“My Kia Optima is uniquely a leader among world class vehicles out in the road today.”
2015 Kia Optima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2015 Kia Optima is a light update, not a redesign. Its headline change is a quieter cabin on several upper trims, thanks to wider use of an acoustic-laminated windshield.
About the 2015 Kia Optima
3rd generation Optima/Optima Hybrid (2011-2015), final model year before the gas Optima's 2016 redesign
The 2015 Optima is Kia's design-led midsize sedan, sold as a stylish alternative to more conservative family cars. Kia markets it as a roomy, well-equipped sedan with upscale looks, strong feature value, and available turbo or hybrid powertrains depending on the buyer's priorities. For most shoppers, the Optima's appeal is simple: bold styling, a polished cabin, and a lot of comfort and technology for the class without stepping into a luxury-brand sedan.
The LX is the straightforward gas sedan, while the EX adds comfort-focused features such as leather upholstery, keyless access, and dual-zone climate control. The SX Turbo brings a 274-hp turbo engine and sport-tuned suspension, while the Limited pairs that engine with navigation, premium audio, Nappa leather, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Base and EX hybrids combine a gas engine and electric motor with a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission.
What changed, by category
Powertrain and lineup
Compared with 2014, a Base trim joins the lineup, the LX loses its hybrid powertrain, and Limited-SXL is renamed Limited. The engines and transmissions otherwise carry over.
Structural
An acoustic-laminated windshield becomes standard on EX-badged models, the SX, and the SX Turbo, helping reduce cabin noise.
Tech
Gas EX, SX, SX Turbo, and Limited models receive the updated UVO eServices system. Gas models also get repositioned cruise-control buttons. On the LX, proximity keyless entry and push-button start change from standard to optional.
Safety
The rearview camera changes from standard to optional on the SX and SX Turbo.
Styling
The Limited receives brushed-silver steering-wheel trim and white contrast stitching on its D-shaped steering wheel.
2015 Kia Optima specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 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 | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23–35 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 36 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34–39 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 40 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 192 hp | 192 hp | 192 hp | 274 hp | 274 hp | |
| Torque | 181–235 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 235 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 10.8–15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 10.8 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6–34.7 in | 34.7 in | 34.7 in | 34.6 in | 34.7 in | 34.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Kia Optima a redesigned model?
No. The 2015 Optima is the final year of the third-generation model and receives only light equipment updates. The redesigned gas Optima arrives for 2016.
What is the main difference between the 2015 and 2014 Kia Optima?
The main difference is a quieter cabin on several upper trims. For 2015, an acoustic-laminated windshield becomes standard on EX-badged models, the SX, and the SX Turbo, while selected gas trims also receive updated UVO eServices.
Does the 2015 Kia Optima have a hybrid version?
Yes. The 2015 Optima Hybrid comes in Base and EX forms, using a 2.4-liter gas engine, an electric motor, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The LX no longer has a hybrid powertrain for this model year.
Which 2015 Kia Optima trims have the turbo engine?
The SX Turbo and Limited have the 274-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The SX Turbo emphasizes sporty equipment, while the Limited adds features such as Nappa leather, navigation, premium audio, and a panoramic sunroof.
Did the 2015 Kia Optima receive new safety technology?
No major safety suite was added across the 2015 lineup. One equipment change is that the rearview camera becomes optional rather than standard on the SX and SX Turbo.
2015 Kia Optima Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Kia Optima.
4.2
2015 Kia Optima
(320 reviews)
“the passagener seat should be move up/down. The only thing I dislike about my car!”
“I feel all cars should come with navigational. I thought my new car had it and found out it didn't was alittle disappointed. Love my kia otherwise just wish it had navigational.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Optima / 2015
- kiamedia.com — Optima / 2015 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 9766 / 2015 Optima Hybrid1
- kiamedia.com — Optima / 2014 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 10571 / 2016 Optima Overview
- kiamedia.com — Optima Hybrid / 2016 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Optima / 2015 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Optima / 2015 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 10780 / Kia Motors America Announces Pricing Of All New 2016 Optima
- kiamedia.com — Optima Hybrid / 2015 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Optima Hybrid / 2015 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Models / Optima Hybrid / 2016