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2012 Kia Optima review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Kia Optima highlights

Customer rating

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 34 highway, 26 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

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All Kia Optima years

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2012 Kia Optima is praised for its sleek design, smooth ride, robust features, and fuel efficiency. Notable cons include cabin noise, rear visibility, and seat comfort. Many value its affordability and handling, though some note minor reliability hiccups and maintenance concerns. A strong balance of performance and style makes it a notable midsize sedan.
4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Kia Optima an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Optima 8th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima features and specs

SX 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Infinity Sound System
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

274

Torque (ft-lbs)

269

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

18.5

Wheelbase

110"

Overall length

190.7"

Width

72.1"

Height

57.3"

Leg room

F 45.5"/R 34.7"

Head room

F 40"/R 37.6"

Front tires

P225/45R18

Rear tires

P225/45R18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2012 Kia Optima FAQ


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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