Kia Optima

Kia Optima at a glance

The Optima was Kia's answer to the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. The JF generation kept the low, coupé-like silhouette of its predecessor, designed under Peter Schreyer, but gained a stiffer body, a longer wheelbase and a more upmarket cabin. In South Korea it was sold as the K5. It was built in Hwaseong, South Korea, and West Point, Georgia, USA, among other plants.

Design, platform and cabin

The JF shares its platform with the 2015 Hyundai Sonata (LF). According to the old 1cars data, it measures 4,845 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,455 mm high on a 2,805 mm wheelbase. The low daytime-running lights, long bonnet and short rear deck give it the look of a four-door coupé.

Inside, the dashboard is angled towards the driver, with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a central screen. UK cars came with a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation, a reversing camera, dual-zone air conditioning and cruise control as standard. Higher trims added a 360-degree camera, cornering lights, premium audio, leather, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic roof and adaptive cruise control.

Engines, gearboxes and performance

The 1.7 CRDi reaches 100 km/h in about 10 seconds and 195 km/h (121 mph), with a claimed 67.3 mpg (UK) on the old NEDC cycle, about 4.2 l/100 km. The old 1cars data gives 9.6–10.7 seconds and 202–205 km/h for the 2.0 MPi in markets where it was sold. The GT has 76 kW more than the 1.7 diesel and is the version to choose for performance; the plug-in hybrid uses a 9.8 kWh battery for electric-only short trips.

Boot, practicality and safety

The saloon's 510-litre boot is smaller than a Passat's or a Mondeo's, and the plug-in hybrid loses about 200 litres to its battery. Rear legroom is generous. In the USA the 2017 Optima was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The biggest boot saloons ranking shows where it stands in its class.

Facelift and the end of the Optima

The facelift was revealed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, with revised bumpers and lights and, in Europe, the new 1.6 CRDi diesel. The fifth generation, revealed in November 2019 and launched in South Korea on 12 December 2019, took the K5 name worldwide; the USA renamed the car K5 in June 2020. It was not offered in Europe or in right-hand-drive markets, so the JF was the last Optima sold new in the EU and the UK.

Common problems and reliability

UK reviewers rate the Optima's reliability highly and point to the long warranty, which is transferable if the service history is complete. Known issues include a recall of the autonomous emergency braking system on models up to 2018. The particulate filter on the 1.7 diesel needs regular long, fast runs to regenerate, and the ride can feel fidgety around town. Check that recall work has been done and that the dual-clutch gearbox shifts cleanly.