Skip to main content

2012 Kia Optima consumer reviews

$19,500–$21,000 MSRP range
side view of 2012 Optima Kia
(186 reviews)
85% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.4
Explore the 2012 Kia Optima
Shop the 2012 Kia Optima

Optima SX Turbo, Better than Expected

Recently purchased this Vehicle from Morrow KIA in Beaver PA. Found it online and worked with Brian from their online sales group. Overall the experience was well above previous purchases. Vehicle was exactly as described, priced fairly, and most important was that there were not hidden or non-disclosed fees or add-ons. The price quoted that got me there was the price paid. Good business philosophy and will get my return business. As for the vehicle, it is still new with only 1200 miles in the first 3 weeks, however the performance and handling is outstanding. Fit and finish will rival anything just about anything in it's price range and higher. Overall the feel is reminiscent of German influence. It is too early to give a valid numerical rating on the mileage, however I am certain it will live up expectations. At this time I am averaging 27.5MPG in mixed conditions (60/40) highway and town, however the turbo is still an new "toy" and I am sure that this is affecting the overall fuel consumption, but still pretty good for how it is being driven.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

2012 Optima Hybrid has it all

The first week driving my Kia Optima Hybrid, in black with convenience package and leather. From doing a LOT of reading online in the past 2 weeks before buying, I am not disappointed. 1. Regarding poor reviews of the "uncomfortable seat": Leather seats feel much better than the cloth version. Perhaps not as luxurious as some competitors, but perfectly satisfactory after some detailed adjustments for height, lumbar support, thigh angle, etc. 2. Regarding mixed reviews of the gas mileage, my current average is 38.3 according to the onboard MPG calculator; almost all reviews I read indicated that the calculation at-the-pump is perhaps 1-2 mpg lower than this. I will find out in a week or so when the tank runs down. have driven over 280 miles this week, and still 2/3 tank left. Amazing. Would have been filling up tomorrow, if it were my outback. Driving 1/3 city, 2/3 freeway. 3. Regarding acceleration; very zoomy. Also test-drove the turbo version; ok, so not that zoomy, but plenty for me as i trade up from a decade-old vehicle. 4. Regarding its looks: I've had a couple folks stop me in the parking lot and ask how I like the car. I enjoy telling them about it; love its looks. The black is spectacular. And, so glad I did not choose the technically comparable (and perhaps slightly better) 2012 Camry hybrid; really bland styling, and the stat that I read that got me (and rang true): the average Camry buyer is 65. Moreover, I enjoy driving a car almost no one has on the road--This good review from me notwithstanding, please don't all go out and get one.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Unbelievably Happy

I have only had my 2012 Kia Optima EX w/ premium package in snow pearl white for 2 days, but I am already in love with it. It has an underestimated power and handling. The exterior caught my eye, but once inside I completely forgot about that. So much bang for the buck! The UVO system is awesome! I would definitely suggest the EX above the LX for the extra amenities, premium package well worth adding. You will not be disappointed!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Oldsmobile Delta 88

Purchase a brand new 2012 Kia Optima EX sedan (non turbo, 4cyl) because I believed I was getting the best deal for the money. After my first refill of fuel did I notice I was getting the gas mileage I was informed I should get. Sticker claimed 24 in the city, 28 average and 34 on the highway. My averages are 19 in the city, 21.5 average and 27 on the highway. When I brought this to the dealerships attention, they told me I must be driving reckless or too long of stops at stop signs and/or red lights. I was not satisfied with the dealerships prognosis so I brought it to KIA Corp in Georgia, they pretty much told me the same story. This is not true and I believe either Kia is a big liar or I have purchased a lemon. The only two kudos I can give for this vehicle is the options the EX has would cost Toyota's nearly $4000 more.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

The Power to Surprise. This is a Kia?!

