Kia Optima Saloon (2016-2019) running costs and reliability

Item: Kia Optima (2016 - 2019)
Rating: 3
Author: Richard Kilpatrick

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Running costs rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by Richard Kilpatrick Updated: 15 September 2022

Miles per pound (mpp) ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only, and typical current fuel or electricity costs.

Diesel engines	6.8 - 6.9 mpp
Plug-in hybrid petrol engines *	N/A

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only.

Diesel engines	53.3 - 54.3 mpg
Plug-in hybrid petrol engines *	N/A

View mpg & specs for any version

At the moment buyers have only one choice of engine, a 1.7-litre diesel. Opting for the manual gearbox produces marginally better fuel economy at 67.3mpg verses 64.2mpg for the automatic.

CO2 emissions have been much improved in this latest model; down as low as 110g/km for the manual version of the 1.7-litre diesel. Although not class-leading, it makes the Kia Optima saloon far more competitive in the segment, especially for company car drivers.

Kia shows real confidence in its cars’ reliability by offering a seven-year/100,000 mile warranty, so the Optima Saloon should prove trouble-free; especially during the first three years of ownership.

The warranty is fully transferrable too – great news for used car buyers – and you also get one year’s roadside assistance for new car purchases that should prove useful if the worst was to happen.