2008 Kia Optima
US · Midsize Cars
The 2008 Kia Optima is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 2.4L 4-cylinder, 2.7L 6-cylinder
- Power
- Not available
- Torque
- Not available
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Seating
- Not available
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 2.4L 4-cylinder, 2.7L 6-cylinder | |
| Displacement | 2.4 L to 2.7 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 to 6 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Not available from our sources: Aspiration, Power, Torque.
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 5 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km) to 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) |
Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.
Trims and configurations
3 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 16, 2026.
13V114000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento,…
Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.…
Reported April 1, 2013. View on NHTSA
12V014000: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 KIA RONDO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH…
Remedy: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Reported January 17, 2012. View on NHTSA
11V153000: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2007. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SHIFT CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING TENSION IN THE CABLE. IF PRESENT, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE CABLE TO DETACH FROM THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY'S DOWEL PIN PREVENTING THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING SHIFTED. THE SHIFT LEVER…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE AND REINSTALL IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2011. OWNER MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Reported March 9, 2011. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 16, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 16, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 16, 2026
Data verified: October 16, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 2007 Kia Optima
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.4L 4-cylinder, 2.7L 6-cylinder · FWD
25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) - 2009 Kia Optima
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.4L 4-cylinder, 2.7L 6-cylinder · FWD
25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2008 Kia Optima have?
Varies by configuration: 2.4L 4-cylinder, 2.7L 6-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Kia Optima?
Combined fuel economy is 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2008 Kia Optima front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 2008 Kia Optima?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 16, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.