2013 Kia Optima: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2013 Kia Optima is its revised hybrid system, which delivers more torque, better fuel economy, and more trunk space. Gas models receive lighter updates, led by the new luxury-focused SXL trim.

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About the 2013 Kia Optima

2nd generation Optima (2011-2015), third year of the generation and the last pre-refresh model year before the 2014 update.

Kia pitched the Optima as a midsize family sedan for shoppers who wanted more style and more features than the class usually offered. The big selling points were its sleek, European-influenced design, a cabin that felt more upscale than many mainstream rivals, strong standard equipment, and a broad range that stretched from a well-equipped base sedan to a turbo sport model and a fuel-saving hybrid. It was Kia’s style-forward, feature-rich answer to the Camry, Accord, and Fusion.

The LX remains the well-equipped starting point, while the EX emphasizes comfort with leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and push-button start. The turbocharged SX has a sportier look and 274 horsepower, and the new SXL adds Nappa leather, a panoramic sunroof, and richer exterior trim. Hybrid buyers get separate LX and EX trims, with the EX Hybrid adding navigation, premium audio, and heated and ventilated front seats.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The hybrid receives a stronger 47-horsepower electric motor, a stronger starter-generator, a more powerful 47-kW battery, more torque, and improved EPA fuel-economy ratings. The gas engines carry over.

Styling

All models receive revised Kia badges on the hood, trunk lid, and steering wheel. The new SXL adds LED daytime running lights, extra chrome trim, and red brake calipers.

Tech

Power-folding side mirrors become standard on the gas EX and SX. The newly separate EX Hybrid adds equipment such as navigation, an Infinity audio system, and a rearview camera.

Structural

Repackaging the hybrid battery creates more trunk space. The underlying Optima platform is unchanged.

2013 Kia Optima specs and features by trim

Feature	2013 Kia OptimaEX2 in stock	2013 Kia OptimaLX1 in stock	2013 Kia OptimaSX1 in stock	2013 Kia OptimaLimited-SXL0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic	Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic	Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic	Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas / Hybrid	Gas / Hybrid	Gas	Gas
MPG City	24–35 mpg	24–36 mpg	22 mpg	22 mpg
MPG Highway	35–39 mpg	35–40 mpg	34 mpg	34 mpg
Horsepower	200–206 hp	200–206 hp	274 hp	274 hp
Torque	154–186 lb-ft	154–186 lb-ft	269 lb-ft	269 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	10.8–15.4 cu-ft	10.8–15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 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
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
LED Daytime Running Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Subwoofer
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Cooled Seats
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2014 Kia Optima compares

The biggest change for the 2014 Kia Optima is a mid-cycle refresh with redesigned front and rear styling, new wheel designs, and a more polished cabin. It is a meaningful update, not a full redesign.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2013 Kia Optima?

The revised hybrid system is the biggest change for 2013. It has a stronger electric motor and battery, more torque, improved fuel economy, and more trunk space.

How did the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid lineup change?

The 2013 Optima Hybrid moves from one Hybrid trim with option packages to separate LX Hybrid and EX Hybrid trims. The LX focuses on core efficiency and convenience features, while the EX adds equipment such as navigation, premium audio, a panoramic sunroof, and heated and ventilated front seats.

Did the gas engines change for the 2013 Kia Optima?

No, the regular gas engines carry over for 2013. The LX and EX use a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while the SX and new SXL use a 274-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

What is the 2013 Kia Optima SXL?

The SXL is the new range-topping gas trim for 2013. It combines the SX’s 274-horsepower turbocharged engine with Nappa leather, a panoramic sunroof, premium audio, an electronic parking brake, LED lighting, and extra chrome trim.

Is the 2013 Kia Optima a major redesign?

No, the 2013 Optima is not a full redesign. It remains part of the generation introduced for 2011, with substantial hybrid updates, a new SXL trim, revised badges, and a few equipment changes before the 2014 refresh.