2012 Satin Metal Optima EX 2.4L with Premium Package. I wasn't this excited about my wife's '07 Infiniti G35x, an incredible car. I expected that to be great. The 7 midsize sedans I compared now should be solid, affordable family cars. I got so much more: Unequaled luxury & value - the style, features, and attention to detail are unmatched at this price point. Some cars costing $10K more lack this level of sophistication. How many cars light up for you as you approach, inviting you back? Heated steering wheel! Front (2-stage) & rear seats heated. Front seats cooled. Rear air vents. Power folding and heated exterior mirrors. Keyless entry/ignition. What a convenience. Rearview camera. Standout styling - a chiseled, athletic look that sets it apart. A head turner. Satin Metal - a handsome medium silver, but not boring, with a je ne sais quoi that makes you look twice. (So luxurious it made me break out the pretentious French phrase. But apt.) And in lower light, it becomes a pale champagne. Tres chic. Expansive panoramic sunroof. Slightly less headroom than in some, but no worry if < 6'. I like the sunshades open which helps. Premium stereo sounds magnificent, especially with the HD radio. Bluetooth & Sirius, too. You may not buy this for the stereo, but it's no afterthought. Impressive fidelity, far better than most in this class. UVO (voice control) very useful. Excellent fit/finish. Classy looking and feeling materials throughout. Switches and buttons seem solid, no mush or cheap feel. One minor exception: a couple of slight puckers in leather upholstery. Nothing serious or terribly unattractive, but noticeable. All the latest safety features. 4700 miles, 4 months. First impressions are lasting; still loving it. Admirable fuel economy, 28.5 mpg combined (calculated), but plenty enough oomph if I put my foot down. From zero to highway passing, the 2.4L responds without lag or lugging. Well configured for that elusive sweet spot of economy and performance, even in ECO mode. I feel as though I'm going slower than my speedo indicates. A tribute to the solid build quality - nary a squeak or rattle. And the 6-speed transmission is smooth as silk. I've noticed no buzz or vibration from the engine as some griped. The driver's seat is supportive and comfortable, fully adjustable including tilt/telescoping steering wheel. I feel well-cocooned and fitted to my cockpit, ready to drive forever. Steering more than adequate. Firm, responsive, good road feel and centering. Hardly numb as a few complained. Brakes strong, linear with a firm, reassuring feel. Ride quality is a nice balance between comfort and sportiness. Easily a cut above in its category for handling and acceleration. Road and wind noise are fine, even above average. No mechanical defects so far. In my mind, this concern is much smaller with Kia these days due to the major strides in the past decade or more they have clearly made in improving quality and reliability across their range. Any lingering doubts can be assuaged by a look at the warranty. Car companies don't hand these out to look nice. Unless they want to bleed money in just a few years, the numbers must be backed by their product quality. Kia's warranty is the best. Speaking of the best, I've never had a better experience when buying a car. The staff at my local Kia dealership were exemplary. Courteous and honest, they actually made the process pleasant. 10s across the board. All of this in a car that's a few or even several thousands less than its rivals. What's that mean? Those of you who are looking for a good family sedan, go see for yourself. If you have an eye for style, features, quality, and value, you'll come to the same conclusion I did: I got a fabulous car at an astounding price. Kia hasn't just arrived to the midsize sedan competition, it's taken the category by storm. The Power to Surprise, indeed.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

LOVE my new Kia Optima SX

Admittedly, I've only had my new Kia Optima SX Turbo for 5 days, but I am in love with this car already! It's fast, it's economical (well, it was today when I finally took my lead foot off the gas), and it's every bit the head-turner as a new "X, Y or Z" at WAY less cost. LOVE the air-conditioned seats, the quiet and steady ride. This 4 cylinder turbo-charged car has as much power as my truck, which is a V8.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Underrated

My 2012 EX 2.4 litre has been a surprise to me as I had not realized the Optima was so accomplsihed. The finish, inside and out is exemplorary. It appears the 2012 improvements have worked well. the handling and ride is better than I expected. It is very comfortable and the electric power steering is a huge improvement over previous models I have driven. it corners better then my previous cr, a 2010 Mazda 6 V6, and the ride is as good. I miss the 6's performance, but you don't expect a 2.4 to be as quick as a 3.7! Not having a spare wheel is ridiculous though. I had a flat a few weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon and most places who could repair it were closed, except good old Walmart. But they could not repair it until Sunday morning, so I was without my car Saturday night.! I am currently getting a full size spare sorted out! The drive-by-wire throttle system is not good. It is inconsistant with the amount of throttle you give which is not good. The over complicated touch screen system is just that! The SHORT manual version for just the touch screen is 56 pages long! Next door's 6 year old is currently teaching me how to operate it!!! Gas mileage on the freeway is great, over 32 mpg. For a 2.4 200 BHP that is bloody good. Around town it of course drops. in my case I'm averaging 26 mpg mixed city and highway. Do consider this cr if you are looking for a stylish 5 seater family car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

The nicest car I`ve owned

I love the style of my Optima SX, the value, the technology and especially the speed. I really love how people compliment my Kia Optima SX

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Exciting car to drive

This is my 3rd KIA. I've owned both a 2005 and 2006 KIA Sedona EX's and loved my vans. I traded my Sedona for an Optima to get a little sportier car and also on that would give me better gas mileage and I think I accomplished it all in this car choice. I originally looked at the Sonata and although made by the same company (almost), I thought the KIA far out shined it styling and ride. Bob L - Flushing, NY

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Great Sedan for the money

I bought a 2012 SX primarily to commute to work. I have gotten many compliments on the looks of this car. This car is a great combination of fuel economy and performance. When drive aggressively it is really quick and handles well. When driven passively I get about 31 mpg..24 with a heavy foot. Inside I find the seats very comfortable and even though I am over six feet tall the passenger seated behind me has plenty of room. The trunk has got to be the largest in its class and the rear seat pass through is very handy.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No