Verified Performance Tests
Updated Apr 2026 · 30 recorded runs
Kia Optima 0–60 Times
The Kia Optima 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 30 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Motor Week and more.
The fastest tested Kia Optima is the 2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 14.50 seconds at 99.4 mph, according to Road & Track.
The slowest tested Kia Optima is the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid, which took 9.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 17.10 seconds at 83.0 mph, according to Motor Week.
Out of all the Kia Optima tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 7.82 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 16.07 seconds at 88.59 mph.
Fastest 0–60
6.1sec
2011 SX Turbo
Average 0–60
7.82sec
Across 30 runs
Avg ¼ Mile
16.07sec
@ 88.6 mph trap
Slowest 0–60
9.4sec
2011 Hybrid
Across 30 verified runs, the Kia Optima ranges from 6.1 to 9.4 seconds 0–60, with a 7.82-second average.
01 /
Kia Optima 0–60 times by model year
30 tests · 12 years
▾
2019
Kia Optima · 1 verified run
Avg 0–60
6.70
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
15.10
sec
Recorded Tests
1
#04
2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo
6.7sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
15.10s
¼ mi @ 93.9 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 6.70 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 15.10 sec
- Trap Speed
- 93.9 mph
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 21 C / 30 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #4 of 30
2017
Kia Optima · 2 verified runs
Avg 0–60
7.95
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
16.15
sec
Recorded Tests
2
#15
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid EX
7.9sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.10s
¼ mi @ 88.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.90 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.10 sec
- Trap Speed
- 88.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.0L I-4 + Elec 1.6-kWh
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 39 C / 46 H / 31 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Hybrid
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #15 of 30
#17
2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX
8.0sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.20s
¼ mi @ 89.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.00 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.20 sec
- Trap Speed
- 89.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.0L I-4 + Elec 9.8-kWh
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 40 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Plug in hybrid
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #17 of 30
2016
Kia Optima · 6 verified runs
Avg 0–60
7.25
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
15.62
sec
Recorded Tests
6
#05
2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo
6.8sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
15.20s
¼ mi @ 94.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 6.80 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 15.20 sec
- Trap Speed
- 94.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 22 C / 32 H / 22 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #5 of 30
#06
2016 Kia Optima SX Limited Turbo
7.1sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
15.40s
¼ mi @ 91.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.10 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 15.40 sec
- Trap Speed
- 91.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 22 C / 32 H / 24.2 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Week
- Overall Rank
- #6 of 30
#09
2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T
7.3sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
15.80s
¼ mi @ 92.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.30 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 15.80 sec
- Trap Speed
- 92.0 mph
- Engine
- 1.6L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 7A
- MPG EPA
- 28 C / 39 H / 30 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #9 of 30
#10
2016 Kia Optima SX Limited Turbo
7.3sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
15.60s
¼ mi @ 90.3 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.30 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 15.60 sec
- Trap Speed
- 90.3 mph
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 22 C / 32 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #10 of 30
#12
2016 Kia Optima EX
7.5sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
15.90s
¼ mi @ 90.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.50 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 15.90 sec
- Trap Speed
- 90.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.4L I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 24 C / 35 H / 25 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #12 of 30
#13
2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T
7.5sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
15.80s
¼ mi @ 90.1 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.50 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 15.80 sec
- Trap Speed
- 90.1 mph
- Engine
- 1.6L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 7A
- MPG EPA
- 28 C / 39 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #13 of 30
2014
Kia Optima · 2 verified runs
Avg 0–60
8.25
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
16.40
sec
Recorded Tests
2
#19
2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX
8.1sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.30s
¼ mi @ 88.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.10 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.30 sec
- Trap Speed
- 88.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.4L I-4 + Elec
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 35 C / 39 H / 32 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Hybrid
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #19 of 30
#21
2014 Kia Optima EX
8.4sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.50s
¼ mi @ 86.5 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.40 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.50 sec
- Trap Speed
- 86.5 mph
- Engine
- 2.4L I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 23 C / 34 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #21 of 30
2013
Kia Optima · 1 verified run
Avg 0–60
7.20
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
15.60
sec
Recorded Tests
1
#07
2013 Kia Optima SX Limited Turbo
7.2sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
15.60s
¼ mi @ 90.4 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.20 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 15.60 sec
- Trap Speed
- 90.4 mph
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 22 C / 34 H / 22.8 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #7 of 30
2012
Kia Optima · 1 verified run
Avg 0–60
8.00
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
16.20
sec
Recorded Tests
1
#18
2012 Kia Optima EX
8.0sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.20s
¼ mi @ 89.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.00 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.20 sec
- Trap Speed
- 89.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.4L I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 24 C / 35 H / 24 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #18 of 30
2011
Kia Optima · 9 verified runs
Avg 0–60
7.46
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
15.83
sec
Recorded Tests
9
#01
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo
6.1sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
14.50s
¼ mi @ 99.4 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 6.10 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 14.50 sec
- Trap Speed
- 99.4 mph
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 22 C / 34 H / 24.6 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Road & Track
- Overall Rank
- #1 of 30
#02
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo
6.4sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
15.00s
¼ mi @ 96.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 6.40 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 15.00 sec
- Trap Speed
- 96.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 22 C / 34 H / 20 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #2 of 30
#03
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo
6.5sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
—
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 6.50 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- —
- Trap Speed
- —
