Kia Optima vs. Ford Explorer MPG

Chart is based on 152 fuel economy reports for the Kia Optima and 128 fuel economy reports for the Ford Explorer.

Kia Optima MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2019	4dr Sedan turbocharged 245hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	hvy	0	10	50	40	70	26.7
2017	4dr Sedan 154-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	30	30	20	20	70	52.6
2016	4dr Sedan turbocharged 178hp 1.6L I4 7-speed automated manual FWD	hills	light	light	6	0	14	80	67	39.0
2013	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	0	24	21	56	69	25.5
2013	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	32	14	54	83	27.1
2013	4dr Sedan 159-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	v.lt	none	2	13	15	71	102	32.5
2012	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	light	light	4	18	39	39	72	25.6
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2012	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	none	0	4	20	76	69	32.3
2011	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	med	light	0	5	28	68	70	28.0
2011	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	light	none	4	7	21	67	66	28.7
2011	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD	flat	med	light	0	5	20	75	75	30.0
2010	4dr Sedan 194-horsepower 2.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	0	10	70	20	75	20.0
2010	4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	0	20	80	63	36.2
2009	4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	5	12	16	67	65	29.1
2008	4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	20	60	10	10	60	26.3
2008	4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	lead	light	30	15	30	25	75	26.2
2007	4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	none	7	13	3	78	108	29.5
2007	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	med	none	1	36	48	15	63	23.2
2006.5	4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	hvy	6	4	33	58	66	24.6
2006.5	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	18	16	9	56	63	28.9
2006.5	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	hvy	0	0	10	90	60	30.0
2005	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	lead	light	5	95	0	0	0	12.1
2004	4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	hvy	0	0	5	95	70	30.0

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This page shows only averages. See all the Kia Optima fuel economy data.

Ford Explorer MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2017	4dr SUV turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	none	0	5	75	20	65	18.5
2015	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	light	45	0	15	40	75	20.9
2013	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	25	0	30	45	70	21.8
2012	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	0	20	80	110	21.4
2012	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	0	31	17	52	71	18.4
2011	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	9	73	9	9	60	15.6
2011	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	none	10	0	10	80	55	22.0
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2009	4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	none	0	0	0	100	60	18.5
2009	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	hills	light	hvy	5	20	30	45	60	19.2
2008	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	light	hvy	0	5	20	75	60	16.5
2008	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	hvy	0	0	63	37	65	16.6
2008	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	hills	med	none	6	27	50	17	75	16.7
2007	4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	hills	med	hvy	1	6	13	82	75	17.2
2007	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	24	8	7	61	90	17.7
2006	4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD	flat	light	light	2	18	19	61	68	18.3
2006	4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	4	17	41	37	78	15.1
2006	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	med	light	20	23	28	29	70	18.1
2006	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	5	30	22	44	65	16.4
2005	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	med	light	0	9	9	83	75	17.5
2005	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	5	18	33	43	80	16.4
2005	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	lead	hvy	20	20	10	50	60	18.0
2005	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	none	45	45	5	5	55	13.3
2004	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	light	17	20	13	50	60	16.7
2004	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	7	35	28	30	75	13.2
2004	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	hills	light	hvy	10	20	18	52	63	16.4
2004	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	hvy	5	0	0	95	65	18.8
2003	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	5	17	32	45	81	14.4
2003	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	med	light	18	45	13	25	65	17.8
2003	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	16	14	32	38	74	17.6
2002	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	hills	med	light	17	26	17	40	89	16.1
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed manual 4WD w/low range	flat	med	hvy	0	40	30	30	65	17.0
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	light	light	7	22	37	35	70	18.2
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	18	3	44	36	70	19.2
2001	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	none	0	75	25	0	0	11.4
2000	4dr SUV 215-horsepower 5.0L V8 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	v.lt	none	0	10	33	58	60	17.8

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This page shows only averages. See all the Ford Explorer fuel economy data.

