2018 Kia Optima
US · Large Cars
The 2018 Kia Optima is listed in the US market. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder (SIDI; PHEV)
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid
- Economy
- 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder (SIDI; PHEV) | |
| Displacement | 1.6 L to 2.4 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Fuel type | Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| Gears | 6 to 7 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 39 mpg (6.0 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km) to 46 mpg (5.1 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
7 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 10, 2026.
23V594000: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Reported August 24, 2023. View on NHTSA
18V161000: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018.…
Reported March 8, 2018. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 5, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 12, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 5, 2026
Data verified: November 5, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 2017 Kia Optima
Varies by configuration: Hybrid, Gasoline, Plug-in hybrid
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder (SIDI; PHEV) · FWD
42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) - 2019 Kia Optima
Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder (SIDI; Hybrid), 2.0L 4-cylinder (SIDI; PHEV) · FWD
41 mpg (5.7 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)
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Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2018 Kia Optima have?
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder (SIDI; PHEV). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Kia Optima?
Combined fuel economy is 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2018 Kia Optima front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 10, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.