2022 Kia Optima — should you buy one?

Why people love the 2022 Kia Optima

Owners love the 2022 Optima's 2.5L turbocharged engine paired with the 8-speed automatic—it delivers 290 hp with zippy highway merging and returns solid 28–31 mpg on the freeway. The redesigned interior feels less plasticky than the 2019 generation, and the 10.25-inch touchscreen finally ditched Kia's laggy older interface. Many buyers report the leather seats hold up well after two years and 40k miles of daily commuting without cracking.

Common complaints and known issues

The 2022 model year has emerging reports of transmission hesitation and occasional hard downshifts around 35k–50k miles on some units, though failure rates remain low compared to prior generations. Paint peeling on the hood and A-pillar trim has been documented in humid climates starting around 18 months of ownership. A smaller complaint thread mentions some infotainment units freezing during Apple CarPlay or Android Auto use, usually resolved by a software update through a Kia dealership.

Typical asking price

Under 60k miles: $18,500–$21,200. 60k–100k miles: $16,800–$19,500. Over 100k miles: $14,500–$17,200. Higher trims (EX, SX) and accident-free Carfax history push toward the upper end; fleet units and those with minor cosmetic damage settle lower. Regional demand varies—sun-belt inventory runs slightly cheaper than Northeast stock.

Ranges are typical 2026 asking prices, not appraisals. The actual fair offer depends on this specific car's title history, accident record, and open recalls — which is what EstimateProof tells you.