Kia Optima (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,187 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1999cc Hybrid

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. 5 points above average.

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Hybrid1999cc10 years old2,187 tests78k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Hybrid, 1999cc)

~36 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

87% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

87% of MOT tests on Kia Optimas from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 2,187 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 78,458 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models300th of 539(bottom half)

Rank among Kia models310th of 471(bottom half)

vs average of all models+5%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+2%(85% avg)

vs Kia average+1%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

78,458

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Kia Optima had 78,458 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2016 scores 87%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Kia Optima by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	91%	241	57,554 mi
2019	89%	3,111	60,554 mi
2018	88%	4,827	70,738 mi
2017	87%	5,853	79,204 mi
2016	87%	2,187	78,458 mi
2015	84%	1,258	81,466 mi
2014	78%	1,178	91,247 mi
2013	80%	618	99,105 mi
2012	74%	1,452	100,410 mi
2011	76%	51	105,766 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes C

2017 · 1991cc Hybrid

£2,236/year

89%

+2%

Toyota C-HR

2018 · 1797cc Hybrid

£2,086/year

90%

+3%

Toyota Prius

2018 · 1798cc Hybrid

£2,086/year

94%

+7%

Toyota Auris

2015 · 1798cc Hybrid

£2,361/year

87%

same

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About the 2016 Kia Optima

The 2016 Kia Optima is a family car. Our records list a 1999cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,187 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 78,458 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Kia Optima owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2016 Kia Optima Fuel Costs

The 1999cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Our estimate uses around 36 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.

What does it cost to own a 2016 Kia Optima?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Kia Optima Reliability Trend

Newer Kia Optimas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2016 Kia Optima

At 10 years old, the Kia Optima is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Hybrid Battery Health

Watch out

After 10 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.

Inverter and Power Electronics

Medium risk

The inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.

Regenerative Braking

Medium risk

Brake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2016 Kia Optima stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Kia Optima(2016)	87%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Mercedes C(2017)	89%	£1,631	£200	Grp 18-32	£2,236-£125
Toyota C-HR(2018)	90%	£1,631	£200	Grp 18-32	£2,086-£275
Toyota Prius(2018)	94%	£1,631	£200	Grp 18-32	£2,086-£275
Toyota Auris(2015)	87%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2016 Kia Optima

Is the 2016 Kia Optima reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 2016 Kia Optimas ended in a pass, from 2,187 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Kia Optima cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Kia Optima?

87% of 2,187 MOT tests on the 2016 Kia Optima ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 300th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom half).

Which year Kia Optima has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Kia Optima has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2012 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2016 Kia Optima?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Kia Optima is 78,458 miles, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.