2003 · Midsize Car · Gas
2003 Kia Optima MPG & fuel economy
The 2003 Kia Optima is a midsize car offered in 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version returns 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway) on regular gasoline. Across the lineup, combined ratings range from 21 to 23 MPG. That's up 2 MPG from the 2002 model. Among 38 midsize cars rated for 2003, it ranks 6th for lowest fuel cost. At 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, it costs about $2,022 a year to fuel.
What will it cost you?
Your mileage and prices are saved and used across the site.
Fuel average
The 2003 Kia Optima's fuel average is 9.8 km/L (10.2 L/100 km), or 23 MPG combined: 8.5 km/L in the city and 11.5 km/L on the highway.
| MPG | km/L | L/100 km | |
|---|---|---|---|
| City | 20 | 8.5 | 11.8 |
| Highway | 27 | 11.5 | 8.7 |
| Combined | 23 | 9.8 | 10.2 |
How it ranks among 2003 Midsize Cars
Full class ranking →Annual fuel cost at 15,000 miles and default prices; shorter bars cost less.
Optima MPG across model years
Full history →4 EPA-rated configurations
| Configuration | Type | City | Hwy | Combined | Range | Your cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD · 2.4L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual Optima |
Gas | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,022 |
| FWD · 2.4L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic Optima |
Gas | 19 MPG | 27 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,114 |
| FWD · 2.7L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic Optima |
Gas | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,214 |
| FWD · 2.7L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual Optima |
Gas | 18 MPG | 26 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,214 |
Specs (most efficient configuration)
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Engine / motor
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Passenger volume
- 100 cu ft
- Cargo volume
- 13 cu ft
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 386 g/mi
2003 Kia Optima vs. rivals
Compare the 2003 Optima
With any other car from any year, including other Optima model years. Type a year to jump, e.g. "2015 Accord".
Frequently asked questions
What is the gas mileage of the 2003 Kia Optima?
Up to 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway); ratings range from 21 to 23 MPG depending on configuration.
What fuel does the 2003 Kia Optima use?
Regular gasoline.
What is the fuel average in km/L for the 2003 Kia Optima?
The 2003 Kia Optima's fuel average is 9.8 km/L (10.2 L/100 km), or 23 MPG combined: 8.5 km/L in the city and 11.5 km/L on the highway.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2003 Kia Optima per year?
About $2,022 at 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, or $13.48 per 100 miles. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own mileage and prices.