The 2018 Kia Optima, with its 2.4L four-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy of 28 MPG. This number means the Optima is a practical and efficient mid-size sedan. It appeals to buyers who care more about affordability and reasonable running costs than high performance or luxury. It’s a good fit for drivers who need a reliable family car, a comfortable way to commute, or both.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Kia Optima 2.4L gets 24 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The city number is good for its class, because of the engine’s sufficient low-end torque, aided by the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The Optima really shines on the highway. Its well-tuned aerodynamics and gearing let the engine run comfortably at lower RPMs, which uses less fuel on long trips. The engine focuses on efficiency rather than raw power. The Optima delivers a decent range in everyday driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Kia Optima 2.4L is $1,550. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using average national fuel prices. This cost is important for potential buyers. It gives a clear idea of the Optima’s running costs compared to other cars in its class. Fuel prices change, but this estimate gives a consistent way to budget and compare.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy changes based on driving habits, traffic, and how well the car is maintained. Hard acceleration, frequent hard braking, and carrying heavy loads will hurt fuel efficiency. On the other hand, smooth, consistent driving, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance like oil changes can help drivers get close to, or even beat, the EPA estimates. The Optima’s trip computer is also helpful for watching fuel consumption and finding ways to save.

How it compares

The 2018 Honda Accord with its base 1.5L turbo engine gets a combined MPG of 33, showing that it’s more fuel-efficient in the mid-size sedan group for the LX trim. The 2018 Toyota Camry with its base 2.5L engine gets about 32 MPG combined. The Optima’s 28 MPG is a bit lower than these top cars in fuel economy. The Hyundai Sonata is similar to the Optima and gets the same 28 MPG rating with its 2.4L engine. The Sonata received similar options to the Optima during this model year.

This comparison is important for buyers choosing between these cars. The Optima might not have the best gas mileage, but its good price, comfortable ride, and many features often make it a good choice for buyers who will accept a slightly lower MPG for better overall value. Compare OPTIMA MPG across all years and you will find this 2018 engine to be about mid pack overall.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Correct tire inflation is important for getting the best gas mileage in the 2018 Kia Optima. Check your tires often and inflate them to the pressure on the door jamb sticker. Tires with too little air create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel, so keeping the tires inflated will save money.

Avoid quick acceleration and hard braking. Smooth, slow acceleration and keeping a constant speed will greatly improve fuel efficiency. Watching traffic and letting the car coast when you can also save fuel. This is true for most vehicles on the highway, other than electric cars.

Don’t let the engine idle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Idling wastes fuel without going anywhere. The Optima doesn’t have auto start/stop, so you have to turn it off yourself. Plus, you’ll hear less engine noise from the Kia!

Carry less weight in the car. Extra items in the trunk or backseat add weight. This makes the engine work harder and use more gas. Remove anything you don’t need to improve fuel economy. This is especially important if your Optima is often full of stuff.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a constant speed, which prevents changes that can hurt fuel economy, especially on long drives. Cruise control makes the car work at a constant RPM, which makes it more fuel efficient in the long run. Remember to compare all all Kia fuel economy data to see how the this Optima stacks up.