The 2016 Kia Optima 1.6L gets 31 MPG combined, making it a good choice for drivers who want a comfortable and stylish mid-size sedan and good fuel economy. It’s not a hybrid aiming for maximum mileage, but a mainstream car for people who want both practicality and reasonable running costs. Buyers of this Optima version often prioritize affordability and features over the best fuel savings. They know that the 1.6L turbo is a decent compromise for daily driving.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the 2016 Kia Optima 1.6L show it performs differently depending on where you drive, which is ideal for its target audience. It gets 28 MPG in the city, showing the engine’s responsiveness in stop-and-go traffic. The turbocharged engine delivers good low-end torque, so it feels lively around town. On the highway, it gets an impressive 37 MPG. That makes it an ideal choice for commuters and families who often take longer trips. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is critical. It shifts quickly and precisely, improving both performance and fuel economy. It avoids the “rubber band” feeling that you sometimes get with continuously variable transmissions often used to maximize fuel economy in competitor vehicles.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Kia Optima 1.6L is about $1,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on your driving habits, the type of fuel, and local fuel prices. However, the $1,400 gives you a benchmark for comparing the Optima’s running costs to others in its class. This number is important for buyers who budget carefully for transportation and want a clear idea of long-term costs. It’s a factor that can help them justify choosing the Optima over a cheaper, but less fuel-efficient car.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy can differ. Your driving style, traffic, and even tire inflation can affect your MPG. Owners of the 2016 Optima 1.6L often report MPG figures close to the EPA estimates if they drive reasonably. Accelerating hard and braking often will hurt fuel economy. And neglecting maintenance like air filter replacements and tire pressure checks can also reduce fuel efficiency. Expect to get MPG figures close to the advertised numbers if you drive carefully.

How it compares

The 2016 Kia Optima 1.6L’s fuel economy compares well to other mid-size sedans. For example, the base Toyota Camry with its 2.5L engine got about 28 MPG combined. The Honda Accord with its 2.4L engine also got around 30 MPG combined. Some eco-focused trims, like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, could get much higher MPG, but they cost more or sacrificed driving performance. The Optima 1.6L has a good mix of fuel efficiency, performance, and affordability that appeals to many buyers. You can review all Kia fuel economy data to see how it compares with others in the automaker’s fleet. Those who want to see Optima MPG across model years, see the OPTIMA MPG across all years to get a better sense of its efficiency over time.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently to get the best mileage from the Optima 1.6L. The turbocharger provides plenty of torque at low RPMs, so you don’t need to floor the gas pedal to get up to speed. Accelerating gradually will help you stay out of the turbo’s boost range, which uses more fuel.

Watch the traffic to avoid braking more than necessary. Keep a steady speed and a safe following distance to minimize sudden stops and starts. This improves fuel economy and reduces wear on your brakes and tires.

Check and maintain proper tire inflation regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. See the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure. Even a few PSI below the recommended level can hurt your MPG.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight in the car. The heavier the car, the more fuel it takes to move. Remove anything from the trunk or backseat that you don’t need every day. This can noticeably improve your fuel economy, especially on longer trips.

Use cruise control carefully on highway drives. While cruise control can help keep a steady speed, it may not be the most fuel-efficient option in hilly areas. The transmission might downshift more than needed to maintain speed uphill, which can use more fuel. It’s often better to manage your speed manually in these situations.