Kia Optima
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a spacious family saloon that offers excellent value without compromising on comfort? The Kia Optima might be exactly what you need. This mid-size saloon provides a compelling alternative to more mainstream choices, combining generous interior space with impressive build quality and Kia’s industry-leading warranty. It’s designed for families who want a practical, comfortable car that doesn’t break the bank.

What sets the Optima apart is its combination of space, equipment, and reliability. Unlike rivals such as the Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Insignia, the Optima comes loaded with standard equipment and backs it up with Kia’s famous seven-year warranty. The cabin is genuinely spacious, with room for five adults and a large boot that makes family holidays a breeze. The exterior styling is clean and modern, giving it a premium appearance that belies its competitive price point.

On the road, the Optima delivers a smooth, comfortable driving experience that prioritises passenger comfort over sporty handling. The engines are efficient and refined, making it an excellent choice for long-distance commuting or family road trips. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, it excels at being a dependable, comfortable family companion. The strong warranty and competitive pricing make it particularly attractive for buyers seeking peace of mind and value.

What's the Kia Optima Like to Drive?

The Kia Optima focuses on smooth, refined driving rather than sporty performance. The petrol engines deliver adequate power for family use, with the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit providing around 180 horsepower for confident acceleration. The 0-60 mph time of around 8.5 seconds feels brisk enough for overtaking and motorway merging. Diesel options offer stronger torque for effortless cruising, making them ideal for high-mileage drivers who prioritise fuel economy.

Where the Optima truly excels is in ride comfort and refinement. The suspension soaks up road imperfections beautifully, creating a smooth, composed ride that keeps passengers comfortable on long journeys. The steering is light and easy at parking speeds, though it lacks the precision some rivals offer. Road and wind noise are well controlled, contributing to a quiet, relaxing cabin environment. This makes the Optima an excellent choice for families who value comfort over sporting dynamics.

Inside the Kia Optima: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Optima and you’re greeted by a spacious, well-appointed cabin that feels more premium than the price suggests. The dashboard design is clean and logical, with large, clearly marked controls that are easy to use while driving. Material quality is impressive for the class, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas and solid build quality throughout. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making smartphone integration seamless.

Front seat comfort is excellent, with supportive seats offering plenty of adjustment to suit different driver heights. Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom and headroom, making the Optima genuinely comfortable for five adults. The cabin remains quiet at motorway speeds, thanks to effective sound insulation. Climate control maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the cabin, while the intuitive controls make it easy to adjust settings without taking your eyes off the road for too long.

The Kia Optima succeeds as a practical, comfortable family saloon that prioritises value and reliability over sporting pretensions. Its spacious interior, smooth ride quality, and comprehensive warranty make it an intelligent choice for families seeking dependable transportation. The combination of competitive running costs and impressive standard equipment levels provides excellent value for money in the family saloon segment.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Kia Optima?

The Optima delivers competitive running costs that make it attractive for budget-conscious families. Fuel economy is impressive across the range, with diesel models achieving up to 58 mpg in real-world driving and petrol versions returning around 42-45 mpg. Insurance groups are reasonable for a car of this size, typically falling into groups 15-20 depending on the engine choice. The competitive purchase price means monthly car finance payments remain affordable for most budgets.

Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty is a major advantage, providing exceptional peace of mind and protecting against unexpected repair bills. Servicing costs are competitive, with main dealer prices typically lower than German premium rivals. Depreciation is steady rather than dramatic, helping to protect your investment. The combination of low running costs, excellent warranty coverage, and competitive pricing makes the Optima one of the most cost-effective choices in the family saloon sector.

Kia Optima Practicality & Boot Space

The Optima excels in practical family use with its generous 505-litre boot easily accommodating holiday luggage, shopping, or sports equipment. The wide boot opening and low loading lip make it easy to load heavy items, while the rear seats fold to create even more cargo space when needed. Inside the cabin, you’ll find useful storage compartments throughout, including a large glovebox, door pockets, and cup holders strategically placed for easy access.

Where the Optima really shines is rear-seat space, offering genuine comfort for three adults on longer journeys. The wide rear doors make getting in and out easy, particularly helpful when fitting child seats. For families considering used Kia cars, the Optima represents excellent value with its combination of space, reliability, and warranty coverage. Its dimensions strike the perfect balance between interior roominess and manageable exterior size for urban parking.

The Kia Optima stands out in the competitive family saloon market by offering exceptional value, space, and reliability. It combines generous interior dimensions with impressive build quality, comprehensive standard equipment, and Kia’s industry-leading seven-year warranty. While it may not be the most engaging car to drive, it excels at being a comfortable, practical family companion that won’t let you down.

You choose the Optima because you want a spacious, reliable family car that offers excellent value for money. Its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and generous equipment levels make every journey comfortable and stress-free. For families seeking a dependable saloon with outstanding warranty coverage and competitive running costs, the Optima represents one of the smartest choices available, particularly among cars under £25,000.