Kia Optima vs Skoda Octavia
What's the difference?

Kia Optima

$14,670 - $22,990

2018 price

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Skoda Octavia

$39,590 - $59,990

2026 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2018 Kia Optima

2026 Skoda Octavia

By Matt Campbell

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.4L

Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.3L/100km (combined)

5.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Very roomy
Great ownership plan
Decent price

Smooth driving
Packed with features
Impressive value-for-money

Dislikes

Removed some good stuff to lower price
Not as good looking as pre-facelift model
A bit basic inside

Some lag in initial acceleration
Space-saver spare
Mild-hybrid adds little

2018 Kia Optima Summary

There are plenty of reasons why you should still consider a mid-sized sedan like the Kia Optima. I’m sure there are… just let me think about this for a sec…

Okay, so this part of the market is dying. A decade ago, sedans like this were really popular, but now there are heaps of alternative options. Yep, people are going for mid-sized SUVs rather than mid-sized sedans like this.

But that doesn’t mean models like the just-updated 2018 Kia Optima are without their reasons for being. I’m just not sure the facelift has made it more appealing to look at…

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2026 Skoda Octavia Summary

Once a solid mainstay on our roads, wagons have fallen out of favour somewhat as a result of the ever-growing popularity of SUVs and utes.

But is a wagon actually a better and more family-friendly daily driver than a bigger, taller SUV or ute? Perhaps.

And throw a mild-hybrid system into the mix and it could be an even more appealing purchase.

Skoda’s Octavia has built a strong following in Australia and now comes its new mild hybrid grade, available as a wagon or liftback.

So, what’s the Skoda Octavia Select mHEV wagon like as a daily driver for families?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Kia Optima 2026 Skoda Octavia

Verdict

If you travel long distances, want a good amount of space and don’t want to pay big bucks for a new car, then yeah, maybe there is a reason sedans like this will hang around for a while longer.

Sure, the appeal of sedans mightn’t be as strong as it once was, but models like the Kia Optima prove they still have a reason to exist.

Verdict

The Skoda Octavia has always been impressive in wagon guise and this mHEV variant is no different. While the mild-hybrid set-up adds little to the Octavia package there’s still plenty to like about this wagon. It’s smooth and refined to drive, packed with features and has ample appeal as a value-for-money buy.

It’s no surprise if this wagon is at or near the top of your vehicle shopping list.

Kia Optima vs Skoda Octavia What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Optima vs Skoda Octavia
What's the difference?