Target Audience:
Consumers seeking value, style, and a balance of performance and fuel efficiency in the mid-size sedan segment.
Key Competitors 2010:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, driver-focused interior, advanced safety features for its class.
Value Proposition:
Offering a strong feature set and stylish design at a competitive price point compared to established rivals.
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, exhaust, fuel, cooling, lubrication, starting, charging systems
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Lighting, instruments, power windows, mirrors, locks, audio, HVAC controls, body electrical components, wiring diagrams
Body:
Interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, body panels, HVAC system components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks/changes, belt inspection/replacement
Repair:
Component removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, adjustment procedures
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) explanations and repair procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repairs.
Engine Type 1:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement 1:
2.4 Liters (2359 cc)
Valve Train 1:
DOHC, 16 Valves, CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing)
Bore X Stroke 1:
86.7 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.3:1
Horsepower 1:
175 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery 1:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type 1:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane 1:
87 AKI
Engine Type 2:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement 2:
2.7 Liters (2656 cc)
Valve Train 2:
DOHC, 24 Valves, CVVT
Horsepower 2:
194 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
181 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery 2:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type 2:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane 2:
87 AKI
Standard Transmission:
6-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Optional Transmission:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Sportmatic Shifting (Driver-selectable manual shifting)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent (refer to manual for exact part number)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (refer to manual for precise capacity)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Side Driver:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Rollover:
★★★★ (4-Star)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Airbags Front:
Dual Front Impact Airbags
Airbags Side:
Front Side Impact Airbags, Front and Rear Side Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System Availability:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Higher trims may offer premium audio systems, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation.
Navigation System Availability:
Optional, typically on EX trims and above, featuring touch-screen display.
Backup Camera Availability:
Optional on higher trims.
Keyless Entry And Start:
Available on higher trims.
Bluetooth Availability:
Optional, usually paired with premium audio or navigation systems.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions. Refer to manual for severe conditions.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
Recommended with every oil change.
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 36 months (refer to manual for inspection frequency).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Engine Coolant Flush:
First flush at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 84 months, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months thereafter.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect at 30,000 miles, replace if necessary. Refer to manual for specific mileage recommendations (often around 60,000-100,000 miles for ideal service).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified (refer to manual for specific OEM recommendations and viscosity index requirements).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.7L V6:
Approx. 5.5 US quarts (5.2 liters) with filter.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation and fluid type).
Engine Noise Potential:
Some owners reported a characteristic ticking or knocking sound from the engine, often related to piston slap or fuel injector noise. The manual will detail diagnostic steps for these.
Suspension Wear Potential:
As with many vehicles, front suspension components like ball joints, tie rods, and struts may require inspection and replacement over time, especially with higher mileage. The manual covers these inspection and replacement procedures.
HVAC System Concerns:
Infrequent reports of HVAC system issues, such as blower motor or blend door actuator failures. The manual provides troubleshooting for these components.
Tire Pressure Front:
32 PSI (Cold) - Varies by tire size and load. Refer to vehicle placard.
Tire Pressure Rear:
32 PSI (Cold) - Varies by tire size and load. Refer to vehicle placard.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Known for its rapid growth and increasing global presence, Kia has focused on delivering stylish, value-packed vehicles.
Optima Generation 2 Introduction:
The 2010 Optima represents the second generation of the model, debuting a significant redesign with a focus on European styling cues and improved driving dynamics, transitioning from the previous MG platform to the Hyundai GF platform.
Design Influence:
Designed under Peter Schreyer, the 2010 Optima adopted Kia's new corporate grille ('tiger nose') and a more sculpted, aerodynamic profile.
Production Location:
Hwaseong, South Korea
Production Years 2Nd Gen:
2010 - 2015