Used Kia Optima for sale near Durham

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 22.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 50
Average Price: Around £8,600

Kia Optima (2016-2020) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Good value as a used buy	Dull to drive
Roomy interior	PHEV loses some boot space
Good EV range in plug-in hybrid	Earlier diesels could be more refined

Quick Summary

The Kia Optima (2016-2020) is a practical and well-equipped saloon that offers excellent value in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs. Available as both a four-door saloon and five-door Sportswagon estate, it provides spacious interiors with 505 litres of boot space in the saloon and 552 litres in the estate. The car features a touchscreen infotainment system with satnav on all models, dual-zone air-conditioning, and comprehensive safety equipment on higher trims. Build quality is solid with conservative but well-appointed interior design that comfortably matches established rivals.

The Optima is powered by a range of engines including a 1.7-litre diesel (later replaced by a more refined 1.6-litre version), a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol in the GT model, and a plug-in hybrid option. Whilst not the sharpest car to drive, it's comfortable with good ride quality and achieves respectable fuel economy—the 1.6 diesel returning around 50mpg in real-world driving. All models feature timing chains rather than belts, reducing long-term maintenance costs. Kia's excellent reliability reputation and factory warranty coverage on many used examples make this a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a spacious alternative to SUVs.

Best for: Drivers seeking a practical, well-equipped saloon or estate at excellent value, those wanting an alternative to SUVs, and buyers interested in plug-in hybrid technology for town driving.

Not ideal for: Enthusiasts prioritising sharp handling or engaging driving dynamics, or those requiring the most refined diesel engines available.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Optima if: You're seeking a practical, well-equipped saloon or estate at excellent value, want an alternative to SUVs, or are interested in plug-in hybrid technology for town driving.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sharp handling, engaging driving dynamics, or the most refined diesel engines available.

Competitive Position: The Kia Optima (2016-2020) represents outstanding value in the used saloon market, offering spacious interiors, comprehensive equipment, and excellent reliability at a lower price point than rivals. Whilst the Volkswagen Passat and Ford Mondeo score higher for driving dynamics and have more good/great deals available, the Optima's superior user rating and lower purchase price make it an exceptionally sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers. The Sportswagon estate variant provides a practical alternative to SUVs, and the plug-in hybrid option offers genuine appeal for those seeking low-cost town motoring. Kia's reputation for reliability and factory warranty coverage further strengthen its case as a used buy.

Read our full Kia Optima Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from March 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.