Kia Optima (2016 – 2019) Review
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Kia Optima (2016 – 2019) Verdict
Well-equipped as standard. Spacious cabin. Low emissions. Excellent motorway cruiser. PHEV from September 2016. New 1.6 CRDi and 1.6 T GDI from 2018.
Engine choice initially limited to 1.7 diesel. Expanded to include 2.0 GDI, 2.0 T-GDI and 1.6 T-GDI in 2018.
Find out more about the Kia Optima (2016 – 2019)
Insurance Groups are between 17–21
On average it achieves 63% of the official MPG figure
The Kia Optima is one of the best saloons you've probably never heard of. But that doesn't mean you should overlook it. After all, this is an incredibly smooth and spacious saloon that's well-equipped and well-finished. While crossovers may rule the roost, there's still lots to like about the Optima.
Until September 2016, Kia sold the Optima with just one engine – a 1.7-litre CRDi diesel that is surprisingly punchy and smooth. It could be quieter - but with 141PS and peak torque output of 340Nm, it picks up speed effortlessly, particularly when paired with the seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox.
As a car for covering distance on the motorway the Optima is very good. The seats are comfortable, cruise control is standard and the ride quality is mightily impressive, making long journeys relaxing. Long drives are even easier in top trim Optima models which have lane keep assistance and adaptive cruise control, taking the hard work out of busy motorways.
On A- or B-roads, the Optima is not quite as satisfying, with comfort clearly prioritised over agility. The steering is light and body roll is noticeable at higher speeds. On this front the Optima lags behind competition such as the Skoda Octavia. It's economical though with an official average of more than 60mpg.
Passengers should find it easy to get comfortable even in the back, where there is ample leg room for adults and a reasonable amount of headroom. The boot has a decent capacity of 505 litres and the Sportwagon estate a class leading 552 litres, or 1,686 litres with the rear seatbacks folded.
Standard equipment levels are generous though and include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, touchscreen with navigation, DAB radio and a reversing camera. Upper trims gain luxuries like leather upholstery, a larger touchscreen, wireless phone charging and an autonomous parking system that works on parallel and bay spaces.
Reviews for Kia Optima (2016 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
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Kia Optima (2016 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 CRDi to 2.0 GDi PHEV
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 36–92 mpg
The Kia Optima only comes with one conventional engine – a 1.7-litre CRDi diesel producing 141PS and 340Nm of torque. That may only sound adequate for a saloon this size, but it’s surprisingly capable, since peak torque is available from just 1750rpm.
You'll rarely be left wanting for power but the engine is not without its flaws. For instance it’s quite a loud engine, especially when pushed hard.
But running costs are low. Official economy for the manual version is 67.3mpg, while the auto isn’t far behind, with a claimed 64.2mpg. Emissions are 110g/km or 116g/km respectively, meaning a low company car tax bracket. It’s certainly a sensible choice of large family car for business users.
Opting for the dual-clutch automatic does a lot to help matters though, since it changes up quickly and seamlessly, keeping noise to a minimum. It’s a great fit for the Optima, especially on a long motorway drive, where the car is most at home. It’s smooth, comfortable and relaxed, with impressive ride quality.
Unfortunately, it isn’t quite so good on a country road. The steering is overly light and lacks the precision you get in, for example, the Ford Mondeo. That said, around town it’s very easy to get on with, making light work of speed bumps, while a standard fit reversing camera takes the hard work out of reverse parking.
Opting for a higher trim level brings plenty of driver assistance. Automated parking, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assistance are all available, although if you want all of those technologies you will need to go for the top ‘4’ variant, which is quite pricey at almost £29k and only comes with the DCT automatic.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 CRDi | 63 mpg | - | 117–118 g/km |
| 1.6 CRDi Automatic | 64 mpg | - | 117 g/km |
| 1.7 CRDi | 67 mpg | - | 110 g/km |
| 1.7 CRDi Automatic | 64 mpg | - | 116 g/km |
| 2.0 GDi PHEV | 202 mpg | 9.4 s | 37 g/km |
| 2.0 T-GDi Automatic | 34 mpg | - | 191 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Kia Optima (2016 – 2019)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
63%
Real MPG
36–92 mpg
MPGs submitted
30
Kia Optima (2016 – 2019) interior
- Boot space is 307 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4855–4868 mm |
| Width | 1860 mm |
| Height | 1465–1485 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2805 mm |
The Optima has a very well-finished and comfortable cabin. Quality is excellent, with plush yet durable materials and very good fit and finished – there are no creaks or rattles. The layout is sensible and user-friendly, with intuitive minor controls and an easy-to-use touchscreen, which is standard on all versions.
