2016 Kia Optima
US · Midsize Cars
The 2016 Kia Optima is listed in the US market. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.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: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder
- Power
- Not available
- Torque
- Not available
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid
- Seating
- Not available
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder | |
| Displacement | 1.6 L to 2.4 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Fuel type | Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Not available from our sources: Power, Torque.
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| Gears | 6 to 7 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km) to 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km) |
Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.
Trims and configurations
7 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 13, 2026.
23V594000: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Reported August 24, 2023. View on NHTSA
18V907000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued…
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is…
Reported December 19, 2018. View on NHTSA
17V007000: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle. In this vehicle, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
Remedy: The affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC143.
Reported January 6, 2017. View on NHTSA
16V705000: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.
Reported October 3, 2016. View on NHTSA
16V231000: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016. In these vehicles, a chemical enhancer required for the for the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was not loaded, resulting in the second stage not deploying in necessitating crashes.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC131.
Reported April 21, 2016. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 13, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 13, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 13, 2026
Data verified: October 13, 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
- 2015 Kia Optima
Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder · FWD
37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) - 2017 Kia Optima
Varies by configuration: Hybrid, Gasoline, Plug-in hybrid
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder (SIDI; PHEV) · FWD
42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km)
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Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2016 Kia Optima have?
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Kia Optima?
Combined fuel economy is 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2016 Kia Optima front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 13, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.