Optima HybridAuto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L 36
2011OptimaAuto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
26–27
2011Optima HybridAuto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L 36
2010OptimaAuto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L
23–25

Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare with another vehicle