The Kia Optima Sportswagon (2016-2019) is praised for its spacious interior, generous standard equipment and strong value for money. However, critics note a lack of driving excitement and average engine performance, particularly in the petrol variants.
Read full reviewKia Optima Sportswagon (2016 - 2019)
2016 – 2019· 5 owner Q&As
Very good
It's like the return of your favourite childhood toy, but this time it's got electric wheels! The Kia Optima Sportswagon is back and buzzing with retro charm reimagined for a green future.
At a glance
134
hp · Power
805
miles · Range / tank
10.8s
0–60 mph
£
Running costs
From £388/mo
Typical finance
Motoring.Today. verdict
Best for
- Spacious interior with high-quality materials
- Strong safety ratings and features
- Good warranty coverage and reliability
Consider alternatives if
- Limited engine choices in certain markets
- Slightly less engaging handling compared to competitors
- Rear visibility could be improved
Finance snapshot
Typical monthly payment
£388/month
Based on PCP · 48 months · £2,300 deposit
Best suited for
- Company Car Drivers
- Petrol/Diesel Buyers
- High Mileage Drivers
- Families
Affordability
Very affordable
Great fit for most budgets.
Ratings breakdown
Theo's AI summary
The Kia Optima Sportswagon (2016 - 2019) is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and stylish estate car. Its harmonious blend of performance, comfort, and innovative features, coupled with low ownership costs and various engine choices, make it a standout option. Whether you lean towards the dynamic or environmentally conscious variants, you’ll find that this model caters to your needs impeccably. Thus, it is highly recommended for both families and individuals looking for a well-rounded vehicle.
Best match for
- Practical families
- Performance enthusiasts
- Budget-conscious buyers
Estimated ownership costs
Based on 10,000 miles per year
£112/month
£103/month
£16/month
£60/month
Estimated total
£291/month
Could this fit your budget?
Check your eligibility in under 60 seconds with no impact on your credit score.
- Real monthly payments
- Personalised to you
- No obligation
Safe, secure and confidential

The Kia Optima Sportswagon (2016 - 2019) delivers a refined driving experience that blends style and practicality. With its spacious interior and versatile boot space, it exemplifies the perfect combination of family-friendly functionality and modern aesthetics. Embracing a sport
External voices
What the experts say
AutoCar commends the Optima Sportswagon's stylish design and practicality, highlighting its roomy boot and comfortable ride. However, they mention that it lacks some premium feel in materials and is not the most dynamic to drive.
Read full reviewWhatCar? rates the Optima Sportswagon positively for reliability and low running costs, but it suggests potential buyers should be aware of the petrol engines' performance being a bit underwhelming compared to rivals.
Ownership intelligence
The real cost of owning one
Financing options for the Kia Optima Sportswagon are quite flexible, with various leasing and purchase plans available. Kia's reputation for value retention also means that buyers can expect reasonable resale values, further solidifying its appeal as a practical investment.
The running costs for the Kia Optima Sportswagon are surprisingly low for a vehicle in its class. It benefits from efficient engine options, particularly the hybrid variants, which help keep fuel expenses down. Maintenance is straightforward, and the reliability of Kia vehicles usually translates into fewer unexpected costs, ensuring peace of mind for owners.
For those selecting the hybrid variants, charging infrastructure is evolving, especially in urban areas, allowing for more convenient charging options. Traditional fuel models deliver impressive efficiency, with many drivers reporting excellent miles per gallon, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Heritage
Milestones & history
2016
Launch of the Kia Optima Sportswagon
2017
Introduction of hybrid variants
2018
Facelift and tech upgrades for the model
2019
Continuation of production with enhancements
Read full launch story
The Kia Optima Sportswagon was created to blend the practicality of an estate car with the advanced features and driving dynamics expected from modern vehicles, making it suitable for both families and active individuals. Over the years, the Optima Sportswagon has seen significant evolution in design, technology, and sustainability. It has transitioned from a traditional estate car into a forward-thinking model that offers hybrid options, showcasing Kia's dedication to innovation and efficiency.
Compare with alternatives
The Kia Optima Sportswagon (2016 - 2019) competes well against rivals, offering a balance of features and practicality but may trail in driving dynamics and brand perception.
Volkswagen Golf Estate
The Golf Estate is positioned as a premium offering in the small estate segment, known for its practicality and refined ride.
- vs features
- The Golf Estate typically offers a more dynamic driving experience with a quality interior, advanced tech features like the updated infotainment system, and good cabin materials, often surpassing the Optima in these areas.
