It's hard to make a car under 25 grand, load it with features, back it with enough power and deliver efficiency at the same time and then convince the pedantic buyers to actually buy your car. However, Kia seems to have a cheat code for everything. The fourth generation of Optima is amongst the highest selling midsize sedans. It has power, technology, and efficiency in its back pocket and with that, Kia plans to retain and ascend from its current position in the sedan market.
With a price of $22,900, Kia backs the Optima with a 2.4 L Inline-4 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain pumps out 185 horsepower and 178-pound-feet of torque. However, it's not the only engine option on the Optima. Different trims have their own unique powertrain and styling options.
2020 Kia Optima Latest Updates
Aug' 27, 2021 : 2021 Kia Optima Review: Expected Release Date, Prices, MPG, and Specs Read More »
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Pricing and Feature
8.0
Features
7.6
Engine and Performance
8.2
Fuel Economy
7.0
Interior
8.0
Exterior
6.0
Safety
9.9
Competition
8.0
7.8
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
7.8
Overall Rating
The 2020 Kia Optima Sedan is a well-rounded car, but Kia does not have the patent rights to the winning formula for the mid-size sedans. Other brands are all set to retain their piece of the pie by matching Kia's deliverables on the Optima. Sedans like Ford Fusion, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Accord, and Toyota Corolla are ready for the race.
2020 Kia Optima Sedan front view
2020 Kia Optima Sedan rear view
7.6/10 Features
8.2/10 Engine and Performance
7.0/10 Fuel Economy
8.0/10 Interior
6.0/10 Exterior
9.9/10 Safety
8.0/10 Competition
2020 Kia Optima Features
7.6/10
Offered at the price tag of $22,900, the 2020 Kia Optima is available in four trims, LX, S, EX, and the SX. The base LX trim offers a basic 2.0 L Inline-4 cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The S trim shares the same engine except loaded with more tech-savvy features. Then comes the EX trim which chose a slightly diverted path with its 1.6L Turbo Inline-4, it delivers a tad more torque than the standard powertrain. The SX model sits at the pinnacle of the Optima Lineup. You will get a 2.0L Inline-4 engine with the added might of a turbocharger.
Trim
LX
S
EX
SX
MSRP
$22,900
$24,900
$26,800
$31,900
Key Features
16-inch alloy wheels
18-inch wheels
Power-folding mirrors illuminated door handles
18-inch wheels
Cruise control
Foglights and LED taillights
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive LED headlights
Height-adjustable front seats (with two-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver)
Rear spoiler
Keyless entry and ignition
LED foglights
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Cloth and faux leather
Hands-free unlocking trunk
Flat-bottom steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles
Remote locking and unlocking
Push-button start
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Rear spoiler
Heated mirrors
Panoramic sunroof
Rear air vents
Dual exhaust tips
Automatic headlights
Gloss-black exterior accents
Heated front seats
Ambient interior lighting
60/40-split rear seat
Driver-seat memory settings
Larger driver information display
7-inch touchscreen
Interior wood accents
Metal interior trim
Apple CarPlay
Electronic parking brake
Sport-tuned suspension
Android Auto
Leather upholstery
Red brake calipers
Six-speaker audio system with a USB port
We Recommend
Kia made all the entire Optima safety suit standard for all trims and the luxury quotient is well mated for the price. Still, the SX trim’s unique styling is something you would love to have.
2020 Kia Optima Engine and Performance
8.2/10
“Unlike the 2.0T, the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and its unconventional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission suffer from a disappointing lack of responsiveness when accelerating and driving at low speeds. The brakes can be a bit touchy, but handling is decent for the class”- Edmunds
Engine and Transmission
Pop up the hood and you will find a 2.4 L Inline-4 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The powerplant cranks out a 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque though that’s the base trim cosmetics. The EX trim trades the standard engine for a Turbocharged 1.6L Inline-4 engine paired to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Being the higher-end trim it was supposed to be more powerful but it's slightly underpowered than the standard powertrain, however, the engine makes amends with its superior torque output.
