Verdict
The Kia Optima JF costs RM21,987 more, but its 242 hp/350 Nm 2.0-litre turbo changes the brief: 0-100 km/h falls from 10.6 to 7.4 seconds, while the boot grows from 437 to 510 litres. It is also 10 mm longer, 30 mm wider and rides on a 10 mm longer wheelbase. The outgoing Kia Optima TF Facelift remains the cheaper route to a five-seat D-segment sedan with a 70-litre tank, six airbags and stability control, but the JF is the more complete new-generation choice if performance and luggage capacity matter.
Pick the Kia Optima TF Facelift if you want the lower-cost Optima and prefer its eight-speaker audio with subwoofer and front foglamps.
Pick the Kia Optima JF if you want 242 hp, 350 Nm, a 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time and a 510-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: RM143,043 versus RM165,030
- Power and torque: 163 hp and 196 Nm versus 242 hp and 350 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 10.6 seconds versus 7.4 seconds
- Dimensions: 4,845 x 1,830 x 1,455 mm versus 4,855 x 1,860 x 1,455 mm
- Wheelbase and boot: 2,795 mm and 437 litres versus 2,805 mm and 510 litres
- Headlamps: bi-xenon projector versus dynamic LED projector
TF Facelift
- RM21,987 lower purchase price
- Eight speakers plus subwoofer
- Front foglamps fitted
- 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 turbo petrol engine with 350 Nm
- 7.4-second 0-100 km/h acceleration
- 510-litre boot and 7.0-inch touchscreen navigation
- RM21,987 higher purchase price
- Six-speaker audio lacks the TF Facelift's subwoofer
- No front foglamps
| 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 | 242 hp✓ |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 81 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 | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | 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 most buyers because it has 242 hp, 350 Nm, a 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time and a 510-litre boot. Choose the TF Facelift only if its lower cost and stronger audio specification matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Optima JF costs RM21,987 more than the Kia Optima TF Facelift.
Which Optima has the larger boot?
The Kia Optima JF has the larger boot at 510 litres, compared with 437 litres in the Kia Optima TF Facelift. That is a 73-litre advantage for the newer model.