Thinking of buying a used Kia Optima?
Why buy the Kia Optima?
The Optima is a large family car that gives you and your passengers lots of space and a very smooth ride. All models come well equipped and are excellent value. It’s a particularly good option if you do lots of long journeys because it has a large fuel tank that can give a range of over 800 miles.
Kia Optima range and updates
The Optima was sold new from 2016 to 2019. You can have it as a saloon or as the Sportwagon estate. Most models have a diesel engine (badged CRDi) but there’s also a high-performance petrol model (badged T-GDi) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model. Some models have an automatic gearbox.
In 2018, the original 1.7-litre diesel engine was replaced with a less polluting 1.6-litre version. A few small styling details changed in 2018, including new-look bumpers.
The Optima is available in trim levels named 2, 3 and 4 – the higher the number, the more equipment you get as standard. The top-of-the-range diesel model is called GT-Line S and there’s also a sporty, high-spec petrol model called GT.
Kia Optima tech and features
Even the entry-level Optima 2 comes loaded with tech – smartphone connectivity, sat nav, climate control, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera are all standard. High-spec models have features such as heated leather seats, adaptive cruise control and a sunroof. GT-Line S models have more equipment than a lot of much more expensive cars.
Kia Optima running costs and value
According to official figures, the petrol model gives average fuel economy of 34mpg, while the 1.7-litre diesel Optima saloon gives 67.3mpg. On paper, the 1.6-litre diesel isn’t as efficient, giving 54.3mpg, although that number is the result of a different method being used to calculate fuel economy when the 1.6-litre car was launched. Estate and automatic models are a few mpg behind the saloon and manual equivalents.
Official average fuel economy for the plug-in hybrid models is more than 170mpg, but to achieve that you’ll need to keep the battery charged. The official maximum electric-only battery range is 33 miles for the saloon and 38 miles for the Sportwagon estate (which has a larger battery).
Kia Optima vs rivals
Optima rivals include the Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 508, Skoda Superb and Vauxhall Insignia. Within that group, the Optima is a good-looking, good-value option that stands out for its long warranty and high level of standard equipment.