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TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Comment
2013	Many auto makers are substituting turbocharged fours for V6s because of their theoretically superior fuel economy. The Kia Optima SXL earns EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 34 highway. The similarly turbo-foured Ford Fusion comes close, 22/33. The most fuel efficient V6, in the new Honda Accord, manages 21/34 without paddle shifters, but 21/32 with them. Trip computer numbers suggest a one-to-two mpg advantage for the Kia in real-world suburban driving--perhaps too close to call since these devices aren't terribly precise. Figure just under 20 with a heavy foot, mid-20s if you resist the temptation, and just over 30 with a very light foot and luck with the lights. All of these figures are with the engine warmed up. In cold weather, fuel economy is in the mid-teens for the first mile or two. An eco mode makes little noticeable difference in either how the car drives or its fuel economy. These numbers don't seem particularly good? Recall that the Kia Optima SXL is a very quick car. You won't find a 274-horsepower sedan that does better without the aid of a battery pack. see full Kia Optima review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2013	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I find fuel economy, in mixed driving, to be on par with a V6 of comparable power. I usually get about 24 MPG in combined driving. However, on a recent road trip, I had 32 MPG on one tank. It's perhaps slightly better than the Acura TL I had, but one big bonus: the Acura required premium unleaded. On the Kia Optima, however, the manufacturer only calls for regular unleaded. Over time, that can mean a significant savings. see full Kia Optima review
2012	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	This is my biggest (and only real) complaint with the Optima. It advertises fuel economy of 22 city, 34 highway. I drive a lot (100 mile round trip daily, with more than half of it being highway miles). Admittedly, I have a heavy foot, but I regularly get about 24-25 mpg combined, with the car in ECO mode. The best tank of gas I ever got was a little over 28 mpg. (I calculate it manually, don't rely on the on-board MPG estimates, as they are always 3-5 MPG more generous than reality.) see full Kia Optima review
2011	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	High 30s on the highway and 29-30 overall with a lot of power. Active eco. setting for better economy. see full Kia Optima review
2011	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	33 mpg on 200 mile trips at about 65 mph avg. see full Kia Optima review
2008	4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	Decent fuel mileage at this point for a mid-size sedan. see full Kia Optima review
2007	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	25-30 city/hwy see full Kia Optima review
2007	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	It may be a bit borderline in 100% city driving (19-20 mpg), but it gets 33mpg+ on the open highway, with only a 1-2 mpg penalty for using A/C. see full Kia Optima review
2007	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	got 42 mgh yesteerday on a 120 minute drive 25%/75% in town/highway driving. Like paying $2.25 per gallon, see full Kia Optima review
2005	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	AS above see full Kia Optima review

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2012	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I'd recommend this car in a heartbeat. I honestly like this styling even more than the updates they've made since 2012. My biggest cons are the fuel economy and the lack of a manual transmission on any models other than the base model. see full Kia Optima review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2013	4dr SUV turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	We initially went in looking for a commuter vehicle with High mpg... but the sport they had jumped out at us and we were on the hunt for one... in the wife's daily 45 mile drive to work she's averaging 20 mpg which is comparable to the Audi's 4 cylinder and my truck's 8 cylinder. see full Ford Explorer review
2011	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Best in Class all that needs to be said. see full Ford Explorer review
2011	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	For such a beast I'm pleased with the gas mileage. I average 19-21 in almost all city/suburban stoplight and rush hour driving. Highway mileage drops fast if you drive over 70. Keep it under 70 and I get about 24. see full Ford Explorer review
2003	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	For a mid-sized SUV, fuel economy is still as good or better than many 2008 cross-overs, and has all of the luxury features I like. see full Ford Explorer review

Ford Explorer Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2007	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	Not really bad, but not that great either. To be expected for a vehicle this heavy see full Ford Explorer review
2006	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	13-15 mpg around town, ouch! see full Ford Explorer review
2005	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	Could be better see full Ford Explorer review
2005	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	wish it was higher. Part of our problem is that wanted and bought a model with the towing package. The lower gearing does impact fuel economy see full Ford Explorer review
2004	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	13 - 14.5 for a V6! Ridiculous. see full Ford Explorer review
2004	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	Gets poor fuel economy, but that is expected from a large SUV see full Ford Explorer review
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	17 miles to the gallon on a six. see full Ford Explorer review
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	For a low output V6 (210hp) I would expect better gas mileage for this 4,400 suv. I average 14 to 18 mpg per tank depending on mix of city/highway. see full Ford Explorer review