Verdict
The Kia Optima JF is the clearer step forward: its 242 hp/350 Nm 2.0-litre turbo cuts the 0-100 km/h time from 10.6 to 7.4 seconds, while a 510-litre boot adds 73 litres. At RM165,030, it costs RM21,987 more than the RM143,043 Kia Optima TF Facelift, but also brings a wider body, navigation, dynamic LED headlamps and an electronic parking brake. The TF Facelift remains the sensible used-car route if outright pace is not the priority; it retains the same 70-litre tank, six airbags and 18-inch wheels, plus front foglamps and an eight-speaker audio system with subwoofer.
Pick the Kia Optima TF Facelift if you want the lower purchase price, front foglamps and eight-speaker audio with a subwoofer, and can live with 163 hp and a 437-litre boot.
Pick the Kia Optima JF if you want 242 hp, 350 Nm from 1,350 rpm, a 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time and the larger 510-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Optima TF Facelift RM143,043; Kia Optima JF RM165,030.
- Power and torque: Kia Optima TF Facelift 163 hp and 196 Nm; Kia Optima JF 242 hp and 350 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Kia Optima TF Facelift 10.6 seconds; Kia Optima JF 7.4 seconds.
- Dimensions: Kia Optima TF Facelift 4,845 mm long and 1,830 mm wide; Kia Optima JF 4,855 mm long and 1,860 mm wide.
- Boot space: Kia Optima TF Facelift 437 litres; Kia Optima JF 510 litres.
- Audio: Kia Optima TF Facelift 4.3-inch touchscreen, eight speakers and subwoofer; Kia Optima JF 7.0-inch touchscreen and six speakers.
TF Facelift
- RM21,987 lower purchase price.
- Front foglamps fitted.
- Eight speakers and a subwoofer.
- 163 hp and 196 Nm trail the JF's 242 hp and 350 Nm.
- 10.6-second 0-100 km/h time is 3.2 seconds slower.
- 437-litre boot is 73 litres smaller.
JF
- 242 hp and 350 Nm turbocharged engine.
- 510-litre boot.
- Navigation, dynamic LED projector headlamps and electronic parking brake.
- Costs RM21,987 more.
- No front foglamps.
- Six-speaker audio lacks the TF Facelift's subwoofer.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM143,043✓ | RM165,030 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM380 | RM379✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing and Lift | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 163 hp at 6,500 rpm | 242 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 196 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 350 Nm at 1,350 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 81 mm × 97 mm | 86 mm × 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.6 seconds | 7.4 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | —✓ | 8.5 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | — | 240 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | —✓ | 191 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,845 mm | 4,855 mm |
| Width | 1,830 mm | 1,860 mm |
| Height | 1,455 mm | 1,455 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,795 mm | 2,805 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,580 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 70 litres | 70 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 437 litres | 510 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 235/45R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 235/45R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size 18" Alloy | Full Size 18" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | — | Michelin Pilot Sport 3 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Korea (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | 5 stars |
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-xenon projector | Dynamic LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable 8-way Driver's Seat with Memory, power adjustable 4-way front passenger seat, both ventilated | Power Adjustable Front Seats, Heated and Ventilated, with Memory Function for Driver |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Front Tilt and Slide, Rear Moonroof | Panoramic, Front Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 2 front | 1 Front, 2 Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 front, 2 rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Manual rear door window shades |
| Audio | 4.3" Touch-screen with Radio, CD, MP3, USB, AUX, 8 Speakers and Subwoofer | 7.0" touchscreen with 6 speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
TF Facelift vs JF FAQ
Is the Kia Optima TF Facelift or Kia Optima JF better?
The Kia Optima JF is better for performance and practicality, with 242 hp, 350 Nm, a 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time and a 510-litre boot. The TF Facelift is the lower-cost choice and has front foglamps plus an eight-speaker system with subwoofer.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Optima JF costs RM21,987 more than the Kia Optima TF Facelift. That gap buys 79 hp and 154 Nm more, a 3.2-second quicker 0-100 km/h time, a 73-litre larger boot, navigation and an electronic parking brake.
Which Kia Optima has the bigger boot?
The Kia Optima JF has the bigger boot at 510 litres, versus 437 litres in the Kia Optima TF Facelift. Both have 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
