- Gas
- Hybrid
- Plug-in hybrid
- Large cars
- MY2001–2020
Kia Optima MPG & Fuel Cost by Year
20 model years · 2001–2020
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Kia Optima fuel economy at a glance
EPA has rated the Kia Optima for 20 model years, 2001 to 2020. Across those years its combined rating runs 18–42 MPG. The latest model year, 2020, has 6 configurations rated 24–42 MPG combined and costing $1,200–$2,700 a year to fuel at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient configuration on record since 2001 is the 2020 Hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl FWD, at 42 MPG.
Kia Optima MPG by year
| Year | Gas (MPG) | Hybrid (MPG) | Plug-in hybrid, gas only (MPG) | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2020 (JF) Generation page | ||||
| 2020 | 24–31 | 42 | 41 | $1,200–$2,700 |
| 2019 | 24–31 | 41 | 40 | $1,220–$2,700 |
| 2018 | 25–31 | 42 | 40 | $1,220–$2,620 |
| 2017 | 25–31 | 42 | 40 | $1,220–$2,620 |
| 2016 | 25–31 | 36–37 | — | $1,780–$2,620 |
| 2011-2015 (TF) Generation page | ||||
| 2015 | 24–26 | 36–37 | — | $1,780–$2,770 |
| 2014 | 24–26 | 36–37 | — | $1,780–$2,770 |
| 2013 | 26–27 | 36–37 | — | $1,780–$2,510 |
| 2012 | 26–27 | 36 | — | $1,810–$2,510 |
| 2011 | 26–27 | 36 | — | $1,810–$2,510 |
| 2006-2010 (MG) Generation page | ||||
| 2010 | 23–25 | — | — | $2,610–$2,840 |
| 2009 | 23–25 | — | — | $2,610–$2,840 |
| 2008 | 23–25 | — | — | $2,610–$2,840 |
| 2007 | 23–25 | — | — | $2,610–$2,840 |
| 2006 | 21–25 | — | — | $2,610–$3,110 |
| 2001-2005 (MS) Generation page | ||||
| 2005 | 21–23 | — | — | $2,840–$3,110 |
| 2004 | 21–23 | — | — | $2,840–$3,110 |
| 2003 | 21–23 | — | — | $2,840–$3,110 |
| 2002 | 18–21 | — | — | $3,110–$3,630 |
| 2001 | 19–21 | — | — | $3,110–$3,440 |
Costs use the current EIA price set and 15,000 miles a year for every year, so years are comparable. Green marks the best year for each powertrain.
Kia Optima generations
4 generations between 2001 and 2020. Open one for the table of every model year and configuration.
2020 powertrain options
On electricity 101 MPGe, with 28 miles of electric range.
See plug-in hybrid configurationsMore Kia models
Frequently asked questions
What is the Kia Optima's gas mileage by year?
EPA combined ratings for the Kia Optima run 18–42 MPG across model years 2001 to 2020. The latest year, 2020, is rated 24–42 MPG.
Which Kia Optima model year has the best gas mileage?
The 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl FWD has the highest combined rating since 2001, at 42 MPG.
How much does a Kia Optima cost to fuel per year?
For MY2020, EPA-rated configurations cost $1,200–$2,700 a year to fuel, driving 15,000 miles at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient one costs $1,560.
Has the Kia Optima's fuel economy improved over time?
Yes. The most efficient configuration moved from 21 MPG in 2001 to 42 MPG in 2020, 21 MPG more.
Is there a hybrid, plug-in or electric Kia Optima?
Yes. Hybrid versions are rated from 2011 to 2020 (36–42 MPG); Plug-in hybrid versions are rated from 2017 to 2020 (40–41 MPG).
Which Kia Optima model years have the same ratings?
EPA lists identical ratings as the previous year for 2004, 2008, 2010. The generation pages mark those years "same EPA ratings" and point to the year that holds the full table.