26 MPG combined is acceptable for the 2018 Kia Optima S 2.4L 4-cyl. It’s a mid-size sedan that focuses on value and features. It isn’t a hybrid, but comfortable and well-equipped designed for buyers who like technology, styling, and a roomy interior at a good price. Fuel economy matters, but is balanced with the other qualities of the Optima in a competitive market.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Kia Optima S 2.4L show its strengths and weaknesses. The 23 MPG city rating reflects normal stop-and-go driving. The 2.4L engine and six-speed automatic transmission work harder to start and stop. But the 32 MPG highway figure shows the Optima’s efficiency on longer trips. The engine runs at a more relaxed pace, and the transmission uses its gearing effectively. Commuters who drive mostly on the highway will see numbers close to the EPA estimate, while city drivers might see lower results.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Kia Optima S 2.4L to be $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and average national fuel prices. Individual fuel costs change depending on driving and local prices, so this provides a standard to compare the Optima to other vehicles. This helps buyers estimate the long-term cost and rank it against all Kia fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy changes. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and tire inflation all change the MPG you get in your 2018 Kia Optima S. Fuel blends also vary, changing MPG. Many drivers track their fuel economy over time to get a clearer idea of what to expect for them. This clarifies if your average matches the OPTIMA MPG across all years.

How it compares

The mid-size sedan market has many options, and fuel economy is a consideration. The Honda Accord with its 1.5T engine gets an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined, slightly better than the Optima.

The Toyota Camry with its base 2.5L engine gets 32 MPG combined, matching the Optima’s highway number but beating its overall rating. Even the Mazda 6, known for its driving, gets close with 29 MPG combined in its base trim. But the Optima often costs less than those cars and comes with more equipment. This should be considered when looking at MPG.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic improve fuel consumption in the 2018 Optima a lot. The 2.4L engine works best with a light foot, so avoid accelerating hard and stay at a constant speed when you can. Watch the road. Anticipate slowdowns. Coast more often and reduce braking. This improves fuel use even more.

Tire inflation is important too. Check your tire pressure often and inflate your tires to the pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. If tires are underinflated, they increase rolling resistance. This makes the engine work harder and use more fuel.

Reduce weight in the car. Extra items in the trunk or back seat increase weight and decrease fuel use. Remove things you don’t need to lighten the load and improve your MPG.

Regular maintenance, which includes oil changes and air filter replacements, keeps the engine running efficiently. A clean air filter makes sure the engine gets enough air, and fresh oil reduces friction and improves lubrication. The Kia Optima is a good car, and routine maintenance helps it stay that way.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed, which can improve fuel economy on long trips. Don’t use cruise control in hilly areas, because the car downshifts often, which reduces the benefits.