The 2018 Kia Optima’s 25 MPG combined, powered by its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, is right in line with other mid-size sedans. It’s not a hybrid focused on efficiency, nor a high-performance version focused on horsepower. Instead, it’s a practical choice for buyers who want comfort, interior space, and a good list of features for the price. This MPG figure is what you can expect from a vehicle designed to be a reliable daily driver, a family car, and good for long trips.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Kia Optima 2.0L at 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. These numbers show the Optima’s tuning for everyday driving. The 22 MPG city rating isn’t outstanding, but it’s good enough for dealing with stop-and-go traffic. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, focusing on fuel efficiency instead of fast acceleration. On the highway, the 31 MPG allows for comfortable, fairly economical long trips, where the Optima feels stable. Some competitors have higher highway numbers, but the Optima’s actual highway performance is often close to the EPA estimate, making its fuel use predictable.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Kia Optima 2.0L at exactly $1,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the average national fuel price when it was tested. This number provides a standard for comparing running costs to other vehicles. Fuel costs will change based on driving and local fuel prices, but the $1,750 estimate gives a general idea of what owners can expect to spend on fuel each year. It’s helpful for buyers figuring out their transportation budget, letting them compare the Optima’s cost of ownership against other options.

Real-world expectations

The EPA uses a standard test, but real-world fuel economy always varies. Expect to see numbers a bit above or below the official ratings based on your driving habits, traffic, and the roads you drive on. Driving aggressively, with lots of acceleration and hard braking, will lower fuel economy. But driving smoothly, predicting traffic, and avoiding unnecessary acceleration can help you reach or beat the EPA estimates. Regular maintenance, like keeping tires properly inflated and getting oil changes on time, helps keep fuel efficiency up. Headwinds, cargo weight, and even using the climate control can change your MPG.

How it compares

The mid-size sedan segment is very competitive, and fuel economy is a key factor. The Honda Accord 1.5T, for example, has a higher EPA rating of 33 MPG combined. The Accord is a more economical choice if fuel savings are the top priority. The Toyota Camry LE gets about 32 MPG combined. However, the Optima often costs less than these rivals, making it a good option for buyers who want to save money and are willing to get slightly fewer MPG. The Camry Hybrid LE gets an impressive 52 MPG combined for those who want even better fuel economy. You can compare the OPTIMA MPG across all years to see how its efficiency has changed. For a broader look, you can review all Kia fuel economy data to see how the Optima compares to other models from Kia.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently to get the best fuel economy in the 2018 Kia Optima. Don’t start quickly, and try to increase speed slowly, letting the engine and transmission work in their most efficient ranges. Know the traffic flow and keep a steady speed when you can, avoiding the need to speed up and slow down often.

Keeping tires properly inflated is important for fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and make sure it’s at the recommended level on the driver’s side doorjamb. Tires with low pressure increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Using a digital tire pressure gauge is more accurate, because gas station air pumps can be inaccurate.

Don’t overuse options that put a strain on the engine. Air conditioning, especially on hot days, can lower fuel economy a lot. Use the air conditioning carefully, and think about opening windows when you can to reduce the load on the engine. Also, remove any extra weight from the vehicle, because it reduces fuel efficiency.

Regular maintenance is critical for keeping fuel efficiency at its best. Follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual, including oil changes and air filter replacements. A clean air filter helps the engine breathe easily, improving combustion and fuel economy. Using the recommended oil also helps reduce friction and improve efficiency.

Use cruise control on the highway to keep a consistent speed. Cruise control prevents extra acceleration and deceleration, which can reduce fuel economy. Be aware of changes in the road when using cruise control, because it may downshift unnecessarily on hills, which impacts fuel efficiency. Turn off cruise control and adjust your speed manually on hilly roads to get the best fuel economy.