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 22 C / 34 H / 27.6 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Week
- Overall Rank
- #3 of 30
#08
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo
7.2sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
15.60s
¼ mi @ 91.2 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.20 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 15.60 sec
- Trap Speed
- 91.2 mph
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 22 C / 34 H / 23.7 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #8 of 30
#11
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo
7.4sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
15.70s
¼ mi @ 90.7 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.40 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 15.70 sec
- Trap Speed
- 90.7 mph
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 22 C / 34 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #11 of 30
#14
2011 Kia Optima EX
7.8sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.20s
¼ mi @ 89.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.80 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.20 sec
- Trap Speed
- 89.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.4L I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 24 C / 34 H / 21 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #14 of 30
#16
2011 Kia Optima EX
7.9sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.10s
¼ mi @ 88.3 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.90 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.10 sec
- Trap Speed
- 88.3 mph
- Engine
- 2.4L I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 24 C / 34 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #16 of 30
#22
2011 Kia Optima Hybrid
8.4sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.40s
¼ mi @ 84.7 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.40 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.40 sec
- Trap Speed
- 84.7 mph
- Engine
- 2.4L I-4 + Elec 30-kW 1.4-kWh
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 34 C / 39 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Hybrid
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #22 of 30
#30
2011 Kia Optima Hybrid
9.4sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
17.10s
¼ mi @ 83.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 9.40 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 17.10 sec
- Trap Speed
- 83.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.4L I-4 + Elec 30-kW 1.4-kWh
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 6A
- MPG EPA
- 34 C / 39 H / 38.2 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Hybrid
- Test Source
- Motor Week
- Overall Rank
- #30 of 30
2008
Kia Optima · 1 verified run
Avg 0–60
8.80
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
16.70
sec
Recorded Tests
1
#26
2008 Kia Optima EX
8.8sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.70s
¼ mi @ 84.3 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.80 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.70 sec
- Trap Speed
- 84.3 mph
- Engine
- 2.4L I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 5A
- MPG EPA
- 21 C / 31 H / 21.8 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #26 of 30
2007
Kia Optima · 2 verified runs
Avg 0–60
8.75
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
16.75
sec
Recorded Tests
2
#23
2007 Kia Optima EX V6
8.6sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.60s
¼ mi @ 85.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.60 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.60 sec
- Trap Speed
- 85.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.7L V6
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 5A
- MPG EPA
- 20 C / 28 H / 26 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Week
- Overall Rank
- #23 of 30
#27
2007 Kia Optima EX
8.9sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.90s
¼ mi @ 83.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.90 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.90 sec
- Trap Speed
- 83.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.4L I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 5A
- MPG EPA
- 21 C / 31 H / 22 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #27 of 30
2006
Kia Optima · 1 verified run
Avg 0–60
8.90
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
17.00
sec
Recorded Tests
1
#28
2006 Kia Optima EX
8.9sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
17.00s
¼ mi @ 83.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.90 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 17.00 sec
- Trap Speed
- 83.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.4L I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 5A
- MPG EPA
- 21 C / 31 H / 24 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #28 of 30
2003
Kia Optima · 1 verified run
Avg 0–60
8.30
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
16.60
sec
Recorded Tests
1
#20
2003 Kia Optima LX
8.3sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.60s
¼ mi @ 84.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.30 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.60 sec
- Trap Speed
- 84.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.4L I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 5M
- MPG EPA
- 20 C / 27 H / 22 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #20 of 30
2001
Kia Optima · 3 verified runs
Avg 0–60
8.77
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
16.60
sec
Recorded Tests
3
#24
2001 Kia Optima SE V6
8.6sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.60s
¼ mi @ 86.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.60 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.60 sec
- Trap Speed
- 86.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.5L V6
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 4A
- MPG EPA
- 17 C / 23 H / 22 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Week
- Overall Rank
- #24 of 30
#25
2001 Kia Optima SE V6
8.7sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.60s
¼ mi @ 85.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.70 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.60 sec
- Trap Speed
- 85.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.5L V6
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 4A
- MPG EPA
- 17 C / 23 H / 20 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #25 of 30
#29
2001 Kia Optima SE V6
9.0sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.60s
¼ mi @ 84.3 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 9.00 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.60 sec
- Trap Speed
- 84.3 mph
- Engine
- 2.5L V6
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- 4A
- MPG EPA
- 17 C / 23 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #29 of 30
How we verify Kia Optima performance data
We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Kia Optima trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.
02 /
Kia Optima 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution
0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is fasterEach dot is a recorded test run
0–60 →
¼ mile →
Fastest
Recorded run
Slowest
03 /
Kia Optima performance FAQs
6 questions
The quickest Kia Optima on record is the 2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo, which runs 0–60 mph in 6.1 seconds and clears the quarter-mile in 14.50 seconds at 99.4 mph.
The slowest recorded Kia Optima is the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid, which takes 9.4 seconds to reach 60 mph and runs 17.10 seconds in the quarter.
Averaged across all 30 verified runs, a Kia Optima reaches 60 mph in 7.82 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 16.07 seconds at roughly 88.6 mph.
We have verified test data for 12 model years. Each year shows every recorded run, the publication that measured it, and the trim-level details.
Every figure is sourced from published road tests by Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Motor Week and Road & Track. We don't use manufacturer claims — only independently timed runs — so the numbers reflect what the car actually does.
0–60 and quarter-mile results depend on driver technique, ambient temperature, tire condition, road surface, altitude, and testing instrumentation. A published figure is a single sample, not an absolute — which is why we show the range of verified runs rather than one number.
Sources
Car and Driver
Motor Trend
Motor Week
Road & Track
0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Kia Optima can do, not a single marketing claim.
04 /
Other Kia 0–60 times
05 /
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