What is the difference between the Kia Optima Si and GT?

The Si runs a 138kW/241Nm 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol, while the GT gets a 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo, plus a sports body kit, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, blind-spot detection, panoramic sunroof, Harman/Kardon audio, wireless charging and heated/ventilated leather sports seats.

Was a Kia Optima SLi sold in this generation in Australia?

No. Unlike the earlier TF Optima, the JF generation was offered in Australia only as the Si and GT; there was no SLi grade. The two-grade Si/GT line-up ran from the 2016 launch through to 2020.

Kia Optima: Price, Specs & Review 2025-2026

GT2018POA180kW / 350Nm8.5L/100kmFWD5

Power: 180kW
Torque: 350Nm
Fuel use: 8.5L/100km
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Drive: FWD
Seats: 5
ANCAP: 5-star

The JF-generation Kia Optima (2016-2020) was sold in Australia in two grades: the value-focused Si with a 138kW/241Nm 2.4-litre GDI petrol four, and the range-topping GT with a 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo. Both use a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, carry a 5-star ANCAP rating and Kia's 7-year unlimited-km warranty. Even the Si came generously equipped with AEB, satnav, dual-zone climate and a reversing camera, while the GT added blind-spot monitoring, a panoramic sunroof, Harman/Kardon audio, wireless charging and heated/ventilated leather sports seats.

Configure the GT

Si2014POA148kW / 250Nm7.9L/100kmFWD5

Power: 148kW
Torque: 250Nm
Fuel use: 7.9L/100km
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Drive: FWD
Seats: 5
Towing: 1,200kg
ANCAP: 5-star

The TF-generation Kia Optima (2011-2015) was Kia's Peter Schreyer-designed mid-size sedan, sold in Australia in Si, SLi and Platinum grades all powered by a 148kW/250Nm 2.4-litre Theta II GDI petrol four with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It carries a 5-star ANCAP rating and, from the MY14 update, Kia's 7-year unlimited-km warranty (earlier 2011-13 cars carried a 5-year warranty). A well-equipped used buy, with the top Platinum adding a panoramic sunroof, HID headlights, heated/ventilated leather seats, blind-spot detection and Infinity audio.

Configure the Si

Platinum2014POA148kW / 250Nm7.9L/100kmFWD5

Power: 148kW
Torque: 250Nm
Fuel use: 7.9L/100km
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Drive: FWD
Seats: 5
Towing: 1,200kg
ANCAP: 5-star

The TF-generation Kia Optima (2011-2015) was Kia's Peter Schreyer-designed mid-size sedan, sold in Australia in Si, SLi and Platinum grades all powered by a 148kW/250Nm 2.4-litre Theta II GDI petrol four with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It carries a 5-star ANCAP rating and, from the MY14 update, Kia's 7-year unlimited-km warranty (earlier 2011-13 cars carried a 5-year warranty). A well-equipped used buy, with the top Platinum adding a panoramic sunroof, HID headlights, heated/ventilated leather seats, blind-spot detection and Infinity audio.

Configure the Platinum

SLi2014POA148kW / 250Nm7.9L/100kmFWD5

Power: 148kW
Torque: 250Nm
Fuel use: 7.9L/100km
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Drive: FWD
Seats: 5
Towing: 1,200kg
ANCAP: 5-star

The TF-generation Kia Optima (2011-2015) was Kia's Peter Schreyer-designed mid-size sedan, sold in Australia in Si, SLi and Platinum grades all powered by a 148kW/250Nm 2.4-litre Theta II GDI petrol four with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It carries a 5-star ANCAP rating and, from the MY14 update, Kia's 7-year unlimited-km warranty (earlier 2011-13 cars carried a 5-year warranty). A well-equipped used buy, with the top Platinum adding a panoramic sunroof, HID headlights, heated/ventilated leather seats, blind-spot detection and Infinity audio.

Configure the SLi

Si2018POA138kW / 241Nm8.3L/100kmFWD5

Power: 138kW
Torque: 241Nm
Fuel use: 8.3L/100km
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Drive: FWD
Seats: 5
ANCAP: 5-star

The JF-generation Kia Optima (2016-2020) was sold in Australia in two grades: the value-focused Si with a 138kW/241Nm 2.4-litre GDI petrol four, and the range-topping GT with a 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo. Both use a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, carry a 5-star ANCAP rating and Kia's 7-year unlimited-km warranty. Even the Si came generously equipped with AEB, satnav, dual-zone climate and a reversing camera, while the GT added blind-spot monitoring, a panoramic sunroof, Harman/Kardon audio, wireless charging and heated/ventilated leather sports seats.

Configure the Si

Kia Optima, Price, Specs & Review 2026

Every Kia Optima variant in Australia, compared

More on the Kia Optima

BYD Atto 3 EVO Opens for Registration in Australia: Bigger Battery and 800V Fast Charging Reportedly on the Way

Skoda Scala Axed in Australia: MY26 Stock Is the Last of the Czech Hatch

2027 Kia EV3 GT-Line AWD Priced for Australia: Dual-Motor Flagship Lands at $66,490, 559km WLTP and 6.6-Second 0-100

Kia Optima head-to-head

Kia Optima, Price, Specs & Review 2026

Every Kia Optima variant in Australia, compared

Kia Optima GT

Kia Optima Si

Kia Optima Platinum