Skip to main content

2016 Kia Optima consumer reviews

$22,140 starting MSRP
side view of 2016 Optima Kia
(258 reviews)
89% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.6
Explore the 2016 Kia Optima
Shop the 2016 Kia Optima

Great value for the money

Through my research of used midsized sedans, the 2016 Kia Optima was the car that had the mot features for the money. I purchased the SX Turbo with the technology package and although this was not the highest available trim it was loaded with features. My personal favorite features are the panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, Harmon Kardon sound system, navigation, backup camera, and adaptive cruise control (which works surprisingly well in stop and go traffic). A nice feature that I don’t think is necessary but adds a luxury touch is the illuminated door handle and mirrors that fold out when you approach the car. When placed in sport mode, the car has great acceleration and feels sportier than a typical midsized sedan. The white exterior with a black roof also adds a sporty look to the car. Great car and would recommend!

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

Optima SXL Turbo GDI was great until OIL started

I was completely in love with my Optima SXL Turbo. It came fully loaded with automatic braking, side mirror warning sensors, automatic folding side mirrors, huge panoramic sunroof, autobraking cruise control, seat heaters AND coolers, rear seat warmers, Harmon Karmon amazing sound system; the works- fully loaded. Purchased it pre owned for $24k in 2018 at Heritage Buick GMC with 40k miles after trading in my 2010 Lexus RX Hybrid, and boy do I regret doing that because my Lexus NEVER burned or disappeared my engine oil like this Kia does!!! Everything was great with this car until I started noticing engine oil was disappearing from the engine!! I checked my dipstick this summer and it was bone dry, not a single drop of oil was in my engine, and this was only about 2500 miles after my oil change. Luckily I checked my dipstick because I knew I was approaching my oil change deadline. Service technicians at dealership AND at regular oil change places have checked my car and there are absolutely NO OIL LEAKS whatsoever. So now I am constantly checking my oil because its burning it for no reason. After a 1k miles or so, the dipstick is showing about a quarter of the oil missing. I'm constantly having to check and add oil in between my oil change intervals. This is sad for a car that only has 70K miles and gets driven very softly - I never floor it or mistreat the car, EVER!! After doing Internet research, I found out Kia has recalls on these engines in the Optimas and in their cousin Sonatas. And the recalls are only for year models 2011 - 2015. There is no recall for my 2016, but yet it is still burning oil. Anyone else having this issue?? Also, my automatic swiveling headlights warning light is always on in my dashboard, even after getting the headlight replaced while car was still under warranty 10k miles ago. Oh, also, my check engine light came on this summer for a faulty 02 sensor but then it went away on its own after 2 days. And my suspension is already making noises when going up and down speed humps, something my Lexus didn't do until it hit 160k miles. And on occasion, when initially starting the car, it shakes so bad like it's about to cut off and the RPMs are at 400. This might be because I needed to change my spark plugs at 65k miles like the owner's manual suggest.... but really, at 65k miles??! So overall, Kia is not as reliable and problem-free as many say it now is. Stick to brands that are superior and known for longevity and reliability if you can.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Love my Optima!!

This car has been wrduk to me the last 3 years. I’ll always buy Kia from here on out because they’re reliable and they have such a great warranty. Team Kia all the way.

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

Excellence at a great price

If you want all the bells and whistles at an affordable price search no further. I gave the EX, not even the top of the line and it comes with more things than I can count. Seats are very comfortable, limited outside road noise, easy handling and a smooth ride. Coming out of a Genesis this is a close second. Great car!

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 Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Comfortable road car with great mileage

We use this car for our family trips due to its great comfort, handling and mileage: 26 round town and 34 or more on the road. No quirky controls; all where they logically should be. Reliable; no surprises. Just follow the maintenance schedule.

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

Most reliable car I owned

This car is amazing! Great on gas, easy maintenance, a lot of leg room and most importantly reliable. You will not regret getting this car

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 Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Really Nice!

This car definitely meets all my needs. It's very roomy front and back with more features than I expected for the price I paid. Seats are very comfortable and the ride is very smooth.

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 Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Excellent Car

This care met all of my needs. It has plenty of legroom in the front and back, the ride is great compared to other cars I tested. It has 4 USB ports.

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 Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Excellent reliable and great handling car

This car met all my needs. It has plenty leg room, seat adjustment allows me to see over the dash (hard to find in other models because I am 5'2") yet is great for my husband (who is 5' 7"). Very comfortable with great shocks over bumps, great brakes. It also has 3 USB ports. The instruments panel is well designed and convenient. I have had a lot of cars in my 75 years and I just absolutely LOVE this car and how it handles. When needed, I will definitely stick with a Kia.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • 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

Best car I’ve ever had

Love my new car. Best deal I’ve ever gotten on a car. The warranty on this car is what sold me my car. I had my Kia for 10 years before and I will continue again with my new Kia

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 Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No