2010 Kia Optima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2010 Kia Optima is largely a carryover from 2009. Its one notable update is standard push-button start with a smart key on the SX trim.
About the 2010 Kia Optima
2nd gen (2006-2010), facelift introduced for 2009, final year before the all-new 2011 redesign.
Kia pitched the 2010 Optima as a midsize sedan that mixed bold styling with practical family-car basics. The brochure emphasizes its aggressive look, roomy cabin, highway fuel economy, standard safety equipment, and long warranty. In the market, its main draw was value: it gave shoppers a comfortable, straightforward sedan with useful features and solid space without needing to move up to more expensive mainstream rivals.
The LX is the practical version, with a four-cylinder engine, a roomy cabin, and everyday features such as USB and auxiliary audio inputs. The EX focuses on comfort with leather seating, a power driver’s seat, and automatic climate control, while the SX adds sport-themed styling, 17-inch wheels, and leather-and-cloth sport seats.
What changed, by category
2010 Kia Optima specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 2.7 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 2.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20–22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28–32 mpg | 32 mpg | 28–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 175–194 hp | 175 hp | 175–194 hp |
| Torque | 169–184 lb-ft | 169 lb-ft | 169–184 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2010 Kia Optima compared with the 2009 model?
The main change is that the 2010 Optima SX gained standard push-button start with a smart key. The rest of the lineup carried over with no major powertrain, styling, safety, or structural updates.
Was the 2010 Kia Optima redesigned?
No, the 2010 Optima was not redesigned. It was the final year of the second generation and retained the facelift introduced for 2009; an all-new Optima followed for 2011.
Did every 2010 Kia Optima have push-button start?
No, push-button start with a smart key was standard only on the 2010 Optima SX. It was not identified as a lineup-wide addition for the LX or EX.
Did the 2010 Kia Optima’s engines change from 2009?
No, the engines carried over for 2010. The 175-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder remained standard, and the 2.7-liter V6 remained an option on the EX and SX.
Is a 2010 Kia Optima meaningfully different from a 2009 model?
No, most 2010 Optimas are not meaningfully different from their 2009 counterparts. The notable exception is the SX, which gained standard push-button start with a smart key.