49/100
2016Large CarsRegular

2016 Kia Optima FE

EPA ID: 37032
25
City MPG
29
Combined MPG
29MPG· Average
36
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2016 Kia Optima FE achieves an EPA-estimated 29 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 25 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (s6), this large cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2016 Optima FE produces approximately 308 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Optima FE performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,050, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would spend $500 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassLarge Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2.4L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions308 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score7/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,050
5-Year Cost DeltaSpend $500

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
29.0
Impact vs EPA
+$1
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$658/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$20,000
50.7%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$9,052
22.9%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$10,000
25.3%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.0%
Total 5-Year Cost$39,452

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #23V594000·2023-10-19
moderate
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

Campaign #18V907000·2019-01-17
critical
Component: ENGINE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Campaign #17V007000·2017-01-10
critical
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle. In this vehicle, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: The affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC143.

Campaign #16V705000·2016-11-30
critical
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.

Campaign #16V231000·2016-05-06
critical
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016. In these vehicles, a chemical enhancer required for the for the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was not loaded, resulting in the second stage not deploying in necessitating crashes.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC131.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Kia Optima FE configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,050
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Spend $500

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City25 MPG
Highway36 MPG
Combined29 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

61.6 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 76 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.1 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.