Buying Guide: Kia Optima – Prices, Problems and Versions

The Kia Optima is a solid D-segment car with generous features. Autovisie goes into detail about prices, issues and versions in this buying guide.

In 2015, Kia launched an all-new Optima. Despite sufficiently positive characteristics, attractive prices and a favorable additional tax, no major sales successes were achieved. This is unfortunate for the brand, but good news for used car buyers shopping in the D segment.

Body Kia Optima

The new Optima, model code JF, is very similar to the previous model. Underneath is a new car that shares its platform with the Hyundai Sonata. The 4.85 meter long business car debuts as a four-door sedan with the look of a five-door coupé. The five-door Sportswagon follows shortly afterwards. In addition to a larger tailgate, the station wagon offers significantly more luggage space. While the sedan has to make do with 510 liters, the station wagon can store between 552 and 1,686 liters. For the PHEV variants it is significantly less, namely 307 liters (sedan) and 440-1,574 liters (SW).

The base Optima includes projector headlights and fog lights. Privacy glass and roof rails are standard on the Sportswagon. More expensive versions have xenon or full LED lighting, a panoramic roof and an electrically operated tailgate (SW). The GT-Line and GT leave the factory with a sports package and a dual exhaust. In 2018 the Optima will receive a facelift with a new front view and new lighting units.

Interior Kia Optima

The design of the dashboard is clearly inspired by (German) premium brands. The analog/digital instrument cluster with 4.3-inch supervisory display is equipped with a 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen as well as physical buttons and switches for audio and climate controls. The materials used are of less quality than most European competitors in this class, but everything is neatly finished and the space is generous.

The base model has extensive equipment with elements such as lane assistant, traffic sign recognition, parking sensors, parking camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, full map navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. More expensive versions also have heated seats and steering wheel, seat cooling, a smart key, electric seat adjustment, a larger infotainment screen, DAB +, Harman Kardon audio, a wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, additional security systems and a surround camera system.

The GT-Line and GT have a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, a black headliner, sports seats and black leather with red stitching. The facelift brings an updated range of safety systems, a new steering wheel and driving mode selector.

Engine Kia Optima

In the Netherlands, initially only the diesel 1.7 CRDi (141 hp, 340 Nm) is on the menu. Two petrol engines follow shortly afterwards. The 2.0 T-GDi (245 hp, 353 Nm) is reserved for the top GT model. The 2.0 GDi PHEV (system output 205 hp, 375 Nm) is suitable for a wider audience. The plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 154 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson naturally aspirated gasoline engine with a 50 kW electric motor and a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. The stated electric range is more than 40 kilometers.

Coinciding with the 2018 facelift, the engine range is shaken up with the introduction of the 1.6 T-GDi (180 hp, 265 Nm) and the 1.6 CRDi (136 hp, 320 Nm). In direct injection gasoline engines, contamination of the intake tract is a potential problem. Sometimes there is also increased oil consumption, but with regular maintenance the engines are above average in reliability.

transmission

The Kia Optima is only available with front-wheel drive. The 1.7 CRDi diesel is available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2.0 T-GDi and 2.0 PHEV are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter. The 1.6 T-GDi and 1.6 CRDi are only sold with the seven-speed DCT automatic transmission.

On a used car with a DCT transmission, check whether the gear changes are smooth and jerk-free. As with a car with a manual transmission, the dry-plate clutches of the DCT transmission are also subject to normal wear.

suspension

Kia relies on modern tuning for the chassis. The Optima features an independent MacPherson front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The suspension setup is extremely comfortable and even the GT-Line with standard 18-inch instead of 17-inch wheels is less stiff than one would expect based on the name.

The sporty top model GT combines 18-inch wheels with an electronically controlled adaptive chassis and red brake calipers.

Which Kia Optima should you have?

Sports cars and hybrid drives dominate the used car market. The PHEV version is smooth and economical, but due to the loss of MRB benefits, it might be more interesting in the long run to opt for the less economical but lighter 1.6 or 2.0 T-GDi.

The versions are called ComfortPlusLine (17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, lane assistant, 7-inch navigation, parking aid with camera), DynamicLine (panoramic roof, keyless, heated seats and steering wheel, 8-inch navigation, Harman Kardon), ExecutiveLine (18 -inch alloy wheels, xenon, blind spot detection, surround camera, leather, seat ventilation), GT-Line (LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, sports package) and GT (adaptive suspension, red brake calipers). The extra complete business versions are also interesting.

Should it be the Kia Optima?

Newly, the Kia Optima was marketed primarily in the Netherlands as a price- and additionally tax-friendly choice for business drivers (leasing drivers). A difficult mission in an already shrinking and highly competitive market segment. On Gaspedal.nl the Optima is rarer than, for example, a Maserati Ghibli. This is absolutely not due to his qualities.

It is a pleasant, spacious and very well-equipped car with mostly solid technology and (under certain conditions) generous factory warranty conditions. Anyone who can resist the loud temptation of crossovers and SUVs – even from Kia itself – would do well to give the Optima a chance.

How much does the Kia Optima cost?

The cheapest Kia Optima with a petrol engine is a 2.0 GDi PHEV Business DynamicLine (2016, 179,000 km) for 15,900 euros. An Optima Sedan 2.0 GDi Hybrid Business DynamicLine (2016, 129,000 km) costs 16,950 euros. The Optima Sportswagon costs at least 19,940 euros (1.6 T-GDi, GT-Line, 2019, 144,000 km). The same version with fewer kilometers (2019, 93,000 km) costs 22,950 euros.

An Optima Sportswagon 2.0 GDi PHEV ExecutiveLine (2019, 87,000 km) is for sale for 24,740 euros. The very rare 2.0 T-GDi costs at least 26,500 euros (Sportwagon, GT, 2017, 80,000 km). With a diesel engine, the used asking prices are between 11,500 and 22,000 euros.

Parts prices

Front brake pads, €78.44 per set

Front brake discs, €152.56 per set

Hankook Ventus Prime 4, 225/45 R18 95W, each from €115.12

Front suspension wishbones, each from €77.52

Clutch set DCT complete, from €1,112.70

The prices apply to a Kia Optima 1.6 T-GDi DCT7 from 2019 and include VAT and exclude assembly.

Maintenance costs

Minor maintenance from €225
Major maintenance from €275

The maintenance interval (1.6 T-GDi) is 30,000 kilometers/2 years.

Advantages Kia Optima

+ Spacious and complete

+ Solid technology

+ Manufacturer’s warranty

+ No crossover

Negative points Kia Optima

– Use of materials in the interior

– Small range of used cars

– No crossover

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