2011 Kia Optima: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2011 Kia Optima is a full redesign built on a new midsize platform. Its sleeker shape, wider range of engines, and more modern cabin make this a major change from the 2010 model.

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About the 2011 Kia Optima

3rd generation (2011-2015), first year of the redesign.

Kia positioned the 2011 Optima as a midsize family sedan for shoppers who wanted practical space without plain styling. The brand leaned on its sleek roofline, driver-focused dashboard, strong standard feature content, and a more upscale feel than many mainstream rivals. In Kia’s own messaging, the Optima’s appeal was the mix of standout design, useful technology, everyday comfort, and strong value rather than pure luxury or pure performance.

The LX was the value-focused model, with a direct-injected four-cylinder engine plus standard Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The EX added comforts such as leather seats, push-button start, and dual-zone climate control, while the SX paired a turbo engine with sportier suspension and styling. A new Hybrid combined better fuel economy with features such as a voice-controlled touchscreen system, a rearview camera, and push-button start.

What changed, by category

Structural

The Optima moved to a new platform that was larger, lower, and more rigid, with a longer wheelbase.

Styling

The redesigned body gained a lower roofline and a much sleeker, coupe-like profile. The SX added sportier details including sculpted side sills, LED tail lights, and a rear lip spoiler.

Powertrain

Core gas models received a direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder and six-speed transmissions. The range expanded with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and Kia’s first U.S.-market hybrid system.

Tech

The cabin gained a more driver-focused layout, and Bluetooth and USB audio connectivity became standard across the lineup.

2011 Kia Optima specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 Kia OptimaEX0 in stock	2011 Kia OptimaLX0 in stock	2011 Kia OptimaSX0 in stock	2011 Kia OptimaHybrid0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.4 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Hybrid
MPG City	22–24 mpg	24 mpg	22 mpg	34 mpg
MPG Highway	34 mpg	34 mpg	34 mpg	39 mpg
Horsepower	200–274 hp	200 hp	274 hp	206 hp
Torque	186–269 lb-ft	186 lb-ft	269 lb-ft	154 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft	9.9 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	34.7 in	34.7 in	34.7 in	34.7 in
Seats	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
LED Tail Lights
Panorama Moon Roof
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Aluminum Interior Trim
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Cooled Seats
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Folding Rear Seat
Rear Air Conditioning
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Power Windows
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2012 Kia Optima compares

The 2012 Kia Optima is a light equipment update, not a redesign. The headline change is that the LX gains several standard exterior convenience features, while the rest of the lineup receives smaller equipment adjustments.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2011 Kia Optima fully redesigned?

Yes. The 2011 Optima began a new generation with a larger, lower, and more rigid platform, a longer wheelbase, and a sleeker body than the 2010 model.

Did the 2011 Kia Optima introduce a turbo engine?

Yes. The 2011 lineup introduced Kia’s first U.S. turbo Optima, using a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The SX paired it with sportier suspension tuning, paddle shifters, and more aggressive exterior details.

Was there a 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid?

Yes. The Hybrid arrived later in the 2011 model year as Kia’s first U.S.-market hybrid vehicle. It used a 2.4-liter full-parallel hybrid system, a six-speed automatic, and a lithium-polymer battery pack.

What technology became standard on the 2011 Kia Optima?

Bluetooth hands-free calling and USB audio connectivity became standard across the 2011 Optima lineup. The redesigned cabin also adopted a more driver-focused control layout.

How different is the 2011 Kia Optima from the 2010 model?

The 2011 Optima is substantially different from the 2010 model. It has a new platform and body, new four-cylinder powertrains, six-speed transmissions, more standard connectivity, and newly introduced turbo and hybrid versions.