- vs price
- Generally, the Golf Estate is slightly more expensive than the Optima, reflecting its brand positioning and often higher specification.
Ford Focus Estate
The Focus Estate is known for its engaging driving dynamics and advanced technology, appealing to those who desire a sporty feel in their everyday vehicle.
- vs features
- While the Focus Estate provides a fun-to-drive experience and good technology integration, interior quality tends to be less premium compared to the Optima, which offers a more comfortable ride.
- vs price
- The Focus Estate is typically priced competitively, often around the same bracket as the Optima, making it a value choice in the segment.
Mazda 3 Hatchback
The Mazda3 is positioned as a stylish and sporty offering in the small hatchback segment, appealing to keen drivers and design enthusiasts alike.
- vs features
- The Mazda3 focuses heavily on driver engagement with a stylish interior, often featuring premium materials, but may lack some tech features compared to the Optima’s standard offerings.
- vs price
- Typically, the Mazda3 is similar in price to the Optima, though higher trims can push it beyond the Optima’s pricing.
Available now
Kia Optima Sportswagon (2016 - 2019) for sale on Motoring.Today
Gallery
(15)Specs by trim
2 1.7 CRDi 139bhp ISG 5dDiesel Manual · 2016–2017
- Power
- 139 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.8 s
- Top speed
- 124 mph
- Torque
- 340 Nm
- Economy
- 64 mpg
- Range
- 985 mi
- CO₂
- 113 g/km
- Insurance group
- 19
- Road tax
- £35 - £190
- New price
- £22,295
3 1.7 CRDi 139bhp ISG 5dDiesel Manual · 2016–2017
- Power
- 139 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.8 s
- Top speed
- 124 mph
- Torque
- 340 Nm
- Economy
- 64 mpg
- Range
- 985 mi
- CO₂
- 113 g/km
- Insurance group
- 20
- Road tax
- £35 - £190
- New price
- £24,495
3 1.7 CRDi 139bhp DCT auto ISG 5dDiesel Automatic · 2016–2017
- Power
- 139 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.7 s
- Top speed
- 124 mph
- Torque
- 340 Nm
- Economy
- 61 mpg
- Range
- 939 mi
- CO₂
- 120 g/km
- Insurance group
- 20
- Road tax
- £35 - £190
- New price
- £25,895
GT-Line S 1.7 CRDi 139bhp DCT auto ISG 5dDiesel Automatic · 2016–2017
- Power
- 139 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.7 s
- Top speed
- 124 mph
- Torque
- 340 Nm
- Economy
- 61 mpg
- Range
- 939 mi
- CO₂
- 120 g/km
- Insurance group
- 20
- Road tax
- £35 - £190
- New price
- £30,595
PHEV 2.0 GDi 202bhp auto 5dPetrol Parallel PHEV Automatic · 2017–2017
- Power
- 202 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.4 s
- Top speed
- 119 mph
- Torque
- 189 Nm
- CO₂
- 33 g/km
- Insurance group
- 25
- Road tax
- £180
- New price
- £35,145
2 1.6 CRDi 134bhp ISG 5dDiesel Manual · 2018–2019
- Power
- 134 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.8 s
- Top speed
- 121 mph
- Torque
- 320 Nm
- Economy
- 52.3 mpg
- Range
- 805 mi
- CO₂
- 123 g/km
- Insurance group
- 21
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £23,245
+ 7 more trim variants
FAQs
- What makes the Kia Optima Sportswagon a great estate car?
- The Kia Optima Sportswagon combines a spacious interior, impressive fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features, making it an ideal choice for families and commuters alike.
- How does the driving experience of the Kia Optima Sportswagon compare to its rivals?
- While the Optima Sportswagon is not the sportiest in its class, it offers a nimble drive, responsive steering, and is well-suited for both urban and motorway cruising.
- What are the ownership costs associated with the Kia Optima Sportswagon?
- With running costs starting from £285 per month and low charging expenses, the Optima Sportswagon is an economical choice compared to traditional petrol models.
- Is the Kia Optima Sportswagon a reliable choice for eco-friendly options?
- Yes, the Kia Optima Sportswagon is a dependable hybrid vehicle, offering low running costs and is part of Kia's commitment to sustainable driving solutions.
- What advancements have been made in the Kia Optima Sportswagon over the years?
- Since its launch in 2016, the Optima Sportswagon has evolved with improved safety features, technology updates, and design enhancements to appeal to modern drivers.














