KIA Optima Towbars

All you need to know about towbars for KIA Optima

KIA first introduced the Optima into their range in 2012. The KIA Optima is available as a Estate, Hatchback, or Saloon. So you know you are installing the right towbar on your KIA Optima, we have looked at towing capacity, electrical kits, bumper cuts and more for each variation of KIA Optima below.

KIA Optima Saloon Towbars

The KIA Optima Saloon was first released in 2012. To determine which variant of KIA Optima you have, check your vehicle logbook. This will ensure you purchase the correct towbar.

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KIA Optima Saloon Nose Weight

Saloon models made between 2012 and 2016 have a minimum nose weight of 60 kg and a maximum nose weight of 60 kg.

What does nose weight mean?

Nose weight is the force on the towball when a caravan or trailer is attached. Every towbar for every vehicle will have a specific nose weight for that vehicle which can differ between the age of the vehicle and the variation of the model. It is crucial that you don’t exceed the nose weight set on the towbar as this is dangerous and can decrease stability when towing.

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KIA Optima Saloon Electric Kits

Electrical kits connect the electrics in your Saloon to the electrics on your trailer, bike rack or caravan so your lights are still visible.

Electric kits for KIA Optima Saloon

We would always recommend having a dedicated electrics kit installed, where possible. This syncs with modern computer functions of your Saloon, like ABS and trailer stability, rather than just basic lighting.

Why is a dedicated kit important? Well, not only does it work with the specific features of your vehicle, but it also protects the warranty of your Saloon and works with any enhanced safety features you may have.

Of course, you can choose between a dedicated kit or a universal kit, and we do offer both, but a universal electrical kit can affect your manufacturer warranty and you might also need to install a bypass relay.

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KIA Optima Saloon Software Update

We will alert you as to whether your Saloon requires a software update when you choose your towbar electrics kit.

Does my vehicle need a software update?

Sometimes your vehicle may need a software update to accommodate your new dedicated electrical kit. This is so all of the latest computer features in your Saloon can accurately co-ordinate with your towbar electrics.

Software updates can take place at your local KIA dealership when your vehicle is in for service. Or, this can sometimes be updated at your local garage when you arrange towbar fitting through WebFit.

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KIA Optima Saloon Bumper Cuts

Saloon models made between 2012 and 2016 will not require a non-visible bumper cut in order to be fitted.

Does my vehicle need a bumper cut?

Some towbar styles might require a bumper cut in order to be fitted to your vehicle. But, this is improving and newer vehicles are less likely to require a bumper cut due to better towbar designs.

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KIA Optima Saloon Towing Capacity

Saloon models made between 2012 and 2016 have a towing capacity of 1300 kg to 1300 kg.

Be sure to check the EXACT towing capacity of your vehicle before towing on your VIN plate.

What is towing capacity?

Towing capacity is the weight that your Saloon is capable of towing safely, but it can vary even across the same model of car. It is important to note that the capacity of the towbar and the towing capacity of the Saloon may differ, so you should always go by the specific towing weight of your vehicle, indicated above.

KIA Optima Estate Towbars

The KIA Optima Estate was first released in 2016. To determine which variant of KIA Optima you have, check your vehicle logbook. This will ensure you purchase the correct towbar.

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KIA Optima Estate Nose Weight

Estate models made vehicles made after 2016 have a minimum nose weight of 85 kg and a maximum nose weight of 85 kg.

What does nose weight mean?

Nose weight is the force on the towball when a caravan or trailer is attached. Every towbar for every vehicle will have a specific nose weight for that vehicle which can differ between the age of the vehicle and the variation of the model. It is crucial that you don’t exceed the nose weight set on the towbar as this is dangerous and can decrease stability when towing.

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KIA Optima Estate Electric Kits

Electrical kits connect the electrics in your Estate to the electrics on your trailer, bike rack or caravan so your lights are still visible.

Electric kits for KIA Optima Estate

We would always recommend having a dedicated electrics kit installed, where possible. This syncs with modern computer functions of your Estate, like ABS and trailer stability, rather than just basic lighting.

Why is a dedicated kit important? Well, not only does it work with the specific features of your vehicle, but it also protects the warranty of your Estate and works with any enhanced safety features you may have.

Of course, you can choose between a dedicated kit or a universal kit, and we do offer both, but a universal electrical kit can affect your manufacturer warranty and you might also need to install a bypass relay.

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KIA Optima Estate Software Update

We will alert you as to whether your Estate requires a software update when you choose your towbar electrics kit.

Does my vehicle need a software update?

Sometimes your vehicle may need a software update to accommodate your new dedicated electrical kit. This is so all of the latest computer features in your Estate can accurately co-ordinate with your towbar electrics.

Software updates can take place at your local KIA dealership when your vehicle is in for service. Or, this can sometimes be updated at your local garage when you arrange towbar fitting through WebFit.

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KIA Optima Estate Bumper Cuts

Estate models made vehicles made after 2016 will not require a non-visible bumper cut in order to be fitted.

Does my vehicle need a bumper cut?

Some towbar styles might require a bumper cut in order to be fitted to your vehicle. But, this is improving and newer vehicles are less likely to require a bumper cut due to better towbar designs.

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KIA Optima Estate Towing Capacity

Estate models made vehicles made after 2016 have a towing capacity of 2500 kg to 2500 kg.

Be sure to check the EXACT towing capacity of your vehicle before towing on your VIN plate.

What is towing capacity?

Towing capacity is the weight that your Estate is capable of towing safely, but it can vary even across the same model of car. It is important to note that the capacity of the towbar and the towing capacity of the Estate may differ, so you should always go by the specific towing weight of your vehicle, indicated above.

To find specific details for your KIA Optima, select your vehicle below.

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