2015
Kia Optima

Starts at:
$21,840
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn LX
    Starts at
    $21,840
    23 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn EX
    Starts at
    $24,340
    23 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn SX
    Starts at
    $25,790
    23 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn SX Turbo
    Starts at
    $27,700
    20 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn SXL Turbo
    Starts at
    $35,500
    20 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Optima

Notable features

Five-seat midsize sedan
Choice of two gas engines
Hybrid version available
Automatic transmission standard

The good & the bad

The good

Sharp styling
Richly appointed cabin
Roomy trunk

The bad

Backseat headroom
Folding backseat leaves small opening
See all specifications

Expert 2015 Kia Optima review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Kia Optima midsize sedan competes with everything from the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry to the Ford Fusion and Volkswagen Passat. It’s offered with a choice of two four-cylinder engines, including a turbocharged one, and comes with a standard automatic transmission.
New for 2015
Most trim levels now have an acoustic laminated windshield and Kia’s UVO eServices with geo fencing, speed alert, curfew alert and driving score.

Below is a list of highlighted features and not an exhaustive list. Features are standard unless otherwise noted.
Exterior Highlights

  • 16-, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual chrome exhaust tips
  • Heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators; power-folding mirrors available
  • Chrome door handles
  • Fog lights
  • Available xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
  • Available LED taillights
  • Available panoramic sunroof
  • Available rear spoiler

Interior Highlights

  • Cloth upholstery; leather available
  • Front bucket seats, 60/40-split folding backseat
  • Available heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats
  • CD stereo with USB port and MP3 jack; Infinity premium stereo available
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Air conditioning; dual-zone automatic air conditioning available
  • Cruise control
  • Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls; heated steering wheel available
  • Available push-button start
  • Available navigation system
  • Available metal pedals

Under the Hood

  • 192-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Available 274-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
  • Six-speed automatic transmission; steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles available
  • Front-wheel drive

Safety Features

  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
  • Front-seat side-impact airbags
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Available backup camera
  • Available rear parking sensors
  • Available blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert

 

2015 Kia Optima review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Kia Optima midsize sedan competes with everything from the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry to the Ford Fusion and Volkswagen Passat. It’s offered with a choice of two four-cylinder engines, including a turbocharged one, and comes with a standard automatic transmission.
New for 2015
Most trim levels now have an acoustic laminated windshield and Kia’s UVO eServices with geo fencing, speed alert, curfew alert and driving score.

Below is a list of highlighted features and not an exhaustive list. Features are standard unless otherwise noted.
Exterior Highlights

  • 16-, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual chrome exhaust tips
  • Heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators; power-folding mirrors available
  • Chrome door handles
  • Fog lights
  • Available xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
  • Available LED taillights
  • Available panoramic sunroof
  • Available rear spoiler

Interior Highlights

  • Cloth upholstery; leather available
  • Front bucket seats, 60/40-split folding backseat
  • Available heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats
  • CD stereo with USB port and MP3 jack; Infinity premium stereo available
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Air conditioning; dual-zone automatic air conditioning available
  • Cruise control
  • Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls; heated steering wheel available
  • Available push-button start
  • Available navigation system
  • Available metal pedals

Under the Hood

  • 192-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Available 274-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
  • Six-speed automatic transmission; steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles available
  • Front-wheel drive

Safety Features

  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
  • Front-seat side-impact airbags
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Available backup camera
  • Available rear parking sensors
  • Available blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert

 

Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2015 Kia Optima base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
3/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
5/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
3/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
9.6%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
3/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
9.6%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

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  • 2018
    5.0
    Kia Optima Hybrid
    Starts at
    $25,995
    2018 Kia Optima Hybrid
    39 City / 46 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
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  • 2016
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    2016 Kia Optima
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    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
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    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
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Consumer reviews

93% of drivers recommend this car
4.6 / 5
Based on 268 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.6
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • By Shavann
    Owns this car
    September 3, 2024

