Kia Optima Model Years and History

The Kia Optima enters into its 2020 model year without a lot of additions or changes. A few items from the technology package such as a wireless phone charger are now standard on the 2020 car. The vehicle remains otherwise unaltered.

The 2019 Kia Optima continues to be an attractive and competent entry into the competitive mid-sized sedan segment. For 2019, enhancements across the board for all trims include Kia's new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as standard equipment. It's comprehensive and includes, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Parking Distance Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Change Assist, Lane-Keeping Assist Line and Lane Departure Warning. The Optima's voice recognition telematics system is now easier to understand and use and the Optima benefits from new front fascia aesthetics and LED running lights.

The Kia Optima continues to be an attractive and competent entry into the competitive mid-sized sedan segment. For 2018, enhancements on all trims include a standard 7-inch touchscreen UVO system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus standard blind-spot detection, rear-cross traffic alert and rear park-assist. The 2.4L LX trim now has a 10-way power driver seat and auto up/down power front windows, while the 2.0L turbo-equipped SX has LED fog lights, a panoramic sunroof and heated/ventilated front seats. A 2.4L Optima S is new for 2018 and features a panoramic sunroof package.

The Kia Optima continues to be an attractive and competent entry into the competitive mid-sized sedan segment. For 2017, enhancements include standard 18-inch alloy wheels on SX models, while SXL models get 18-inch chrome wheels. EX trims are available with a new Premium Plus package that includes several driver assist systems including a forward collision warning system, a smart cruise control system, a high beam assist system and a lane departure warning system. Finally, SXL models equipped with the Technology package get fancy, LED headlights with a 'Dynamic Bending Light' system.

The Optima was redesigned for 2016, and Kia has made many changes aimed at improving handling and comfort while reducing noise, which means the Optima is more pleasant to drive than ever. A new 1.6L turbo is the new entry-level powerplant and comes connected to a new-for-2016 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Kia's UVO infotainment system has been revamped and includes several new features aimed at parents of teen drivers.

Following a thorough refresh last year the Kia Optima hits 2015 with only minor changes. Among them, the UVO infotainment system has been upgraded, cruise control placement is more ergonomically friendly, and an acoustic laminated windshield is standard.

The Optima is refreshed for 2014 with changes to the front and rear fascias. The new styling mildly updates the look of the car without reinventing its look. The interior has received attention as well, with new seats and the availability of several new interior amenities. Kia has also reshuffled their model lineup, with 2014 seeing the return of the SX-Turbo trim and the introduction of a top of the line Limited trim.

This year, the Optima gets only a few minor styling changes, including a revised Kia badge for the hood, trunk, and steering wheel and a new Remington Red hue that replaces Spicy Red. A new front-seat sliding-headrest design is standard on all three Optima models. An SX Limited model is new to the lineup, adding a premium sporty look, along with additional upgrades, to the top-of-the-line SX. Also, Kia has dropped the mid-range EX Turbo model for 2013, and dropped the manual-transmission version of the Optima entirely.

Fog lights and SmartKey keyless entry are now standard on all Optimas. The two Communication and Entertainment system packages have been discontinued.

With a stylish new design inside and out along with all-new powertrains and slightly larger all around, the Kia Optima is all-new and completely redesigned for 2011. Later in the model year, the Kia Optima lineup will be joined by a new Optima Turbo model, as well as a new Optima Hybrid. The latter will be Kia's first-ever hybrid.

Not much is new for the Optima in 2010. The exterior sees a minor facelift, and keyless entry and ignition is now standard on the SX.

The Optima has received a complete makeover for 2009. A completely redesigned exterior showcases a new bumper, grille, headlamps, fog lamps, taillights and side skirts, accented by crisp lines and a longer overall length. An additional 3 inches in length and sharper horizontal accents from front to rear make the 2009 Optima look sportier and sleeker. Turn signals are now integrated into the side mirrors, and a barrel-type instrument cluster in hot-red illumination is now standard. In addition to the basic LX and luxury EX trims from 2008, a new SX trim is available for a sports car-like experience.SX upgrades from the LX and EX trims include a dazzling black front grille and headlamps, fog lights and hyper-silver-finished 17-inch wheels. Two seat trims in gray or beige are available, with cloth only on the LX, leather available on the EX, and black leather trim on the SX. All trims are available with Sirius satellite, USB port and MP3 capability. An optional navigation system is also now available.

Changes for the 2008 Kia Optima are minimal. The audio system no longer has a cassette player and instead comes with an iPod input jack. The EX trim now includes leather seat trim instead of cloth.

Kia's mid-size Optima was completely new this past year, as a 2006.5 model, and there are no significant changes for the 2007 model year. The new Optima brought more power and better fuel economy, improved ride and handling characteristics, and increased standard safety equipment, at a price that's several thousand dollars less than most of the mid-size competition.