2020 Kia Optima Sedan engine bay
Horsepower and torque figures for the EX trims are rated at 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.
Models
Kia Optima
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
MSRP
$22,900
$22,840
$18,100
$18,700
$20,250
$20,240
$18,870
Engine
2.4L I-4
2.5L I-4
2.0 L inline-four
1.8 L inline-four
2.0 L inline-four
2.0 L inline-four
1.4L Turbo Inline 4
Transmission
6-speed automatic
6-Speed Automatic
6-speed Automatic
CVT
CVT
6-speed Auto
6 Speed Automatic
Horsepower
185 hp @ 6000
175 hp @ 6000
147hp @ 6200 rpm
132hp @ 6000 rpm
158hp @ 6500 rpm
155hp @ 6000 rpm
153hp @5600rpm
Torque
178 lb.-ft @ 4000
175 lb.-ft @ 4500
132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
128 lb-ft @4400 rpm
138 lb.-ft @ 4200 rpm
150 lb.-ft. @4000 rpm
177 lb.-ft. @4000 rpm
The SX trim gets a turbocharged 2.0L Inline-4 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Turbocharger spices up the engine to deliver power worth 245 horsepower and 260-pound feet of torque. All trims are competitively priced and catered to different needs in the mid-size sedan segment.
Acceleration
There is a lot of power on the Optima regardless of your choice of trim. The peppy base engine feels ready to take on the road and the transmission backs the engine while does that. However, things are not that smooth for the EX trim. There might be a lot of power but the chunky 7-speed automatic may disturb your acceleration. SX, on the other hand, is flawless with its 6.8-second acceleration. As you drive further, the Optima took 15.2 seconds to hit the quarter-mile light.
Models
Kia Optima
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
0-60 MPH(sec)
6.8*
8.5*
8.3
9.4
8.2
8.0
7.7
Quarter mile(sec)
15.2*
16.3*
16.4
17.2
16.3
16.2
16.3
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
6.1*
7.1*
10.2
9.8
8.4
11.2
5.6
Curb Weight (lb..)
3411*
3431*
2767
2840
2742
2899
2870
* 2018 figures used for reference purposes
Possibly one of the quickest, Kia Optima zoom in with its 6.8-second acceleration. Other sedans like the Ford Fusion and Hyundai Elantra are way too slow for the Optima. Even on the quarter-mile run, the Ford Fusion is a full second behind the Optima.
Ride and Handling
Behind the wheel, Kia Optima inspires confidence with its predictable flat-bottom steering. However, the lack of road communication may dwindle your confidence. The engine dynamics of the car puts no limits on its ability to maneuver, the Optima’s power is satisfying both on the highway and city. Handling might not feel razor-sharp as the Stinger but it's entertaining nevertheless. Optima’s mid-size dimensions give you a hassle-free ride, cutting traffic is a light day for the Optima. The rather thin tires are silent in the city though on the highway they are a real screamer.
There is no concrete problem with Kia’s ride quality but the 7-speed automatic transmission on the EX trim has a mind of its own. The shifts are not smooth and it feels like the car always wants to enter the next gear. Also, the EX takes a lot of motivation and push to gain any momentum. The LX, S, and SX trims have a 6-speed automatic and are not bothered by these delicacies.
Braking
The braking dynamics seem fair on paper but in the rear world braking is not this Kia’s strong suit. Both the front and rear brake rotors are rated at 12 inches and 11.2 inches, quite reasonable for the industry standards. However, the pedal feels soft and pose a spontaneous vibe.
2020 Kia Optima Sedan brake rotor
Nail down the brake pedal and this sedan deaccelerates down to a standstill in 124 feet for the 60 to 0 panic brake test.
Models
Kia Optima
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
Brake Front (in.)
12
11.8
10.3
10.8
10.2
10.7
10.8
Brake Rear (in.)
11.2
11.9
9.7
9.1
9.8
9.5
10.4
70-0 MPH (ft.)