    I own a 2015 Kia Optima my horror story began on 07/17/24

    I own a 2015 Kia Optima my horror story began on 07/17/24 when I had the HECU fuse recall repaired the dealership I purchased my car from. Within 2 days of that being completed the engine started making a knocking sound that kept getting louder and louder after driving it. Called the dealership to tell them about the noise they said oh that sounds like the Knocking Sensor has gone bad so I brought it to them 07/29/24. The service advisor said oh we will have to keep your vehicle 2-3weeks as we have to order a brand new engine since we don't have one in the shop (Lies)per further investigation new engine=new parts on your old engine. So instead of 2-3 weeks my car was repaired in 3 days, but sitting without any updates provided to me. I was finally called on 08/08/24 by the service advisor to say my car was ready from following up on an email I sent on 08/06/24 requesting an update on getting a loaner vehicle. Went to the dealership 08/08/24 again during the check out process was told they put in a brand new engine on the car. Went out to my car they parked in the parking lot cranked it up and it's still making a noise the engine is shaking, the high pressure fuel pump is making a rattling noise. Drove the car back over to the service department area I asked the service advisor to come to my car to inspect the noise coming from the car. He opened the hood to say he heard and saw it shaking he proceeded to get the lead mechanic he came out looked at it to say oh your car is fine it's supposed to sound like that. My engine has never had a shaking issue or rattled until these repairs people would think a car owner should know their vehicle very well to determine when it doesn't sound right. I haven't had any issues prior to the HECU fuse repair now my car is going down the drain 😞. Upon contacting Kia Consumer Affairs to let them know the issue I was having they said take it back as no the car should not be doing that. In the process of taking it back to the dealership my car was stalling/puttering had to push the pedal all the way to the floor just to get some speed. The speedometer was reading 60mph but felt like it was only going 40mph as of today no one from the dealership has reached out to say anything about my car. Iwas told by Kia Consumer Affairs representative that the Kia service department said they're not fixing the engine shaking problem nor repairing due to the high pressure fuel pump as its not covered any longer under the recall. I'm confused as to how that is because per information found online states the fuel pump can cause issues if it was misaligned, damaged or improperly put back during the repairing of the engine. This should not fall on the customer to pay for as the customer didn't cause the issue. Its a Shame how dealerships in multiple States are treating customers who are in possession of Dangerous and Poorly built vehicles they are stuck with. I will NEVER again purchase a Kia or recommend anyone I know to buy one either!
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Cristy from Hazard,Ky
    Owns this car
    July 3, 2023

    BEWARE!! Kia will not stand behind their vehicles!

    I usually don’t leave reviews on anything. If I could leave zero stars for Kia in general I would. I have a 2015 Kia optima. My car has 59,000 miles on it. It has been very well taken care of. All of a sudden the engine goes bad out of the blue. When checking in to what was going on, we found out there had been some recalls on our car that we knew nothing about, one being the engine. We never received any recall information on my car. Kia refuses to honor the recall, because they said they sent recall notices and that we did not take care of the recalls. We did NOT receive any recall information, because who in their right mind would not take care of a recall on their car if they received it. Kia will not stand behind their vehicles. They refused to even talk to us about it and did not care that we did not receive any recall notices. Now it is going to cost 5,000.00 to get a new engine for an 8 year old car that has 59,000 miles. DO NOT BUY A KIA. This is one of the worst experiences we’ve ever had with a vehicle. The car has been good up until this point, but beware that if you have problems, KIA will not take care of them, even though they are suppose to. I am very disappointed in KIA, and will never own another vehicle made by Kia.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    17 people out of 20 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Sandra Thomas from San Antonio Texas
    Owns this car
    June 19, 2023

    Worry,Worry,Worry!!!

    Way too many ? On recalls,doesn't have a good resale value with the easy to steal situation and right now my engine shows low oil but is full and a free rental should be provided while being checked out,plain and simply Kia messed up on too many risky items, like can catch on fire,get stolen, and how to resale.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    11 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By melissa H. from San Antonio, Texas
    Owns this car
    February 28, 2023

    Not too bad!