Space in the back row is ample. Adults won’t struggle for leg or head room in the two outer rear seats but the middle seat is raised and better suited to smaller occupants. There is ventilation for back seat passengers too, so even on a longer journey they should be able to stay cool. Or warm.
The boot is large at 505 litres, but the saloon body style limits access – a hatchback like the Skoda Octavia is more practical, since getting bulky items in and out is far easier. That said, it is still a sizeable load area and it’s perfectly easy to get things like suitcases in and out. The rear seats split fold 60/40 for longer items.
The basic ‘2’ trim level comes with a manual transmission only and has cloth upholstery, but it still has a good standard specification. Navigation, cruise control and dual-zone climate control are all standard, while upper trim levels gains luxuries including leather, seat ventilation and safety technology.
One of the most convenient features on top ‘4’ models is the autonomous parking system, which can park the car into parallel and bay spaces semi-autonomously. The driver merely needs to control braking and throttle inputs – which is incredibly easy since the ‘4’ comes with an automatic transmission as standard.
Standard Equipment:
2 comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, auto lights, auto wipers, power lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, electric windows, cruise control, speed limiter, DAB radio, seven-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth, front and rear USB ports and Aux-in.
3 adds 18-inch alloy wheels, part faux-leather upholstery, four-way power lumbar support, power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, upgraded audio system, eight-inch touchscreen and lane-keep assist.
4 adds DCT automatic transmission, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, automated parking, wireless mobile phone charging, 360-degree parking camera, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, rear door window blinds and a smart keyless system.
Kia Optima (2016 – 2019) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4855–4868 mm |
| Width | 1860 mm |
| Height | 1465–1485 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2805 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1590–1780 kg |
| Boot Space | 307 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | 10000–20000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £21,660–£33,995 |
| Insurance Groups | 17–21 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–J |
| Official MPG | 34.4–176.6 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
Currently on sale
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 2 ISG 4dr | £22,260 | 62.8 mpg | - |
| 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 3 DCT ISG 4dr | £25,700 | 64.2 mpg | - |
| 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 3 ISG 4dr | £24,260 | 62.8 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139bhp 2 ISG 4dr | £21,660 | 67.3 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139bhp 3 DCT ISG 4dr | £25,100 | 64.2 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139bhp 3 ISG 4dr | £23,660 | 67.3 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139bhp 4 DCT ISG 4dr | £28,895 | 64.2 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139bhp Gt-Line S DCT ISG 4dr | £29,600 | 64.2 mpg | - |
| 2.0 GDI 202bhp Phev Auto 4dr | £33,995 | 201.8 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.0 T-GDi 241bhp GT Auto 4dr | £28,900 | 34.4 mpg | - |
On sale until April 2017
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.7 CRDi 139bhp Gt-Line S DCT ISG 4dr | £29,395 | 64.2 mpg | - |
| 2.0 GDI 202bhp Phev Auto 4dr | £33,995 | - | - |
Model History
- November 2015: New Kia Optima confirmed for Europe
- December 2015: Kia Optima goes on sale
- August 2016
- March 2018: Kia Optima upgraded
- August 2018: Kia Optima updated
- October 2019
November 2015
New Kia Optima confirmed for Europe
The all-new Optima’s evolutionary new look was designed to be functional and sporty, with exterior dimensions that are marginally longer, taller and wider.
The wheelbase has been extended by 10 mm to 2,805 mm, with the full vehicle length growing 10 mm to 4,855 mm. Meanwhile the new model is 25 mm wider, at 1,860 mm, and 10 mm taller (1,465 mm). These changes enable a roomier and more comfortable cabin, with more head-, shoulder- and rear-seat leg-room and greater cargo capacity.
