Fuel tank capacity
17.2gal · 65 L
The 2003 Kia Optima has a fuel tank capacity of 17.2 gallons (65 liters) on every trim.
A full tank is good for roughly 430–464 highway miles or 310–344 miles around town, going by the EPA ratings.
17.2 gal · Smaller than 68% of 2003 models we list.
What changes the tank sizeTap an option to filter the table
All 4 trims
MPG and range are city / highway.
| Trim | Engine | Drive | Tank | MPG city / hwy | Range city / hwy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX 4dr Sedan 2.4L 4cyl 5M · FWD MPG 20 / 27Range 344 / 464 mi | 2.4L 4cyl 5M | FWD | 17.2 gal65 L | 20 / 27 | 344 / 464 mi | |
| LX V6 4dr Sedan 2.7L 6cyl 4A · FWD MPG 18 / 25Range 310 / 430 mi | 2.7L 6cyl 4A | FWD | 17.2 gal65 L | 18 / 25 | 310 / 430 mi | |
| SE 4dr Sedan 2.4L 4cyl 4A · FWD MPG 19 / 27Range 327 / 464 mi | 2.4L 4cyl 4A | FWD | 17.2 gal65 L | 19 / 27 | 327 / 464 mi | |
| SE V6 4dr Sedan 2.7L 6cyl 4A · FWD MPG 18 / 25Range 310 / 430 mi | 2.7L 6cyl 4A | FWD | 17.2 gal65 L | 18 / 25 | 310 / 430 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 21 MPG, a full 17.2-gallon tank covers about 361 miles.
| Gauge | Gallons | Highway miles | City miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | 17.2 | 430 | 310 |
| 3/4 | 12.9 | 322 | 232 |
| 1/2 | 8.6 | 215 | 155 |
| 1/4 | 4.3 | 108 | 77 |
| 1/8 | 2.2 | 54 | 39 |
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 714 gallons, roughly 42 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 2003 Optima uses the same 17.2 gal tank as every Optima since 2001.
| Model year | Tank | Longest highway range |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 Optima | 16.4 gal | 508 mi |
| 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 fourth of the seven 2003 sedans compared here. The Toyota Camry carries the most (18.5 gal) and the Dodge Stratus the least (16.3 gal).
| 2003 model | Tank | Longest highway range |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | 18.5 gal | 555 mi |
| Nissan Maxima | 18.5 gal | 481 mi |
| Mazda 6 | 18.0 gal | 522 mi |
| Kia Optima | 17.2 gal | 464 mi |
| Hyundai Sonata | 17.2 gal | 482 mi |
| Mitsubishi Galant | 16.3 gal | 408 mi |
| Dodge Stratus | 16.0–16.3 gal | 489 mi |
Other 2003 sedans of a similar size, one model per brand.
NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2003 Kia Optima, out of 2 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 2003 Kia Optima holds 17.2 gallons (65 liters) on every trim we list.
The 2003 Kia Optima tank holds 65 liters, or 17.2 gallons in US gallons.
About 430–464 miles on the highway and 310–344 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
About 108 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.
No. The 2003 Mazda 6 holds up to 18.0 gallons; the 2003 Kia Optima holds up to 17.2.
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2003 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.