Kia Optima

Kia Optima: generations: what actually changed for a buyer

Same mod_name is listed more than once; the horsepower column is the id. Boost, layout and cylinder count are the English labels from the data.

1 generation (March 2000–February 2003) is the V-shaped six-cylinder era. The 2.5 MT (170 hp) and 2.4 MT (149 hp) both post 8.5 s to 100 km/h and 214 km/h — the same sprint, so the extra 21 hp and 35 Nm of the 2493 cm³ 2.5 MT do not buy a quicker catalogue time than the 2351 cm³ 2.4 MT. The 2.7 MT (185 hp) is slower in the same table (10.6 s), so more cylinders and 247 Nm do not automatically mean a faster Optima. The 2.0 CVT (136 hp, Variable, gears not measured) matches the 2.0 AT (136 hp) at 10.6 s, 195 km/h and 9.7 L/100 km — the CVT does not change the recorded result versus that Automatic.

1 generation, restyling (March 2003–February 2005) adds 1.8 MT / 1.8 AT (134 hp, 1836 cm³). The 1.8 AT is the slowest Optima with a measured sprint here (12.5 s, 190 km/h). The 2.4 MT with 149 hp stays at 8.5 s / 214 km/h; the 2.4 MT with 140 hp is 11.1 s — 2.6 s slower for 9 hp less. The 2.5 AT moves from 170 hp to 176 hp versus the pre-restyle 2.5 AT, but the sprint goes from 8.8 s to 9.8 s (1.0 s slower) and combined use from 10.4 to 10.7 L/100 km. The 2.7 AT drops from 185 hp to 172 hp and from an unmeasured 0–100 to 9.4 s.

2 generation (March 2005–February 2008) is the first Diesel Optima in this set: 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT at 140 hp / 305 Nm (1991 cm³, Turbo, Inline 4). The 2.0 MT Diesel is 10.4 s and 6.0 L/100 km combined; the 2.0 AT Diesel is 11.5 s and 9.3 L/100 km — 1.1 s and 3.3 L/100 km for the 4-speed Automatic versus the 6-speed Manual on the same 140 hp. The 2.7 AT (189 hp, 6 cylinders, V-shaped) is 9.1 s / 220 km/h / 9.2 L/100 km.

2 generation, restyling (March 2008–February 2010) keeps those Diesels and lifts the four-cylinder petrol: 2.4 MT / 2.4 AT go from 163 hp to 177 hp. The 2.4 MT (177 hp) is 8.4 s and 217 km/h versus 9.3 s / 210 km/h before restyle — 0.9 s and 7 km/h for +14 hp. Two 2.7 AT cars now exist: 189 hp (9.1 s, 220 km/h, 9.2 L/100 km, 1535 kg) and 197 hp (8.5 s, 222 km/h, 10.2 L/100 km, 1494 kg). The 8 hp step is 0.6 s, 2 km/h, and +1.0 L/100 km, while kerb weight falls 41 kg. Ground clearance is 170 mm on most of this generation — the highest in the catalogue — versus 160 mm on the 177 hp 2.4 cars and the 197 hp 2.7 AT.

3 generation (February 2010–December 2013) is where peak power appears. Two 2.0 turbos at 274 hp / 365 Nm (1998 cm³): 2.0 MT (0–100, top speed and fuel not measured, 1528 kg) and 2.0 AT (6.7 s, top speed not measured, kerb not measured). That 6.7 s is the shortest 0–100 in the whole Optima file. The 2.4 MT (200 hp) is 7.5 s; the 2.4 AT (200 hp) is 8.0 s — 0.5 s for Manual versus Automatic at the same 252 Nm. The Hybrid is 2.4 AT at 159 hp (8.4 s, 6.2 L/100 km combined). Displacement, cylinder count, layout and boost on 1.7 TD (136 hp, 330 Nm) are not measured.