    There's pro and cons with this car. I love the fact that this car is very good of mileages save so much fuel , I lived in San Antonio and we drove this car with full tank to Corpus Christi its about 2 hours and half, almost 145 miles away, then we came back still have half full of a tank. My deslike about the car is the front passenger set, its kinda very low and there's no other way of adjusting it. ( Blind spot)When changing lane specially to your rare left side ,you literally turning your head making sure there's no other vehicle. Other than that??The car is good to drive.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Melissa Mika from Hollidaysburg pa
    Owns this car
    January 3, 2023

    Not satisfied wit car a d several recalls

    Problems on recalls engine recall but said to late and cost over $6300 out of pocket because to late on the re call Stucky kia did the work and charged me over $6000 to get it fixed out of pocket. Will never buy another Kia Optima or Kia again.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    9 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By John Powell from Tulsa
    Owns this car
    December 17, 2022

    We buy a car if you can on drive about 30 miles

    Put this car in the shop took two weeks to get it back. I drove exactly 33 miles and I still have the same problem. It runs and then it just died on me. Any suggestions
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    7 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Daniel from Erie pa
    Owns this car
    November 25, 2022

    Don't purchase a Kia Optima my Kia Optima only has

    I have a 2015 Kia Optima and my engine seized up and Kia will not replace the engine bad business.. I know a lot of the same year key is got their engines replaced I don't know why mine is any different I guess I'll just have to buy a new car from somewhere else
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    3 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Terry Ragin from Columbia, SC
    Owns this car
    August 6, 2022

    291( Kia Optima review

    Seats in front of the car are too low and manual. They should be electric in all cars for this century. Back seats are good. I enjoy the electric windows. Overall I think it’s a good car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Cameron A. from Fishersville, VA
    Owns this car
    June 10, 2022

    Would recommend for a cheap and reliable commuter

    I've had my Optima for nearly a year now and nothing bad has happened so far, in 10 months I've put on 13,000 miles; from 74,000-87,000 miles and I haven't experienced a single issue. It looks good, runs reliably, and is comfortable on long drives. However, I feel that the acceleration is a little slow but hey, I'm 19, every teenager wants fast, but I'm really happy with my Optima and I definitely recommend it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By 61 yr old male. from Round Rock, Texas
    Owns this car
    June 5, 2022

    Very satisfied owner

    I don't ever write reviews, but will now. I've had this 2015 optima ex turbo 1.4 yrs and really performs well! Smooth ride and not bad on gas. Have had no engine problems. No issues but little head space in cabin . Anyone over 5 10 is in trouble. It feels solid/safe driving. The turbo really moves when power is needed.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Junk from Wilmington nc
    Owns this car
    May 31, 2021

    Don't buy this car

    This car don't not met my expectations Air conditioner leakes paid out $475.00 Plus this secondary insurance worthless don't cover nothing at all. Battery $350.00, plus transmission $1000Kia has no value
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    36 people out of 54 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Scott H. from Lubbock, Tx
    Owns this car
    May 22, 2021

    Sporty, reliable, and worth the money.

    Outside of a few repairs it has performed flawlessly. The leather seats cracked well before 60kmi, and we're not covered under warranty. Multiple paint chips at the very edge of the hood, but overall very satisfied. I'm hard on my cars and this one has performed very well.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Latest news from cars.com

2015 Kia Optima
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A brake fluid leak issue affects more than 440,000 model-year 2013-15 Optima sedans and 2014-15 Sorento SUVs. Read more

2013-2015 Kia Optima, Sorento: Recall Alert

Approximately 440,400 2013-15 Kia Optima sedans and model-year 2014-15 Sorento SUVs are being recalled for a possible brake fluid leak.

What Is the Most Affordable Midsize Sedan for 2015?

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See all news

Kia dealers near you

See all Kia dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2015 Kia Optima?

The 2015 Kia Optima is available in 5 trim levels:

  • EX (1 style)
  • LX (1 style)
  • SX (1 style)
  • SX Turbo (1 style)
  • SXL Turbo (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2015 Kia Optima?

The 2015 Kia Optima offers up to 23 MPG in city driving and 34 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2015 Kia Optima?

The 2015 Kia Optima compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2015 Kia Optima reliable?

The 2015 Kia Optima has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2015 Kia Optima owners.

Is the 2015 Kia Optima a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2015 Kia Optima. 93.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 268 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.6

Kia Optima history

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