2016 Kia Optima (1.6L 4-cyl) MPG & Specs
Quick answer
The 2016 Kia Optima gets an EPA-estimated 28/37 MPG (city/highway) and 31 MPG combined, with an estimated $2,000/year fuel cost and 286 g/mi CO₂. Engine: 1.6 L 4-cyl.
The 2016 Kia Optima with the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder regular gasoline engine returns an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, for a combined 31 MPG. This page summarizes the official EPA fuel-economy and emissions data for this configuration.
| Engine | 1.6 L 4-cyl |
| Transmission | Automatic (AM7) |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel type | Regular Gasoline |
| Vehicle class | Large Cars |
| MPG — city | 28 |
| MPG — highway | 37 |
| MPG — combined | 31 |
| Annual fuel cost* | $2,000 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 286 g/mi |
| EPA GHG score | 8/10 |
How efficient is it?
With a combined 31 MPG, the 2016 Kia Optima sits in the good range for fuel economy. That is about 18% better than the typical Large Cars of its era (26 MPG class average), making it one of the more efficient choices in its class.
Fuel economy and running costs
At about $2,000 per year in fuel (EPA estimate, 15,000 mi/yr), fuel is a major part of the cost of owning the 2016 Kia Optima. Over five years that is roughly $10,000 at today's prices — before insurance, maintenance, and depreciation.
Emissions
The 2016 Kia Optima emits approximately 286 grams of CO₂ per mile at the tailpipe, earning an EPA greenhouse-gas score of 8 out of 10. Lower emissions generally track higher fuel economy.
How to read these numbers
EPA figures come from standardized laboratory test cycles and are the same estimates shown on the vehicle's window sticker. Your real-world mileage depends on driving style, conditions, fuel grade, and maintenance. Use combined MPG and annual fuel cost to compare vehicles fairly.