3 generation, restyling (March 2012–February 2016) is the 278 hp peak: 2.0 AT at 278 hp / 365 Nm, 6.9 s, 9.8 L/100 km, 1573 kg (5.66 kg/hp). Versus the 274 hp 2.0 AT, that is +4 hp and +0.2 s (the later car is not quicker). The naturally aspirated 2.0 AT at 192 hp is 8.3 s — 1.4 s behind the 278 hp turbo, with 86 hp less. The Hybrid 2.0 AT (150 hp) is the economy petrol of this generation: 5.1 L/100 km combined versus 7.6 L/100 km for the Gasoline 2.0 AT (150 hp) — 2.5 L/100 km less — at 1662 kg versus 1450 kg (+212 kg) and 190 km/h versus 208 km/h. 1.6 TD AT (136 hp, 326 Nm, boost No as recorded) has 0–100, top speed and fuel not measured.

4 generation (March 2016–November 2018) splits markets inside one generation. The 2.0 AT (245 hp, Turbo) matches the later restyle on 7.4 s / 240 km/h / 8.5 L/100 km / 1655 kg, but the tank is 70 L (not 60 L) and CO2 / eco class are not measured. The 2.0 MT (163 hp) at 1455 kg is 75 kg lighter than the 150 hp 2.0 MT (1530 kg) in the same generation and 0.2 s quicker (9.4 vs 9.6 s). Two 1.7 MT Diesels share 141 hp / 340 Nm: one is 10.0 s / 4.6 L/100 km / 1515 kg; the other is 9.5 s with fuel not measured and 1545 kg. The 1.7 DSG (141 hp) is 11.0 s and 4.4 L/100 km — 1.0 s slower than the 10.0 s 1.7 MT for a 0.2 L/100 km combined gain. Hybrid 2.0 AT (156 hp): 0–100, top speed, fuel and kerb not measured.

4 generation, restyling (July 2018–November 2020) is the last Optima sedan in this file. Clearance splits 155 mm (60 L tank group) versus 135 mm (70 L group). The 245 hp 2.0 AT keeps 7.4 s; a second turbo 2.0 AT at 238 hp is 7.6 s / 232 km/h / 9.2 L/100 km / 1680 kg — 7 hp, 0.2 s, 8 km/h and 0.7 L/100 km worse than 245 hp, plus 25 kg. Diesel 1.6 DSG appears twice at 136 hp: 11.8 s / 195 km/h / 4.4 L/100 km / 1605 kg / 117 g/km, and 11.8 s / 193 km/h / 4.6 L/100 km / 1635 kg / 122 g/km. Same name, same 11.8 s; the second is 2 km/h slower, 0.2 L/100 km thirstier, 30 kg heavier.

Engines and specs

Same mod_name is listed more than once; the horsepower column is the id. Boost, layout and cylinder count are the English labels from the data.

Power per litre (hp ÷ displacement in litres): 2.0 AT 278 hp = 139.1 hp/L; 2.0 AT 274 hp = 137.1; 2.0 AT 245 hp = 122.6; 1.6 DSG 180 hp = 113.1; 1.6 DSG 136 hp Diesel = 85.1; 2.4 AT 188 hp = 79.7; 2.0 MT 150 hp = 75.0; 2.7 AT 197 hp = 74.2; 2.4 MT 149 hp = 63.4. The 278 hp turbo four is 64.9 hp/L above the 197 hp V-shaped six.

Performance and economy

On 4 generation, restyling, Manual versus Automatic at 150 hp: 2.0 MT 9.6 s / 205 km/h / 7.7 L/100 km versus 2.0 AT 10.7 s / 202 km/h / 7.8 L/100 km — Automatic costs 1.1 s, 3 km/h and 0.1 L/100 km, plus 15 kg. The 2.4 AT (188 hp) is 1.6 s quicker than that 150 hp 2.0 AT (9.1 vs 10.7) and 8 km/h faster (210 vs 202), for 38 hp and 0.5 L/100 km extra combined (8.3 vs 7.8). The 245 hp 2.0 AT is 1.7 s quicker than the 188 hp 2.4 AT (7.4 vs 9.1) and 30 km/h faster (240 vs 210) for 57 hp, 80 kg and 0.2 L/100 km (8.5 vs 8.3). The 1.6 DSG 180 hp undercuts the 188 hp 2.4 AT by 0.2 s (8.9 vs 9.1) and 1.8 L/100 km (6.5 vs 8.3) at 5 kg less (1570 vs 1575). Diesel 1.6 DSG 136 hp (4.4 L/100 km) uses 3.4 L/100 km less than the 150 hp 2.0 AT (7.8) and is 1.1 s slower than that Manual 2.0 MT. Diesel 1.6 MT (11.2 s, 4.6 L/100 km) is 0.6 s quicker than the matching 11.8 s 1.6 DSG at the same 4.6 L/100 km on the heavier 1635 kg twin. 2.0 GDI Hybrid: 9.4 s, 192 km/h; city, highway, combined and CO2 not measured.

