Approximately 7.1 Liters (7.5 US Quarts) for a fill
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV (or equivalent)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
No manual transmission option for this specific model year in most markets. Some markets might have had a 6-speed manual, but the 6-speed automatic was predominant.
Features
Shift Modes:
Driver-selectable manual mode ('Sportmatic')
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4840 mm (190.6 inches)
Width:
1830 mm (72.0 inches)
Height:
1455 mm (57.3 inches)
Wheelbase:
2795 mm (110.0 inches)
Front Track:
1580 mm (62.2 inches)
Rear Track:
1576 mm (62.0 inches)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 135 mm (5.3 inches)
Interior
Front Headroom:
1015 mm (40.0 inches)
Rear Headroom:
970 mm (38.2 inches)
Front Legroom:
1123 mm (44.2 inches)
Rear Legroom:
894 mm (35.2 inches)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
450 Liters (15.9 cubic feet)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1470-1510 kg (3240-3330 lbs), depending on trim and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly listed, but typically around 2000 kg (4400 lbs).
Towing Capacity:
Not recommended for towing.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (Overall)
NHTSA Side Crash Test:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Brake Assist:
Standard Brake Assist System (BAS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Dual front, front side-impact, full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Standard Audio:
AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers.
Optional Infotainment:
Available UVO infotainment system with voice recognition, navigation, and a 8-inch touchscreen display (optional on higher trims).
Connectivity:
Standard auxiliary audio input, USB port, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Driver Assistance
Backup Camera:
Available rear-view camera.
Parking Sensors:
Available rear parking sensors.
Keyless Entry Start:
Available push-button start with smart key.
Other Features
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Climate Control:
Available dual-zone automatic climate control.
Lighting:
Available HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights, LED taillights.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions.
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Engine Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 105,000 miles or 7 years, then every 52,500 miles or 3 years thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles. Replacement recommended every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs: Every 105,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles. Replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Drive Belt Inspection:
Inspect every 15,000 miles. Replace as needed.
Fluid Specifications
Power Steering Fluid:
Use genuine Kia power steering fluid or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Engine Issues:
Some Theta II engines have experienced issues with oil consumption and potential bearing failures. Proper and timely oil changes are crucial. GDI systems can be prone to carbon buildup on intake valves.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional reports of rough shifting or hesitation, often resolved with fluid service or software updates.
Electrical Issues:
Infrequent reports of battery drain or minor electrical gremlins, often tied to specific modules or software glitches.
Suspension Issues:
Some owners report premature wear of suspension components like control arm bushings or ball joints, particularly in harsher climates or with aggressive driving.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation
Founding Year:
1944
Model Evolution
First Generation Release:
The Kia Optima (first generation, MS) was introduced in 2000.
Second Generation Release:
The second generation (MG) ran from 2005-2010.
Third Generation Release:
The third generation (TF) was launched for the 2011 model year.
Tf Generation Updates:
The 2012 model year represents the second year of the TF generation, which featured a significant redesign with Peter Schreyer's 'Tiger Nose' grille and a more European-inspired aesthetic.
Mid-Cycle Refresh:
A minor refresh occurred for the 2014 model year, with more significant updates for the fourth generation (JF) starting in 2016.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured at the Hwaseong plant in South Korea, with potential assembly in other global locations.
Production Period:
2010-2015 (TF Generation)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Award:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick.
Kbb Awards:
Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com praised the Optima's styling and value proposition.
Consumer Reports:
Received mixed to average ratings from Consumer Reports in its initial years, with improvements noted in later model years of the TF generation regarding reliability.