The 2019 Kia Optima 2.0L gets 24 MPG combined. This isn’t the best in its class, but it’s what you get for a stylish, well-equipped mid-size sedan that prioritizes value and a comfortable ride. Optima owners understand this, accepting decent fuel economy for a good mix of features, warranty, and affordability. These buyers are often families needing reliable transportation, commuters logging lots of miles, or budget-minded shoppers wanting a practical and attractive sedan.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 Optima 2.0L are 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city number shows the effects of stop-and-go driving, where the 2.0L engine can feel a little strained and uses more gas to accelerate from a stop. On the open road, at a steady speed, the Optima’s 30 MPG highway number is easier to reach. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, helping give decent highway gas mileage. The engine doesn’t work too hard at normal highway speeds, allowing reasonable fuel economy on longer trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Kia Optima 2.0L at $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price at the time of testing. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on how you drive, the roads you use, and the price of gas. This $1,800 figure gives a standard benchmark to compare the Optima’s fuel costs to other vehicles, but individual results will vary.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are useful for comparison, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Optima owners often report numbers a bit below the EPA’s 24 MPG combined. Driving hard, frequent short trips, and heavy traffic all hurt fuel efficiency. However, those who accelerate gently, keep steady speeds, and minimize idling may get closer to, or even a bit above, the EPA estimates. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and weather can also affect mileage. It’s wise to adjust expectations and know that 24 MPG is an achievable average, not a guarantee.

How it compares

In the competitive mid-size sedan class, the 2019 Optima 2.0L’s fuel economy is in the middle. The Toyota Camry LE, for example, gets an EPA-estimated 32 MPG combined with its 2.5L engine, a clear advantage. The Honda Accord LX with its 1.5-liter turbo is rated at 33 MPG combined. These options appeal to buyers who want to save every last bit of gas. The Nissan Altima S gets around 32 MPG combined. The older Hyundai Sonata with its 2.4L engine is more similar, offering numbers close to the Optima. The Optima buyer isn’t necessarily chasing the absolute best MPG numbers; they are looking for a complete package of style, warranty, affordability, and adequate fuel economy. Explore all Kia fuel economy data and see OPTIMA MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2019 Optima’s six-speed automatic transmission is programmed for smooth shifts that use less gas, but you can help even more by driving gently. Avoid fast acceleration, especially from a stop, as this makes the engine work harder and uses more fuel. Look ahead at traffic and slowly increase speed to avoid sudden acceleration.

Keeping a consistent speed is key to getting better highway fuel economy. Using cruise control on long, open roads helps maintain a steady pace and prevents unintentional speed changes, which can hurt fuel efficiency. Driving within the speed limit is always safe and saves fuel.

Proper tire inflation is critical for safety and fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often, about every few weeks, and make sure it matches the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel.

Avoid letting the car idle unnecessarily. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are made to restart quickly and efficiently, and restarting usually uses less fuel than idling for a long time. This is especially important in city driving, where frequent stops at traffic lights and in congested areas can cause a lot of idling.