CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 60
Average Price: Around £9,000

Kia Optima (2016-2020) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Good value as a used buy	Dull to drive
Roomy interior	PHEV loses some boot space
Good EV range in plug-in hybrid	Earlier diesels could be more refined

Quick Summary

The Kia Optima (2016-2020) is a practical and well-equipped saloon that offers excellent value in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs. Available as both a four-door saloon and five-door Sportswagon estate, it provides spacious interiors with 505 litres of boot space in the saloon and 552 litres in the estate. The car is well-made with solid materials throughout, comprehensive standard equipment across all trim levels, and a touchscreen infotainment system with satnav. Powered by a range of diesel engines, a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol option, and a plug-in hybrid variant, the Optima caters to different driving needs and budgets.

Whilst the Optima is not the sharpest car to drive, with soft suspension and unresponsive steering, it excels in comfort and practicality. The 1.6-litre diesel engine introduced in 2018 offers improved refinement and fuel economy compared to the earlier 1.7-litre unit, with real-world figures in the low 50s mpg achievable. The plug-in hybrid provides excellent town-driving economy and low emissions, though official figures are misleading. All models feature timing chains rather than belts, reducing long-term maintenance costs. With Kia's excellent reliability reputation and many used examples still covered by factory warranty, the Optima represents a sensible, spacious alternative to SUVs at a fraction of the cost.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a spacious saloon or estate, those wanting excellent value for money, families needing practical interior space, and drivers interested in plug-in hybrid technology.

Not ideal for: Enthusiasts prioritising engaging driving dynamics, buyers seeking premium badge appeal, or those requiring the sharpest handling in the class.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Optima if: You're seeking a spacious saloon or estate with excellent value for money, prioritising practicality and comfort over driving dynamics, or interested in plug-in hybrid technology.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging driving dynamics, premium badge appeal, or the sharpest handling in the class.

Competitive Position: The Kia Optima (2016-2020) is a strong contender in the used saloon and estate market, offering exceptional value and practicality. Whilst it lacks the driving engagement of the Ford Mondeo or the premium feel of the Volkswagen Passat, its spacious interior, comprehensive equipment, excellent reliability reputation, and significantly lower purchase price make it an outstanding choice for budget-conscious buyers. The availability of plug-in hybrid and petrol options adds versatility, whilst the Sportswagon estate variant provides even greater practicality. For those willing to sacrifice driving dynamics for space and value, the Optima represents a highly sensible purchase.

Read our full Kia Optima Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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