On 4 generation, 1.6 DSG 178 hp is 8.3 s; top speed and fuel not measured. The 185 hp 2.4 AT is 8.4 s; top speed and fuel not measured — 0.1 s behind the smaller turbo with 7 hp more. The 163 hp 2.0 AT (10.5 s, 7.5 L/100 km, 1470 kg) is 0.2 s quicker and 0.3 L/100 km leaner than the 150 hp 2.0 AT (10.7 s, 7.8, 1545 kg).

The catalogue’s fastest measured sprint remains 3 generation 2.0 AT 274 hp at 6.7 s. Next: 3 generation, restyling 2.0 AT 278 hp at 6.9 s. Then 4 generation / restyle 2.0 AT 245 hp at 7.4 s. Then 3 generation 2.4 MT 200 hp at 7.5 s. Then restyle 2.0 AT 238 hp at 7.6 s.

Highest measured top speed: 245 hp 2.0 AT at 240 km/h (both 4th-generation cycles). Lowest with a number: 1 generation, restyling 1.8 AT and 2.4 AT 140 hp at 188 km/h; Hybrid 2.0 AT 150 hp (3 restyle) 190 km/h; 2.0 GDI 192 km/h.

Lowest combined fuel with a number: 4 generation, restyling 1.6 DSG 136 hp Diesel at 4.4 L/100 km (city 4.9, highway 4.2). 4 generation 1.7 DSG matches 4.4. Highest combined with a number: 1 generation, restyling 2.7 AT 172 hp at 11.3 L/100 km (city 16, highway 10). CO2 is mostly not measured; where it exists, Diesel 1.7 DSG (4 generation) is 116 g/km and Diesel 1.6 DSG 136 hp (restyle, 1605 kg) is 117 g/km. Eco class is Euro 6, Euro 5, Euro 4, or not measured, as in the spec table’s source rows.

Dimensions and weight

Lightest measured kerb: 1 generation 2.4 AT 149 hp at 1355 kg (10.6 s). 1 generation, restyling 1.8 MT is 1390 kg. Heaviest: 4 generation, restyling 2.0 GDI at 1780 kg (11.56 kg/hp) and gross 2200 kg. The 245 hp 2.0 AT is 1655 kg (6.76 kg/hp); the 278 hp 2.0 AT is 1573 kg (5.66 kg/hp) — 82 kg less than the later 245 hp car with 33 hp more.

Ground clearance: 170 mm on most 2 generation cars; 161 mm on several 3 generation cars (including the 274 hp pair); 155 mm on the 60 L 4 generation, restyling petrols; 135 mm on the 70 L restyle group, the Hybrid 2.0 GDI, and many 4 generation / 3 generation, restyling cars. The 245 hp 2.0 AT sits at 155 mm in both 4th-generation cycles; the 238 hp 2.0 AT sits at 135 mm.

Tank: 65 L (1 generation), 62 L (2 generation), 70 L (3 and most 4), 60 L on the 155 mm restyle petrols. Wheels where listed: 215/60 R16 and 215/55 R17 on the 150/188 hp restyle cars; 235/45 R18 with 215/55 R17 on the 245 hp 2.0 AT restyle; 215/60 R16, 215/55 R17 and 235/45 R18 on the 1.6 cars. 2.0 GDI wheels not measured. Front brakes Ventilated disc, rear Disc (label as given), independent spring suspension front and rear on the versions that list them.

