Fuel tank capacity
17.2gal · 65 L
The 2002 Kia Optima has a fuel tank capacity of 17.2 gallons (65 liters) on every trim.
A full tank is good for roughly 378–447 highway miles or 275–327 miles around town, going by the EPA ratings.
17.2 gal · Smaller than 66% of 2002 models we list.
What changes the tank sizeTap an option to filter the table
All 6 trims
MPG and range are city / highway.
| Trim | Engine | Drive | Tank | MPG city / hwy | Range city / hwy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX 4dr Sedan 2.4L 4cyl 4A · FWD MPG 18 / 24Range 310 / 413 mi | 2.4L 4cyl 4A | FWD | 17.2 gal65 L | 18 / 24 | 310 / 413 mi | |
| LX 4dr Sedan 2.4L 4cyl 5M · FWD MPG 19 / 26Range 327 / 447 mi | 2.4L 4cyl 5M | FWD | 17.2 gal65 L | 19 / 26 | 327 / 447 mi | |
| LX V6 4dr Sedan 2.7L 6cyl 4A · FWD MPG 16 / 22Range 275 / 378 mi | 2.7L 6cyl 4A | FWD | 17.2 gal65 L | 16 / 22 | 275 / 378 mi | |
| SE 4dr Sedan 2.4L 4cyl 4A · FWD MPG 18 / 24Range 310 / 413 mi | 2.4L 4cyl 4A | FWD | 17.2 gal65 L | 18 / 24 | 310 / 413 mi | |
| SE 4dr Sedan 2.4L 4cyl 5M · FWD MPG 19 / 26Range 327 / 447 mi | 2.4L 4cyl 5M | FWD | 17.2 gal65 L | 19 / 26 | 327 / 447 mi | |
| SE V6 4dr Sedan 2.7L 6cyl 4A · FWD MPG 16 / 22Range 275 / 378 mi | 2.7L 6cyl 4A | FWD | 17.2 gal65 L | 16 / 22 | 275 / 378 mi | |
| No trim matches all of these filters. | ||||||
Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.
Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 20 MPG, a full 17.2-gallon tank covers about 344 miles.
| Gauge | Gallons | Highway miles | City miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | 17.2 | 413 | 310 |
| 3/4 | 12.9 | 310 | 232 |
| 1/2 | 8.6 | 206 | 155 |
| 1/4 | 4.3 | 103 | 77 |
| 1/8 | 2.2 | 52 | 39 |
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 750 gallons, roughly 44 full tanks.
Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.
$73.44 to fill the 17.2-gallon tank from empty with regular, at this week's US average of $4.27 a gallon.
| Tank | Fuel | US avg / gal | From empty | From 1/4 tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17.2 gal | Regular | $4.27 | $73.44 | $55.08 |
| Region | Regular / gal | Fill from empty |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast | $4.02 | $69.14 |
| Midwest | $4.27 | $73.44 |
| Gulf CoastLowest | $3.70 | $63.64 |
| Rocky Mountain | $4.46 | $76.71 |
| West Coast | $5.42 | $93.22 |
| CaliforniaHighest | $5.89 | $101.31 |
Prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail averages for the week of October 26, 2026. This week's prices by state and city.
Starts at the US average for regular; type in what your station charges. For other tank sizes, use the fill-up calculator.
The 2002 Optima uses the same 17.2 gal tank as the 2001 model.
| Model year | Tank | Longest highway range |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 Optima | 16.4 gal | 508 mi |
| 2006 Optima | 16.4–17.2 gal | 508 mi |
| 2005 Optima | 17.2 gal | 482 mi |
| 2004 Optima | 17.2 gal | 464 mi |
| 2003 Optima | 17.2 gal | 464 mi |
| 2002 Optima | 17.2 gal | 447 mi |
| 2001 Optima | 17.2 gal | 447 mi |
At 17.2 gallons, the Optima's largest tank ranks third of the seven 2002 sedans compared here. The Toyota Camry carries the most (18.5 gal) and the Daewoo Leganza the least (15.8 gal).
| 2002 model | Tank | Longest highway range |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | 18.5 gal | 555 mi |
| Nissan Maxima | 18.5 gal | 481 mi |
| Kia Optima | 17.2 gal | 447 mi |
| Hyundai Sonata | 17.2 gal | 482 mi |
| Honda Accord | 17.1 gal | 496 mi |
| Mitsubishi Galant | 16.3 gal | 424 mi |
| Daewoo Leganza | 15.8 gal | 411 mi |
Other 2002 sedans of a similar size, one model per brand.
NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2002 Kia Optima, out of 3 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.
Some passenger vehicles may contain a fuel tank assembly valve that may not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly closed were to roll over, fuel spillage may occur.
Risk: Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began june 25, 2004. Owners should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
The 2002 Kia Optima holds 17.2 gallons (65 liters) on every trim we list.
The 2002 Kia Optima tank holds 65 liters, or 17.2 gallons in US gallons.
About 378–447 miles on the highway and 275–327 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
About 103 highway miles or 77 in town from the 17.2-gallon tank, which has roughly 4.3 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
Regular unleaded. The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 17.2-gallon tank from empty costs $73.44. It ranges from $63.64 in the Gulf Coast to $101.31 in California.
About 107 pounds for the 17.2-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.
Yes. The 2002 Kia Optima holds up to 17.2 gallons; the 2002 Daewoo Leganza holds up to 15.8.
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2002 Kia Optima: 04V180000 (storage · tank assembly). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.
Does your owner's manual say something different? Let us know and we'll fix it. More on how we check the numbers.