Used Kia Optima PHEV saloon 2016-present review

Ordinarily, a large executive car only really stands out among its peers if it has a premium badge on it. Unfortunately, the Kia Optima didn’t quite have the key ring cachet of its German rivals when new, so tended to be overlooked. As a used purchase, however, things start to look a little more promising. Especially if you buy a two-year-old car using Kia’s approved used scheme that tops the warranty back up to seven years – a point where most of its rivals only have one year left. But is this a good enough reason to pick an Optima over its used alternatives?

Under the bonnet is a 154bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine and a 67bhp electric motor. When both work together, performance is fairly brisk given the size and weight of the Optima. However, the main reason for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system is its electric range: on a full charge, you can get up to 33 miles. Charging times range from four to six hours from a standard three-pin plug, or two to three hours from a dedicated wall box. If you drive mainly on battery power, you should see some high fuel-economy numbers. Unfortunately, even when you select Eco mode for electric power only, the engine will kick in promptly when a turn of speed is needed.

In corners, the Optima grips well, but the extra weight of the batteries blunts the handling. The steering is vague and it’s not as engaging to drive, and the feel of the brake pedal itself can take some getting used to due to its regenerative braking. Ride quality is also a mixed bag because at low speeds across broken town roads, the Optima fidgets and thuds away, but if you swap suburban streets for the motorway, it works better, feeling more settled and comfortable.

But the area in which the Optima really scores is in space. There’s loads of it up front and the rear is pretty good, too, with plenty of leg and head room for six-footers and taller; even three abreast will be happy for most journeys. Unlike the estate version, the additional batteries compromise boot space of the saloon, which could be a problem if you need to transport a child’s pushchair or a set of golf clubs.

The interior materials vary from slightly too scratchy black plastic to a pleasing mix of soft-touch ones. Drivers will be happy, with a multi-adjustable driving position and a logical and easy-to-use dashboard layout. You get a cracking infotainment system, too, with a screen that’s responsive and has easy to navigate menus.

Prices for the Optima PHEV start around £18,000 for an early 2016 example. About £19,500 will buy you a good 2017 car with below average mileage while a nearly new one is around £22,000.

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If you keep plugging your Optima PHEV in, then in theory, it shouldn’t cost you too much money to run. The official NEDC combined average is a rather unrealistic 176.6mpg, but you should be able to achieve 50mpg in normal driving; more so if you regularly exploit the 33-mile EV range.

Buy an Optima PHEV registered before 1 April 2017 and you shouldn’t have to pay any road tax – but don’t forget to still register it with the DVLA, otherwise they’ll fine you for not taxing the car. If you buy one registered after this point, it’ll be £130 per year because it’s an alternative fuel vehicle.

Servicing costs will be similar to the standard Optima and you can spread the cost of this with one of Kia’s service plans.

There are no choices on either the engine or specification level, so there isn’t much to add to this section. Fortunately, the Optima PHEV comes stuffed with equipment such as LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, half-faux leather seats, a premium sound system, an electrically operated driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, lane assist and a traffic sign display system. Blindspot monitoring and auto emergency braking are also standard.

Our favourite Kia Optima PHEV: PHEV

There aren’t many other plug-in hybrid rivals to an Optima PHEV, particularly ones that match it for interior space.

The BMW 330e is, surprisingly, similar money to an Optima PHEV and is much nicer to drive. It has a similar all-electric range, too, and a plusher interior in which to whittle away long commutes. There are also a lot more 330e examples out there thanks to its popularity with company car buyers.

You could also take a look at the Volkswagen Passat GTE that’s just as spacious as the Optima. It hasn’t been on sale for as long as the Optima, and it is quite rare on the used market, which means that it is more expensive to buy.

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