Used Kia Optima for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 50
Average Price: Around £9,000

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) offered a compelling alternative to SUVs in the saloon market. Available as a four-door saloon and a five-door Sportswagon estate, it provided generous interior space, with a 505-litre boot in the saloon and 552 litres in the estate (though less in the PHEV). While not the most dynamic to drive, its comfortable ride and well-made, feature-rich interior, including a standard touchscreen infotainment system, made it a practical and well-equipped choice against rivals like the Ford Mondeo and VW Passat.

Engine options included a 1.7-litre CRDI diesel (later replaced by a more refined 1.6-litre), a 2.0-litre turbo petrol in the GT model, and a plug-in hybrid with impressive official MPG figures. Running costs are reasonable, with good real-world fuel economy for diesels and all models featuring timing chains for reduced maintenance. With Kia's reputation for reliability and often remaining factory warranty coverage, the Optima represents excellent value as a used car, offering comfort, equipment, and practicality, especially for those seeking a non-SUV option.

Best for: Drivers on a budget, those seeking a practical and well-equipped saloon or estate alternative to an SUV, buyers looking for a comfortable ride, or those interested in a plug-in hybrid.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising sharp driving dynamics, outright performance (unless considering the GT), or who need maximum boot space in a PHEV.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Optima if: You're on a budget, seeking a practical and well-equipped saloon or estate alternative to an SUV, looking for a comfortable ride, or interested in a plug-in hybrid.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sharp driving dynamics, outright performance, or require maximum boot space in a PHEV.

Competitive Position: The Kia Optima (2016-2020) is a solid used buy that offers excellent value and practicality, especially as an alternative to increasingly popular SUVs. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, its comfortable ride, generous equipment levels, and Kia's strong reputation for reliability make it a sensible and well-rounded choice in the used car market. The availability of a plug-in hybrid also adds to its appeal for those seeking efficiency.

Read our full Kia Optima Review

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