Quick answer: the 2016–2020 Kia Optima 2.4L takes 5.07 US qt (4.8 L) of oil at an oil change, and so does the 2.0L Turbo. The 1.6L Turbo takes 4.75 US qt (4.5 L). Kia recommends 5W-20 for the 2.4L and 5W-30 for both turbos.
| Engine | Oil capacity (drain and refill) | Oil type |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L GDI (Theta II) | 5.07 US qt (4.8 L) | 5W-20 |
| 2.0L Turbo GDI (Theta II) | 5.07 US qt (4.8 L) | 5W-30 (ACEA A5/B5) |
| 1.6L Turbo GDI (Gamma) | 4.75 US qt (4.5 L) | 5W-30 (ACEA A5/B5) |
Turbos take 5W-30. Only the 2.4L uses 5W-20.
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | 2.4L | 2.0L Turbo | 1.6L Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 5.07 US qt (4.8 L) | 5.07 US qt (4.8 L) | 4.75 US qt (4.5 L) |
| 2018 | 5.07 US qt (4.8 L) | 5.07 US qt (4.8 L) | 4.75 US qt (4.5 L) |
| 2019 | 5.07 US qt (4.8 L) | 5.07 US qt (4.8 L) | 4.75 US qt (4.5 L) |
We read the “Recommended lubricants and capacities” table and the SAE viscosity chart of each manual.
Recommended oil type
2.4L: SAE 5W-20 (API SM or above / ILSAC GF-4 or above); the chart also allows 5W-30.
1.6T and 2.0T: SAE 5W-30 (5W-40 also on the chart), ACEA A5 or above.
How to reset the oil change reminder on the 2016–2020 Kia Optima
See also: Oil life reset by brand.
Kia handles the oil reminder through the Service Interval item in the instrument cluster’s User Settings. There you can turn the reminder on or off and set the interval in miles and months; newer manuals also add a Reset option. Use it after each oil change so the next reminder counts from the right point.
Oil change tips
- One 5-quart jug is just enough for the 2.4L and 2.0T; check the dipstick.
- Kia lists a “drain and refill” volume. After refilling, run the engine briefly, turn it off, wait a few minutes and check that the level is between the F and L marks on the dipstick before adding more.
Sources and how we checked
All capacities and oil grades on this page come from Kia’s owner’s manuals for the U.S. market, published on Kia’s official owner’s manual site (section “Recommended lubricants and capacities”):
If your owner’s manual shows something different, follow your manual and tell us.
Last checked: October 26, 2026.
FAQ
How much oil does a 2016–2020 Kia Optima take?
5.07 US quarts (4.8 L) for the 2.4L and 2.0L Turbo, 4.75 US quarts (4.5 L) for the 1.6L Turbo.
What oil does a 2016–2020 Optima use?
SAE 5W-20 for the 2.4L and 5W-30 for the 1.6T and 2.0T.
Is 5W-30 OK in an Optima 2.4?
Yes, the chart allows it; 5W-20 is recommended for fuel economy.
Is a 5-quart jug enough?
Just barely for the 2.4L and 2.0T (5.07 qt); check the dipstick.
How do I reset the oil light on an Optima?
In the cluster User Settings, open Service Interval.
Successor: see the 2021–2025 Kia K5 oil type and capacity.