The 2013 Kia Optima has a fuel tank capacity of 17.2 to 18.5 gallons (65–70 liters), depending on the trim. The most common size is 18.5 gallons, used on 3 trims.
A full tank is good for roughly 629–688 highway miles or 407–619 miles around town, going by the EPA ratings.
020 gal40 gal
18.5 gal · Smaller than 54% of 2013 models we list.
Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.
How far a 2013 Kia Optima goes on a tank
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 28 MPG, a full 18.5-gallon tank covers about 518 miles.
Gauge
Gallons
Highway miles
City miles
Full
18.5
648
444
3/4
13.9
486
333
1/2
9.3
324
222
1/4
4.6
162
111
1/8
2.3
81
56
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 536 gallons, roughly 29 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.
What it costs to fill up a 2013 Kia Optima
$78.99to fill the 18.5-gallon tank from empty with regular, at this week's US average of $4.27 a gallon.
Other 2013 sedans of a similar size, one model per brand.
2013 Kia Optima fuel system recalls
NHTSA lists 3 fuel-system recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima, out of 10 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.
Delivery · Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 17, 2022 · NHTSA 22V093000 · Kia Motors America · 72,848 vehicles
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.
Delivery · Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 21, 2020 · NHTSA 20V100000 · Kia Motors America · 141,774 vehicles
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
Risk and remedy
Risk: If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.
Delivery · Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018 · NHTSA 18V907000 · Kia Motors America · 71,653 vehicles
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2013 Kia Optima?
The 2013 Kia Optima holds between 17.2 and 18.5 gallons, depending on the trim. 18.5 gallons is the usual size; the smaller 17.2-gallon tank is on the EX Hybrid 4dr Sedan.
How many gallons and liters does the 2013 Kia Optima gas tank hold?
The 2013 Kia Optima tank holds 65–70 liters, or 17.2–18.5 gallons in US gallons.
Which 2013 Kia Optima has the biggest gas tank?
The 18.5-gallon tank is on the EX 4dr Sedan, LX 4dr Sedan, SX 4dr Sedan. The smallest tank, 17.2 gallons, is on the EX Hybrid 4dr Sedan.
Does the 2013 Kia Optima hybrid have a smaller gas tank?
Yes. Hybrid: 17.2 gal; Gas: 18.5 gal.
How far can a 2013 Kia Optima go on a full tank?
About 629–688 miles on the highway and 407–619 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
How many miles can a 2013 Kia Optima go on a quarter tank?
About 162 highway miles or 111 in town from the 18.5-gallon tank, which has roughly 4.6 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
What gas does the 2013 Kia Optima take?
Regular unleaded. The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
How much does it cost to fill up a 2013 Kia Optima?
At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 18.5-gallon tank from empty costs $78.99. It ranges from $68.45 in the Gulf Coast to $108.96 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 2013 Kia Optima?
About 115 pounds for the 18.5-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.
Does the 2013 Kia Optima have a bigger gas tank than the Volkswagen CC?
No, they match: both top out at 18.5 gallons in 2013.
Has the 2013 Kia Optima had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 fuel-system recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima: 22V093000 (delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings); 20V100000 (delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings); 18V907000 (delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.
Sources
Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
MPG and range: EPA ratings. Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).