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2015 Kia Optima

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$21,840

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

27
Combined MPGe Combined MPGe

Miles per gallon-equivalent is how the EPA provides efficiency ratings for battery-electric vehicles in a way that can be used in comparison with gasoline-powered vehicles. Actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

Related: Top 10 Most Efficient Electric Cars
5

Seating capacity

190.7” x 57.1”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(268 reviews)

The good:

  • Sharp styling
  • Richly appointed cabin
  • Roomy trunk

The bad:

  • Backseat headroom
  • Folding backseat leaves small opening

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2015 Kia Optima trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

Notable features

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

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

 

Consumer reviews

(268 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.5
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.6
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Most recent consumer reviews

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!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 1.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Does not recommend this car
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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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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See all 268 consumer reviews

Safety

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

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Kia Lite
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
60 months/60,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/100,000 miles
Powertrain
120 months/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Powertrain
6 Months/6,000 miles
Dealer certification required
135 Point Inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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