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Kia Optima

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Kia Optima Review, For Sale, Colours, Interior, Specs & News

The Kia Optima is a midsize sedan from South Korea that was introduced to the Australian market in 2001.

The Optima shares its platform, and many of its components, with its sister car: the Hyundai Sonata.

Targeted at other midsized sedans such as the Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Mazda6, Ford Mondeo, Skoda Octavia, and Holden Commodore, the Optima features a big boot and a comfortable ride.

A six-speed torque converted automatic is the only transmission for both the naturally-aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines.

Variants range from the base $21,340 Optima Si to the top-of-the-range $36,080 Optima GT NAV (black Leather) Sunroof.

Kia Optima Models Price and Specs

The price range for the Kia Optima varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $21,340 and going to $36,080 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
2020 Sedan 2.4L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $21,340 $36,080
2019 Sedan 2.4L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $19,140 $32,340
2018 Sedan 2.4L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $16,940 $29,370
2017 Sedan 2.4L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $14,630 $26,400
2016 Sedan 2.4L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $13,970 $23,650
See All Kia Optima Pricing and Specs

Kia Optima Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Kia Optima here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

  • What is the longevity of diesel-powered SUV and Passenger vehicles in Australia?

    Of all the technology you’re considering right now, the only one that sounds any real alarm bells is that of the double-clutch transmission. It’s not that Kia’s version of the DCT is worse than many others – nor is it the worst of the lot – but there have been complaints over the operation and lifespan of these units generally. Sometimes the fault is a software glitch, but in other DCTs – particularly the dry-clutch variety – the problems are mechanical and can lead to catastrophic failures.

    With that said, it’s also true that Kia in Australia offers a fantastic factory warranty, so you should have no worries for at least the first seven years. It’s also the case that Kia Australia takes its reputation very seriously and is one of the better companies when it comes to sorting out faults and problems with its products. We’re pretty big fans here at Carsguide of the current Toyota hybrid technology, and it’s looking like the new Kluger Hybrid will be just as popular as Toyota’s other hybrid offerings. Perhaps more so as the non-hybrid Kluger can be thirsty.

    As for the requirement for premium ULP, when you consider that the Kluger Hybrid will, around the city and suburbs where most of them will spend the vast majority of their lives, use about two thirds of the fuel of the V6 Kluger (maybe even a bit less than that) then the extra cost per litre is more than compensated for by the reduced cost per kilometre. And in case you were worried about Toyota’s hybrid tech, the new Kluger Hybrid comes with up to 10 years of warranty on the battery-pack provided the vehicle is serviced correctly and inspected once a year.

    The other thing you might consider is the next-size-down Toyota hybrid, the RAV4. This is quite a spacious vehicle these days and offers excellent fuel efficiency and driveability. It’s cheaper than the Kluger, too. Definitely worth a look. Overall, the broader view is that a petrol hybrid vehicle is more future-proof than a conventional turbo-diesel.

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  • Kia Optima 2019: What is the towing capacity?

    It’s rated to tow 1700 kg with a trailer equipped with brakes, and 750 kg if the trailer has no brakes. Fitting a towbar won’t affect the warranty.

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  • Kia Optima 2018: Where can I get turbo emblems?

    Try eBay, or perhaps a Kia dealer in America, or if you have a friend in America you could have them buy them for you and ship them out.

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  • Should I wait for the updated Optima?

    From what we understand the MY17 update will have an upgraded interior, better LED headlights, and possibly an engine noise generator. Not much change it seems.

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See All Kia Optima Q&As
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Kia Optima Colours

  • Clear White
  • Silky Silver
  • Platinum Graphite
  • Runway Red
  • Gravity Blue
  • Snow White Pearl
  • Aurora Black
To confirm current colour availability, please check the manufacturer's website. Shown above are the colours for the Kia Optima 2019.

Kia Optima Dimensions

The dimensions of the Kia Optima Sedan vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
2020 Sedan 1465x1860x4855 mm 135 mm
2019 Sedan 1465x1860x4855 mm 135 mm
2018 Sedan 1465x1860x4855 mm 135 mm
2017 Sedan 1465x1860x4855 mm 135 mm
2016 Sedan 1465x1860x4855 mm 135 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Kia Optima Dimensions

Kia Optima Interior

The Kia Optima deserved to sell better than it did, and its interior was one of its highlights. You can see from the images that it offered good space and practicality, a nicer dashboard design than its competitors, better trim and leather quality than you'd expect.

Shown above are interior details for the Kia Optima 2018.

Kia Optima Fuel Consumption

The Kia Optima is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by ULP fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 8.3L/100km for Sedan /ULP for the latest year the model was manufactured.

Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
2020 Sedan 8.3L/100km 2.4L ULP 6 SP AUTO
2019 Sedan 8.3L/100km 2.4L ULP 6 SP AUTO
2018 Sedan 8.3L/100km 2.4L ULP 6 SP AUTO
2017 Sedan 8.3L/100km 2.4L ULP 6 SP AUTO
2016 Sedan 8.3L/100km 2.4L ULP 6 SP AUTO
* Combined fuel consumption See All Kia Optima Pricing and Specs for 2020

Kia Optima Wheel Size

The Kia Optima has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 215x55 R17 for Sedan in 2020 with a wheel size that spans from 17x7.5 inches.

Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
2020 Sedan 215x55 R17 17x7.5 inches 215x55 R17 17x7.5 inches
2019 Sedan 215x55 R17 17x7.5 inches 215x55 R17 17x7.5 inches
2018 Sedan 215x55 R17 17x7.5 inches 215x55 R17 17x7.5 inches
2017 Sedan 215x55 R17 17x7.5 inches 215x55 R17 17x7.5 inches
2016 Sedan 215x55 R17 17x7.5 inches 215x55 R17 17x7.5 inches
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Kia Optima Wheel Sizes

Kia Optima Towing Capacity

The Kia Optima has maximum towing capacity of 1700kg for the latest model available.

Year Body Type Braked Capacity from Braked Capacity to
2020 Sedan 1400kg 1700kg
2019 Sedan 1400kg 1700kg
2018 Sedan 1400kg 1700kg
2017 Sedan 1400kg 1700kg
2016 Sedan 1400kg 1700kg
See All Towing Capacity for Kia Optima

Kia Optima Seats

The following Kia Optima is available with five seats. The Si variant comes with Black Cloth seat trim with Black Leather Appointed seats with Red stitching reserved for the GT Model.

Kia Optima  Seats
Shown above are seat details for the Kia Optima 2019.