Kia Optima LX V6
The Kia Optima LX was offered with a V6 option from 2001 to 2010, but it was only able to deliver a maximum of 194 horsepower.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Optima was a flagship model for Kia for two decades, but it’s not exactly a name that’s associated with performance driving. The Kia Optima LX was offered with a V6 option until 2010, but it yielded lukewarm results as far as V6 engines go.
Drivers who wanted a little something extra under the hood in a reasonable, cost-effective sedan were able to get a Kia Optima with a V6 engine during the early years of the car’s run. Largely panned by reviewers as underperforming and a waste of gas, the Optima’s V6 engine was frankly not an option worth getting.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversKia Optima LX V6
Used price: $3,000 to $5,000
Engine: 2.7-liter V6
Horsepower: up to 194
Torque: 184 lb-ft
0 to 60: 7.5 to 8 seconds
The LX was the base trim level in the Optima’s lineup and was periodically offered with an optional V6 engine. As a sensible family sedan that was marketed toward everyday drivers on a budget, the Optima wasn’t particularly exciting to drive or to look at.
That being said, it was serviceable enough and offered good value for the money. The interior seated four and was relatively roomy and comfortable, and its 15 cubic feet of trunk space stacked up well to its competitors.
Features of the Kia Optima LX V6 were pretty standard for a base trim economy sedan of the era, including the following:
- Climate control
- Cloth upholstery
- Power windows and door locks
- Keyless entry
- CD/MP3/satellite-ready stereo with auxiliary and USB inputs
The 2010 Optima earned a five-star rating in government crash tests, and it was highly rated by the IIHS for safety as well.
How’s the fuel economy?
One of the common trade-offs of a V6 engine is fuel economy, and the Optima LX V6 gets roughly 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Considering that the Optima’s V6 engine is rather lackluster in every other department, most reviews determined that it wasn't worth the extra fuel unless you did a lot of mountain driving or were hauling a lot of cargo.
Which Kia Optima LX models have the V6?
The Optima name was sold from 2001 to 2020 until it was rebranded as the K5. Only Optimas sold up to 2010 had the option for a V6 engine. The trim levels available varied depending on the year but included the LX,
EX
, and SX
. The V6 option was offered on all these at various stages and was more commonly seen on the SX and EX trim levels.How fast is the Kia Optima LX V6?
“Fast” isn’t a word that applies to the Kia Optima unless it’s preceded with “not very.” Even with a V6 engine, the Optima never broke over 200 horsepower and went from 0 to 60 in 8 seconds. Mind you, this is just fine for a basic sedan for daily use, but it’s hardly a good representation of what a V6 is capable of.
Other comparable cars at the time that offered a V6 option soundly outperformed the Optima:
Before we pile too heavily on the Optima, it bears remembering that it was never intended to be a performance car. It was a sensible, economical sedan for routine daily driving, which fits the bill nicely for a lot of folks.
Key Takeaway The V6 engine gave the Kia Optima reduced fuel economy, but little else.
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Which is better: Optima LX or Optima EX?
The LX was the base level trim and the EX was the one above that, so they are fairly similar. That being said, the EX trim did have some additional features and options that would be nice to have, such as:
- Leather upholstery
- Automatic climate control
- Moonroof
- Power and heated seats
- Upgraded sound system with six-disc changers
- Chrome door handles and trim
When buying used, you are somewhat limited to the inventory at hand when it comes to trim levels and options. If you’re looking for more creature comforts, then the EX would be the better choice.
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FAQs
Does the Kia Optima come in V6?
Yes—its availability across trim levels varied depending on the year, but a V6 option was available on the Kia Optima from 2001 to 2010.
Are V6 Kias reliable?
The Kia Optima had respectable reliability ratings in its day. A 2010 Kia Optima should last an average of 13 years or 200,000 miles if well maintained.
Does the Kia Optima have AWD?
No. All Kia Optimas were front-wheel drive only, but in 2021, the rebranded Kia K5 (formerly the Optima) started offering the option for AWD.
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