According to Kia, the material quality of the all-new Optima’s cabin is significantly improved over the outgoing model, with a far higher proportion of soft-touch materials, as well as cloth and leather trim in natural tones. Tasteful metallic accents throughout the cabin add a higher quality ambience to the interior, while greater application of soundproofing ensures refinement is better than ever.
The dashboard is divided into an upper ‘display’ zone and a lower ‘control’ zone, ensuring drivers need never take their eyes off the road in order to see the key information displayed. The central fascia is angled 8.5 degrees towards the driver, with the upper ‘display’ zone housing a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and lower ‘control’ zone offering fewer buttons than the outgoing Optima to manage the various cabin functions that aren’t already built into the touchscreen.
The console is finished in gloss black, with a dash of chrome running the length of the dashboard, dividing the display and control zones and lending the interior to single or two-tone colour schemes. Customers are able to choose from either single-tone (black) or two-tone (black with stone beige, or dark grey with light grey) cloth or leather trim.
With the 10 mm growth in the wheelbase of the all-new Optima, and reshaped seats, rear passengers now enjoy 25 mm more legroom than before. The wider body yields more shoulder room for all passengers (20 mm and 17 mm extra in front and rear), while the longer, higher roof results in greater headroom throughout the cabin.
Cargo space in the all-new Optima has grown from 505 to 510 litres (VDA), with the under-floor storage area and a wider boot opening adding greater practicality.
With a lighter, stiffer chassis, the suspension is better able to isolate vibrations and bumps from poor road surfaces, while a series of upgrades to the suspension set-up helps to blend agile handling with an improvement in ride comfort.
The upgraded 1.7-litre CRDi diesel engine is expected to account for the majority of European sales from launch. Carried over from the existing model, it receives a range of modifications for its application in the all-new Optima, resulting in greater power output and torque, and reduced emissions.
Now producing 141PS (up from 136PS) and 340Nm torque (increased from 325Nm), the upgraded 1.7-litre diesel engine offers an improvement to engine response, low end torque, efficiency and NVH. The upgraded engine boasts far lower CO2 emissions, reduced to 110 g/km (when fitted with manual transmission and Kia’s Idle Stop/Go fuel-saving technology).
The all-new Optima features the brand’s advanced new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT), recently launched in the enhanced Kia cee’d and available exclusively on models fitted with the best-selling 1.7-litre CRDi diesel. Kia’s new DCT is capable of handling the higher torque outputs of the turbodiesel engine and has been engineered to offer a sportier driving experience with instant gear changes.
December 2015
Kia Optima goes on sale
Four versions are available, all powered by an upgraded version of Kia's 1.7-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine, now paired with either a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed (7DCT) dual-clutch auto transmission.
The Optima's 1.7-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine now develops an improved 139bhp and increased torque of 340Nm, starting at a lower 1,750rpm. This represents increases of 5bhp and 15Nm over the previous version.
With the Idle Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system as standard, CO2 emissions of manual models are 14 per cent lower at 110g/km, while fuel economy improves to a highly impressive 67.3mpg. An even bigger improvement is apparent with the new 7DCT dual-clutch auto gearbox, which replaces the previous six-speed torque converter unit. Emissions are down by 25 per cent, to 116g/km, while fuel economy is now 64.2mpg.er year with manual versions and by £150 with the 7DCT after the initial registration payment.
The seven-speed (7DCT) dual-clutch auto transmission was developed in-house at Kia's research and development centre in Korea with the aim of delivering the comfort and smoothness of a torque converter transmission in automatic mode with the sportiness of a manual when the driver chooses to take control of gearchanging via the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
| Version | OTR price |
| 1.7 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 2 | £21,495 |
| 1.7 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 3 | £23,495 |
| 1.7 CRDi 7-speed DCT ISG 3 | £24,895 |
| 1.7 CRDi 7-speed DCT ISG 4 | £28,895 |
August 2016
Kia Optima PHEV plug-in hybrid launched, offering a combination of 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds, a top speed of 121mph, NEDC economy of 176.6mpg, CO2 emissions of 37g/km and a zero emission (electric only) range of 33 miles. Priced at £31,495, it qualifies for tax on a BIK of 7%.
