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Forward Lighting
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Exterior Lighting
- Back Up Light Bulb » 921
- Brake Light Bulb (With single projector-type headlamps) » 7528
- License Plate Light Bulb » 168
- Parking Light Bulb (With single projector-type headlamps) » 2357A
- Side Marker Light Bulb Front » 2825
- Side Marker Light Bulb Rear (With single projector-type headlamps) » 2825
- Tail Light Bulb Inner (With single projector-type headlamps) » 2825
- Tail Light Bulb Outer (With single projector-type headlamps) » 7528
- Turn Signal Light Bulb Front Compare to original » 1156A
- Turn Signal Light Bulb Front Compare to original » 2357A
- Turn Signal Light Bulb Rear » 1156A
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Interior Lighting
2018 Kia Optima Headlight Bulb Size
Mid-cycle updates for 2018 gave the Optima a tweaked front fascia, a new S trim that hit a value sweet spot, and continued availability of the SX Turbo that enthusiasts gravitate toward. The 2018 Kia Optima headlight bulb size is H11 for the low beams, 9005 for the high beams, and H11 for the fog lights. Every trim from the base LX through the SX Turbo shares this same bulb fitment.
When owners search for 2018 Kia Optima LED headlights, they are usually noticing that their factory halogens have lost the crispness they had when new. That slow fade is normal for halogen filaments, and the fix is straightforward. An LED conversion kit from HID Nation installs in minutes, ships for free, and comes with a lifetime warranty that covers the bulbs for as long as you own the car.
Best LED and HID Kits for the 2018 Kia Optima
An LED upgrade for the 2018 Optima slides into the existing H11 and 9005 sockets as a direct swap. There are no wiring modifications required and the compact driver module tucks neatly behind each headlight housing. The output jumps from the warm yellow of halogen to a clean 6000K white that picks up road detail more effectively at night. Installation typically takes 15 to 20 minutes total.
HID xenon kits remain a strong choice if you cover a lot of dark highway miles. The ballast-and-bulb setup produces a wider, denser beam column that excels at lighting up the road well ahead of the vehicle. Installation runs about 30 minutes, and the resulting brightness is unmistakable compared to stock.
Every kit from HID Nation includes free shipping and a lifetime warranty, making the headlight upgrade one of the lowest-risk improvements you can make to your mid-cycle Optima.
Frequently Asked Questions
What headlight bulb size does the 2018 Kia Optima use?
The 2018 Kia Optima uses H11 bulbs for the low beams, 9005 bulbs for the high beams, and H11 bulbs for the fog lights. This fitment applies to all trims including the LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Turbo.
How hard is it to replace the headlight bulbs on a 2018 Kia Optima?
It is one of the easier bulb replacements in the mid-size sedan class. You access each bulb from behind the headlight housing in the engine bay, twist the retainer a quarter turn counterclockwise, pull the old halogen free, and push the new LED or halogen replacement into place. No tools are needed for the bulb swap itself.
Does the 2018 Optima use the same headlight bulbs as the 2016?
Yes. The 2016 through 2018 Kia Optima all sit on the same fourth-generation platform and share H11 low beams, 9005 high beams, and H11 fog lights. A headlight kit purchased for any of those model years will fit the others without modification.
Can I upgrade just the fog lights on my 2018 Optima to LED?
You can. The 2018 Optima fog lights use H11 bulbs, the same size as the low beams. LED fog light kits in the H11 size drop right in. Many owners upgrade the fog lights at the same time as the headlights to keep a consistent 6000K white color across the front of the vehicle.
Are HID kits brighter than LED for the 2018 Kia Optima?
HID kits typically produce a higher peak lumen count and throw light farther down the road, which is beneficial for high-speed highway driving. LED kits reach full brightness instantly with no warm-up period and produce less heat, making them the preferred choice for mixed city and highway driving. Both options dramatically outperform the factory halogen bulbs.