Kia Optima vs. Lexus IS 250
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Optima and Lexus IS 250 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Kia Optima and the Lexus IS 250.
When comparing the Kia Optima's and the Lexus IS 250's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. The Lexus IS 250 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the Lexus IS 250's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Lexus IS 250.
Pricing: A used 2015 Kia Optima ranges from $6,800 to $15,999 while a used 2015 Lexus IS 250 is priced between $14,422 to $24,727.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Optima’s base engine makes 192 horsepower, and the Lexus IS 250 base engine makes 204 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 629 miles. The IS 250 is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 522 miles. This gives the Kia Optima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus IS 250. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Optima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Kia Optima has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$21,840
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
$24,023
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$21,150 - $38,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$36,550
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$38,801
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$21,065 - $62,000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$11,161
Price Range:
$6,800 - $15,999
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
$12,581
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$10,828 - $16,005
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
425
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
107,864
# Good or Great Deals:
122
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$19,316
Price Range:
$14,422 - $24,727
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$17,656
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$11,301 - $37,852
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
188
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
102,106
# Good or Great Deals:
51
Kia Optima Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Lexus IS 250 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Optima
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
0.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
1.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
0.3 - 4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
5.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lexus IS 250
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.5 - 5.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
47.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
6.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.9 - 11.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.8 - 27.2
Kia Optima Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Lexus IS 250 Rankings
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Optima Trim Levels
EX, LX, SX, SX Turbo, SXL Turbo
Lexus IS 250 Trim Levels
Base, Crafted Line
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
192 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
204 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
185 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 34 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
426 / 629 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 30 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
365 / 522 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
45.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
102.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.4 inches
Cargo Space:
13.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
90.2 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3237 lbs
Width:
72 inches
Height:
57.1 inches
Length:
190.7 inches
Wheelbase:
110 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3461 lbs
Width:
79.8 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
183.7 inches
Wheelbase:
110.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/65R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/45R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl / Ebony Black / Platinum Graphite
Blue
Smokey Blue
Gold
Metal Bronze
Gray
Satin Metal
Red
Dark Cherry / Remington Red
Silver
Bright Silver / Sparkling Silver / Titanium
White
Snow White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Obsidian
Blue
Deep Sea Mica
Gold
Not available
Gray
Nebula Gray Pearl
Red
Matador Red Mica
Silver
Atomic Silver / Silver Lining Metallic
White
Starfire Pearl / Ultra White
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Purple
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Flaxen / Parchment
Black
Black / Black w/ Matte Black trim / Black w/ Silver Performance trim
Gray
Stratus Gray / Stratus Gray w/ Matte Black trim / Stratus Gray w/ Silver Performance trim
Purple
Rioja Red