Which version to choose

Want the shortest 0–100 in the file: 3 generation 2.0 AT 274 hp (6.7 s). The restyle’s 2.0 AT 278 hp is 4 hp stronger and 0.2 s slower; specific output 139.1 vs 137.1 hp/L. The last-cycle 245 hp 2.0 AT gives up 29–33 hp and 0.7 s to that 274 hp car.

Want the last-cycle fast petrol: 4 generation, restyling 2.0 AT 245 hp, not the 2.0 AT 238 hp (7.4 vs 7.6 s, 240 vs 232 km/h, 8.5 vs 9.2 L/100 km, 1655 vs 1680 kg). Same name; 7 hp is the fork.

Want a fast car without the 2.0 turbo: 1.6 DSG 180 hp (8.9 s, 6.5 L/100 km, 113.1 hp/L) beats 2.4 AT 188 hp on sprint and fuel. 4 generation 1.6 DSG 178 hp is 8.3 s — 0.6 s quicker than the 180 hp restyle car — but top speed and fuel are not measured.

Want litres, not seconds: 1.6 DSG 136 hp Diesel at 4.4 L/100 km / 117 g/km (1605 kg row), or 1.7 DSG 141 hp at 4.4 L/100 km / 116 g/km. 1.6 MT 136 hp is 0.6 s quicker than its DSG twin if you will shift. Early 2.0 MT Diesel 140 hp also posts 6.0 L/100 km combined with 305 Nm.

Want a simple petrol daily on the last cars: 2.0 MT 150 hp (9.6 s, 7.7 L/100 km, 1530 kg, 155 mm). 2.0 AT 150 hp is the same engine with 1.1 s and 15 kg. 2.0 MT 163 hp in 4 generation (1455 kg, 9.4 s, 7.4 L/100 km) is the lighter, slightly quicker 2.0 if you can use that generation.

Want a Hybrid with measured fuel: 3 generation, restyling 2.0 AT 150 hp Hybrid (5.1 L/100 km, 9.4 s, 1662 kg) — 2.5 L/100 km under the Gasoline 2.0 AT 150 hp in the same restyle. 2.0 GDI (154 hp) and 4 generation 2.0 AT 156 hp Hybrid do not have measured consumption here; do not treat them as proven sippers from this file. 3 generation 2.4 AT 159 hp Hybrid is 8.4 s and 6.2 L/100 km.

Want six cylinders: only generations 1–2. The 2.7 AT 197 hp (8.5 s, 222 km/h, 1494 kg, 7.58 kg/hp) is the quickest six with a full set of figures. It is still 1.1 s slower than the later 245 hp four and 1.8 s slower than the 274 hp 2.0 AT. The 2.5 MT 170 hp matches the 2.4 MT 149 hp at 8.5 s, so the six does not buy a better sprint than that four in 1 generation.

Want clearance: 2 generation at 170 mm. Want a 70 L tank on a late car: the 135 mm 4 generation, restyling group, not the 60 L / 155 mm 150–245 hp petrols.

Avoid if you need a complete scorecard: 1.7 TD (displacement, cylinders, layout, boost, tank, weight, 0–100, fuel all not measured); 1.6 TD AT and several 4 generation rows (1.6 DSG 178 hp, 2.4 AT 185 hp, Hybrid 2.0 AT 156 hp) where sprint or fuel is not measured. A missing figure is not a hidden advantage.

Arithmetic close: on the last restyle, 95 hp from 2.0 AT 150 hp to 2.0 AT 245 hp buys 3.3 s (10.7 → 7.4) and 38 km/h (202 → 240) at +110 kg. From 2.4 AT 188 hp to that 245 hp turbo you pay 80 kg for 1.7 s and 30 km/h and almost no extra combined fuel (0.2 L/100 km). From 2.0 MT 150 hp to Diesel 1.6 DSG 136 hp you give 2.2 s and 10 km/h to cut 3.3 L/100 km. Those are the trades the catalogue can actually count.