The Optima is also offered with a 163PS non turbo 2.0 GDI and a 245PS 2.0T-GDI petrol engine.
March 2018
Kia Optima upgraded
Gets improvements to exterior, interior and two new engines. The 1.7 CRDI diesel is replaced by the U3 1.6 CRDI offering 136PS and 320Nm torque. A new 180PS/1.6T-GDI engine with gasoline particulate filter is offered with 7-speed DCT transmission.
Available with Kia's latest 7-inch and 8-inch touchcreeen infotanimant systems and 'level 2 autonomy' driver assist systems such as Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist and full LED headlights with Dynamic Bending Light.
August 2018
Kia Optima updated
The new Optima gets an all-new 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine. As well as refreshed exterior and interior design, the new Optima features Kia’s latest active safety and in-car connectivity technologies.
Changes include a revised front bumper design, as well as new LED tail-lamps and a revised design for the head- and fog lamps plus a re-profiled rear bumper. The ‘tiger-nose’ grille features a new bright chrome finish to create a more sophisticated, purposeful appearance. A new paint colour, ‘Runway Red’, is available, as well as new designs for the Optima’s 17-inch and 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin features a newly-designed steering wheel and satin-chrome trim on the centre console which extends across the dashboard. Grade ‘2’ models come with black cloth upholstery, level ‘3’ versions have black cloth with faux leather upholstery, with ‘GT-Line S’ models featuring black leather upholstery with red stitching.
In addition, ‘GT-Line S’ models features new ambient lighting around the dashboard and doors, letting occupants choose between six different colours – or assign different colours to individual driving modes. By default, cabin lighting floods the cabin in a soft green glow in Eco mode, while Sport mode turns lighting to red. Smart mode fills the interior with soft blue ambient lighting.
Kia has also modified the design of the Optima ‘GT-Line S’, which is now exclusively available in the stylish and practical Sportswagon bodystyle. For added style and on-road presence, there’s new LED fog lamps, a fresh 18-inch aluminium alloy wheel design and subtle gloss black mirror caps, side sills and air intake grille. The ‘GT-Line S’ model is further distinguished by distinctive new twin exhausts.
The interior features the same improvements to material quality and trim as the standard car, while the seats are now finished in black leather with red stitching.
Other safety features include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian recognition, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA) and full LED headlamps. Available on selected grade, these technologies make the Optima one of the safest cars in its class.
The new Optima is available with Kia’s latest 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with satellite navigation and Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom®. The system offers Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ to enable full smartphone integration. Android Auto™ is designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher; Apple CarPlay™, for iPhone 5 or newer. Within the centre console is a wireless smartphone charger, allowing users to charge their smartphones on the move.
The ‘U3’ 1.6-litre CRDi (common-rail direct injection) replaces the earlier 1.7-litre CRDi engine. The powertrain produces 134bhp and 320Nm of torque across a 2000-2250rpm engine range.
With Kia's Idle Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system as standard, CO2 emissions for the Sportswagon are 121g/km when paired with a manual gearbox or 122g/km for DCT models, while fuel economy is 61.4mpg combined. CO2 emissions of the saloon variant are 117g/km for manual ‘2’ grades and 7DCT ‘3’ models with 62.8mpg combines or 118g’km for manual ‘3’ grade with 64.2mpg combined.
|
Model |
OTR Price |
|
Saloon ‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG |
£22,260 |
|
Saloon ‘3’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG |
£24,260 |
|
Saloon ‘3’ 1.6 CRDi 7-speed DCT ISG |
£25,700 |
|
Sportswagon ‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG |
£23,100 |
|
Sportswagon ‘3’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG |
£25,300 |
|
Sportswagon ‘3’ 1.6 CRDi 7-speed DCT ISG |
£26,700 |
|
Sportswagon ‘GT-Line S’ 1.6 CRDi 7-speed DCT ISG |
£31,400 |
October 2019
KIA reported to be axing the Optima from its UK line-up
