Motoring.Today
Back to reviews
3.9/5· Kia

Kia Optima Sportswagon (2016 - 2019)

2016 – 2019· 5 owner Q&As

Diesel5 Door
Motoring.Today Verdict
7.8/10

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

performance38/10
practicality40/10
running costs36/10
behind the wheel40/10
comfort42/10
equipment41/10
green credentials32/10
handling35/10
reliability40/10
safety43/10

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

Fuel

£112/month

Insurance

£103/month

Road Tax

£16/month

Servicing

£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

Parkers

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 review
Autocar

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 review
WhatCar

WhatCar? 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

Finance & affordability

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.

Day-to-day running costs

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.

Charging & fuel

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

  1. 2016

    Launch of the Kia Optima Sportswagon

  2. 2017

    Introduction of hybrid variants

  3. 2018

    Facelift and tech upgrades for the model

  4. 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

Reference only

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.
No Motoring.Today review

Ford Focus Estate

Reference only

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.
No Motoring.Today review

Mazda 3 Hatchback

Reference only

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.
No Motoring.Today review

Available now

Kia Optima Sportswagon (2016 - 2019) for sale on Motoring.Today

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.

Kia Optima Sportswagon (2016 - 2019) (2016–2019)

From £388/month