Choosing the right battery for the Kia Optima 4 (JF) produced between 2015 and 2020 requires understanding the demands of modern vehicle electronics and the diversity of available engine options. This generation of the Optima offers a range of petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines, most of which come equipped with a Start-Stop system. This feature enhances fuel economy by shutting off the engine during idle moments, but it also increases the strain on the car’s battery, which must provide repeated high-current starts and support electrical systems even when the engine is not running. For this reason, battery selection becomes more critical than ever.
Most Kia Optima 4 (JF) models are equipped with engines that require AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries. This includes variants such as the 2.0 CVVL, 1.6 T-GDI, 2.4 GDI, 2.0 T-GDI GT, and diesel options like the 1.6 CRDi and 1.7 CRDi. AGM batteries are designed for Start-Stop applications and provide high cold cranking amps (CCA), typically in the 800 A range, which is essential for reliable starting in all weather conditions. Furthermore, AGM batteries offer better resistance to deep cycling, making them suitable for vehicles with extensive electronic equipment and frequent short trips.
Among the suitable AGM battery models, examples include Bosch S5A 11, Exide EK800, Exide EK820, Halfords AGM 115, Lucas LF115, and Varta F21. These are all high-performance batteries with capacities between 80 and 82 Ah and with robust construction to handle the demands of modern Kia Optima engines. While these are just examples, they are widely recognized for their reliability and compatibility with Start-Stop systems.
The hybrid variant, specifically the 2.0 GDI Hybrid with 151 kW, deviates slightly from this trend. While it also features a Start-Stop system, it uses a different type of lead-acid battery rather than AGM. The capacity range here is lower, typically from 60 to 65 Ah, with starting currents between 390 and 580 A. This setup is tailored to the hybrid system’s unique architecture, where the primary propulsion is often electric and the internal combustion engine plays a secondary role. The compatible models for this configuration include Bosch S40 24, Exide EA654, Exide EB604, Lucas LP005, and Varta D47. An important consideration is the battery mounting system — unlike most European vehicles that use the popular B13 mount, the hybrid Optima typically uses B0 or Korean B1 types.
It’s worth noting that incorrect battery selection, especially in vehicles with advanced Start-Stop or hybrid systems, can lead to decreased performance or even system malfunctions. When replacing the battery, it’s essential to consider not only the size and mounting type but also to ensure that the new battery meets the required power and capacity specifications. In many newer vehicles, battery replacement may also require coding or registration in the vehicle’s control system, especially if the car is equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS).
Interestingly, while AGM batteries are often more expensive than traditional flooded batteries, their lifespan and resilience to modern driving conditions can make them a more cost-effective option in the long run. They are sealed, maintenance-free, and have excellent vibration resistance — an important factor in vehicles regularly driven on uneven roads.
In conclusion, when selecting a battery for the Kia Optima 4 (JF) 2015–2020, it’s crucial to match the technology, performance characteristics, and mounting style to the specific engine type. Whether you are driving a sporty GT variant or a fuel-efficient hybrid, investing in the right battery — like those from Bosch, Exide, Varta, Lucas, or Halfords — ensures optimal vehicle operation and peace of mind throughout the seasons.
Kia Optima in version 4 (JF) was produced in the years 2015 – 2020. The following table presents information about batteries that match each of the engines available on the market.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Kia Optima (2015-2020):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | Korean B1 |
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B0 |
Kia Optima 4 (JF) – petrol engines:
- 2.0 GDI Hybrid (151 kW) – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 24 | 60 Ah 540 A | 232x173x225 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB604 | 60 Ah 390 A | 230x173x222 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA654 | 65 Ah 580 A | 230x173x222 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP005 | 60 Ah 540 A | 230x170x225 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D47 | 60 Ah 540 A | 232x173x225 mm | More |
Kia Optima 4 (JF) – petrol engines:
- 1.6 T-GDI (132 kW) – with Start-Stop
- 2.0 CVVL (120 kW) – with Start-Stop
- 2.0 T-GDI GT (175 kW) – with Start-Stop
- 2.0 T-GDI GT (180 kW) – with Start-Stop
- 2.4 GDI (138 kW) – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 11 | 80 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK800 | 80 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK820 | 82 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 115 | 80 Ah 800 A | 317x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF115 | 80 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM F21 | 80 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
Kia Optima 4 (JF) – diesel engines:
- 1.6 CRDi (100 kW) – with Start-Stop
- 1.7 CRDi (104 kW) – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 11 | 80 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK800 | 80 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK820 | 82 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 115 | 80 Ah 800 A | 317x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF115 | 80 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM F21 | 80 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Kia Optima , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!