Okay, I will say it…”Kia has officially entered the leasing world.” I’ve been keeping an eye on Kia leases over the last six months or so and it seems like Kia is legitimately trying to make their leases affordable enough to compete with the best brands. Hyundai was doing it for the better part of last year with the Sonata, but Kia seems to be pushing the Optima into our world more consistently now. Sure, the Optima EX Turbo lease is still not as good as the Sonata SE Turbo, but it’s getting pretty darn close.

I am a bit weary of the “high” MFs though. There is cash to offset it so it makes the lease reasonable. Hyundai is doing the same thing. What worries me is what happens AFTER the cash is pulled away. Will they lower the MF enough to keep the lease around the same ballpark? One has to wonder.

Here is a sample calculation based on TrueCar’s Southern California sale price and do not include local taxes. Please note that your dealer calculations may vary due to local fees/taxes.

2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo
MSRP – $25,850
Sale Price – $22,955 ($1000 lease cash applied)
Monthly – $285+ tax
RWG Rating – 90.1

Support my site by getting your “no obligation” quotes from:
Edmunds.com
CarsDirect.com

2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00133 Base Rate

2012 Kia Optima SX
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00090 Base Rate

2012 Kia Optima EX
39 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00095 Base Rate

2012 Kia Sorento EX AWD
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00166 Base Rate

2012 Kia Sportage EX AWD
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00205 Base Rate