Head to Head: Kia Optima GT v Ford Mondeo Trend
Value
Kia: The Optima is only offered in two model grades, the entry-level Si which costs $34,490 (plus on-road costs) and is powered by a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated four cylinder and the flagship GT we're testing here, which costs $44,490 (plus on-roads) and comes with a more modern and powerful 2.0-litre turbo engine.
It is also fully loaded with everything Kia can throw at it, including a leather-lined cabin with heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning and a colour multimedia screen with sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity.
Similarly, on the safety front, it has radar cruise control, lane departure warning, automated emergency braking and a reverse camera.
Ford: While the Optima is a conventional sedan, the Mondeo can be had as either a hatchback or a station wagon and is offered in three model grades, the base-level Ambiente, the mid-spec Trend and the range-topping Titanium. While the bookend variants are more expensive than either in the Optima's two-tier range, the Trend we're testing sits right in the middle at $40,990 (plus on-road costs).
Even though it undercuts the Optima GT on price, it mostly matches it for equipment with heated front seats in leather and fake suede, dual-zone climate and Ford's latest Sync3 multimedia with sat nav, digital radio and Apple Carplay.
It too comes with a wide scope of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control with automated emergency braking, forward collision warning and lane-keeping assistance, but also has a unique world first with rear seatbelts featuring in-built airbags.
Winner: Mondeo
Inside
Kia: The Optima's cabin has a more conventional overall design with a T-bar-shaped dashboard that has all the controls logically laid out, clear instruments and excellent small item storage space with plenty of power outlets to keep mobile devices connected.
There's lots of space too, with generous room in the back and a huge boot, while the seats are comfortable and the driver's pew has good adjustability to suit most sizes. The full length panoramic glass sunroof adds to the airy ambience of the cabin while the contrasting red stitching on the seats and steering wheel breaks up the mostly black colour scheme (you can order a red interior package if you're even more adventurous).
Photo: Lachlan Hinton
Ford: The Mondeo's cabin is dominated by the cascading centre console that separates the front seat occupants and houses the multimedia screen and air conditioning controls.
While it's a more modern design, it doesn't offer as much practical space as the Optima and the flat plastic finish doesn't look quite as premium. On the flipside, the seats are more comfortable, there's more aluminium to break up the grey colour scheme and the part digital instrument display is more colourful.
It is just as spacious in the rear and the hatchback ensures the cavernous boot has more useable space and is easier to access, but the sloping roofline makes it a little less convenient to get in and out of the back seat.
Winner: Optima
Engine
Kia: Both cars are powered by a 2.0-litre turbo charged four-cylinder petrol engine and drive the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox, but the Optima GT has a slight upper hand when it comes to power outputs, as it produces 180kW and 350Nm.
It's an effortless engine that is tuned more for low-end urgency and mid-range pulling power rather than having an overall sporting character, making it easy to carve through the urban jungle as well as cruising out on the open road.
As part of a 2017 model year update, Kia has installed a sound generator that produces a digital exhaust note through the audio system which doesn't sound anything like its natural soundtrack – and is at odds with the respectable level of insulation that makes the cabin nice and quiet at steady speeds.
Even though the Optima weighs slightly less than the Mondeo, the additional power comes with a slight fuel consumption penalty with a claimed average of 8.5L/100km.
Ford: On paper, the Mondeo's motor isn't that far off the Optima's, producing 177kW and 345Nm with a claimed average fuel consumption of 8.2L/100km.
While it's smooth and quiet, and better calibrated to the automatic with cleaner shifts, it isn't as energetic at low-engine speeds as its maximum torque is produced higher in the rev range – from 2300-4900rpm compared to 1400-4000rpm in the Optima.
Where that provides some advantage is under acceleration, as the torque doesn't make the steering wheel tug as much under heavy acceleration.
Winner: Optima
On the road
Kia: Ignore the GT suffix in the Optima's badge, as this isn't a sports sedan. It's more of a semi-luxury family hauler that offers a nice, comfortable ride with good compliance over bumps and well-sorted body control.
As mentioned before, it is prone to torque steer (where the steering wheel tugs in the hands) under heavy acceleration and the front-end can push wide when driven vigorously through the bends.
In everyday conditions, however, the Optima is mostly relaxed and refined.
Ford: The Mondeo is almost the opposite. While it doesn't front-up with any pretension of being sporty its dynamic limits are a little higher and it handles enthusiastic driving better than the Kia, while also being just as comfortable around town and just as quiet and effortless out on the open road.
The steering is more fluid and the front-end is more secure, while the electronic safety systems are less intrusive.
Winner: Mondeo
Ownership
Kia: Like all Kia models, the Optima is covered by the car maker's benchmark seven-year warranty with roadside assistance and a capped price servicing scheme over the same time period.
The Optima GT, however, requires visiting the service department every six months or 7500km - whichever comes first - with the total cost of the basic maintenance schedule amounting to $1713 for the first three years.
Ford: The Mondeo is covered by a less appealing three-year/100,000km warranty but the blue oval has a lifetime capped price servicing scheme with the Mondeo having longer service intervals of 15,000km or every 12 months. It will cost $1095 for the basic scheduled maintenance for the first three years.
Winner: Draw
Verdict
This is a really close contest between two under-rated mid-sizers that are comfortable and competent to drive in almost every environment and offer spacious, well-equipped cabins, the latest safety features and punchy yet efficient engines.
Ultimately, the Optima GT's higher entry price and costlier, more frequent service schedule is what hands the Mondeo a narrow victory.