We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

Kia Optima vs. Nissan Maxima MPG

Chart is based on 152 fuel economy reports for the Kia Optima and 136 fuel economy reports for the Nissan Maxima.

Kia Optima MPG

Kia Optima Kia Optima 2019 26.7 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2017 52.6 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2016 39.0 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 25.5 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 27.1 MPG Highway Percentage 54 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 32.5 MPG Highway Percentage 71 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2012 25.6 MPG Highway Percentage 39 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2012 32.3 MPG Highway Percentage 76 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 28.0 MPG Highway Percentage 68 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 28.7 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 75 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2010 20.0 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2010 36.2 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2009 29.1 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2008 26.3 MPG Highway Percentage 10 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2008 26.2 MPG Highway Percentage 25 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2007 29.5 MPG Highway Percentage 78 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2007 23.2 MPG Highway Percentage 15 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 24.6 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 28.9 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 90 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2005 12.1 MPG Highway Percentage 0 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2004 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 95 percent
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  
Looking for a warranty? Get a quote.
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  

Return to top

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

Nissan Maxima MPG

Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2016 25.0 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2014 23.5 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2012 25.0 MPG Highway Percentage 16 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2011 27.1 MPG Highway Percentage 90 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2010 21.4 MPG Highway Percentage 42 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2009 24.6 MPG Highway Percentage 55 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2008 26.5 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2007 22.3 MPG Highway Percentage 49 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2006 24.3 MPG Highway Percentage 46 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2005 24.3 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2004 24.3 MPG Highway Percentage 52 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2003 27.8 MPG Highway Percentage 54 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2003 24.3 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2002 23.7 MPG Highway Percentage 43 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2002 21.7 MPG Highway Percentage 35 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2001 26.7 MPG Highway Percentage 90 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2001 22.8 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2000 27.2 MPG Highway Percentage 62 percent Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2000 24.2 MPG Highway Percentage 52 percent
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
2016 4dr Sedan 300-horsepower 3.5L V6
7-speed shiftable CVT FWD
flat med light 15 0 15 70 65 25.0  
2014 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
flat lead light 10 20 20 50 80 23.5  
2012 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
flat v.lt light 5 78 1 16 75 25.0  
2011 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
flat light light 0 10 0 90 75 27.1  
2010 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
flat med light 4 22 32 42 69 21.4  
2009 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
flat light light 3 12 30 55 68 24.6  
2008 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
flat med light 1 1 18 80 70 26.5  
Looking for a warranty? Get a quote.
2007 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
flat med light 5 5 41 49 66 22.3  
2006 4dr Sedan 265-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 9 15 30 46 65 24.3  
2005 4dr Sedan 265-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light hvy 10 4 57 30 72 24.3  
2004 4dr Sedan 265-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 2 15 31 52 80 24.3  
2003 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed manual FWD
flat med light 16 17 13 54 70 27.8  
2003 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic FWD
flat med none 12 36 22 30 68 24.3  
2002 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed manual FWD
flat med none 9 14 34 43 77 23.7  
2002 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic FWD
flat med light 15 39 11 35 84 21.7  
2001 4dr Sedan 222-horsepower 3.0L V6
5-speed manual FWD
flat light light 0 0 10 90 75 26.7  
2001 4dr Sedan 222-horsepower 3.0L V6
4-speed automatic FWD
flat med light 15 3 33 50 73 22.8  
2000 4dr Sedan 222-horsepower 3.0L V6
5-speed manual FWD
flat light none 9 20 8 62 63 27.2  
2000 4dr Sedan 222-horsepower 3.0L V6
4-speed automatic FWD
flat light light 7 3 38 52 78 24.2  

Return to top

This page shows only averages. See all the Nissan Maxima fuel economy data.

Kia Optima vs. Nissan Maxima MPG

Unlike other fuel economy surveys, TrueDelta's Real-World Gas Mileage Survey includes questions about how and where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of the Kia Optima and Nissan Maxima's where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of their real-world MPG based on how and where you drive a car.

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Wagons.
See TrueDelta's information for all Kia models and Nissan models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
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
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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 Nissan Maxima

Nissan Maxima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
16-17 in the city. 25-26 on the freeway. Not bad than other comparable cars. see full Nissan Maxima review
2009 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
It is between 25-29.2 on the highway depending on headwinds. It seems sensitive to wind, mileage-wise. In town is excellent. In 4k miles the worst tank has been 23.2 when it was brand new and very cold out. City mileage is understated in my opinion. see full Nissan Maxima review
2003 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed manual FWD
I get between 26-27mpg. see full Nissan Maxima review
2003 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic FWD
Fuel economy is great for a 250+ horsepower automatic see full Nissan Maxima review
2003 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed manual FWD
it averages about 20 mpg consistently see full Nissan Maxima review
2002 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed manual FWD
For a large car with a relatively large engine, this engine is mirror smooth which helps it get great highway mileage. see full Nissan Maxima review
2002 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed manual FWD
I consistently get 25 in the city, and 33-34 all highway. Excellent fuel economy for any car, let alone one with a 3.5L V6. see full Nissan Maxima review
Nissan Maxima Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2011 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
Not as good as advertised see full Nissan Maxima review
2010 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
Depends on a lot on your right foot. Driven like a Prius, 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway. Driven normally with occasionally throttle bursts, 27 MPG highway, 21 MPG combined. The CVT ratio spread maxes out at 2200 RPM at 75; a little high for MPG. see full Nissan Maxima review
2009 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
City driving is brutal on mpg. If you get 12 mpg you are doing well. Highway miles are great - over 30, so great on trips, stinks for commuting. see full Nissan Maxima review
2008 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
Not as good in town as expected. Get around 20-22 mpg in town, 25-28 on hi-way see full Nissan Maxima review
2006 4dr Sedan 265-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
24MPG on the HWY. Come on...Crown Victoria is almost 30 has a V8 and gets 29 MPG on the HWY. see full Nissan Maxima review
2002 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed manual FWD
This car loves to suck gas especially when pushed. And not just any gas, the high compression VQ35DE engine requires premium. In my experiences anything less than 91 octane will yield poor performance and odd engine noises. I average 17-18 mpg at best. see full Nissan Maxima review