124(60-0)
122(60-0)
182
183
180
179
110 (60-0MPH)
Not that competitive as cars like Chevrolet Cruz the Optima is below average. The Ford Fusion is a tad early than the Optima with its 122 feet performance.
2020 Kia Optima Fuel Economy
7.0/10
No buyer will compromise the economy over anything else in the mid-size sedan segment. Though Kia’s rivals are more giving when it comes it mileage the Optima is not far behind. In the city, you can expect a 24 mpg mileage and 33 mpg while cruising on the highway. Its 18.5-gallon tank is relatively larger than its rivals. The fact that the Optima can survive on the regular unleaded engine might save you some money in the long run.
Models
Kia Optima
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
MPG (city)
24
21
28
28
32
27
30
MPG (highway)
33
32
37
35
42
36
39
MPG (combined)
27
25
32
31
36
30
33
Fuel Tank Capacity(Gal.)
18.5
16.5
14
13.2
12.39
13.2
13.7
Though the Kia Optima is efficient it’s average when you compare with its direct adversaries. Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic are the most fuel-efficient sedan with its 32 mpg and 36 mpg of combined mileage.
2020 Kia Optima Interior
8.0/10
“There isn't a lot of visual excitement inside the Optima, but it is smartly designed for function. The quality of materials and available features make you feel as if you're getting just a bit more for your money. The only major drawback is the compromised rear visibility”- Edmunds
Seating and Comfort
Functionality over funk and quality over junk- The Optima’s interior may not be the most stylish or loaded with upmarket quality but it's smart and practical. All the knobs and buttons feel premium and meet their function, you don’t need to improvise fall into the conundrum of ambiguous menus to get what you intended. The cabin is roomy and can fairy hold 5 seaters, you get an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat with 2-way power lumbar support. As you climb the trim ladder your Optima will be bequeathed to 10-way power adjustment with heated and ventilated seats.
2020 Kia Optima Sedan front seats
Models
Kia Optima
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
39.8/58.1/45.5
39.2/57.8/44.3
38.8/56.2/42.3
38.3/54.8/42.3
39.3/57.0/37.1
38.3/54.8/42.3
38.9/54.8/42
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
37.8/56.4/35.6
37.8/56.9/38.3
37.3/55.0/35.7
37.1/55.0/37.4
37.1/55.0/37.4
37.6/54.4/35.8
37.3/53.7/36.1
The cabin is fairly roomy and offers generous seating for five. The front seats offer a lot of legroom and headroom space, 45.3 inches and 39.8 inches to be precise. The second-row seats are not that bad either, 6 feet might have to adjust a little to get more legroom as its limited to 35 inches. The rear headroom and shoulder room are not infected with such a problem.
Cargo Capacity
Though there are a lot of good-sized sedans in the mid-size market the Optima surpasses
them all through its sense of practicality in the market today. The tailgate shares a nice and wide opening with its standard 15.9 cubic feet of the cargo bay. The rear seat features a 60/40 split to open up more cargo space. The cabin utility is top-notch with a lot of door pockets, cubby holes, and a concealed bin under the armrest.
Models
Kia Optima
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
Cargo Capacity (lb.)
15.9
16
14.4
13.0
15.2
12.4
14.8
Infotainment
The tech front on the Optima is led by an 8-inch touch screen infotainment. The infotainment is bright, every feature could be easily located except for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which are there but locating them can be a little problematic. Kia backed the touch screen with its Uvo system and used a 10-speaker Harman Kardon music system.
2020 Kia Optima Sedan infotainment screen
The voice controls work really well and the availability of Siri and Google voice assistance makes it even better.
“A sporty profile and a handsome cabin lift the 2020 Kia Optima above the family-sedan pack. Now in its second generation, with a handsome shape that emerged in the 2016 model year, the Kia Optima has an attractive look that’s worked well enough to loan out to Kia’s new sport hatchback, the Stinger”- The Connection
Design and Dimension
Though the Kia Optima is largely unchanged for 2020, it still goes in strong this year. The new Stinger inspired front fascia imbibes a rebellious vibe to this mid-size. The styling is more curvaceous and strikingly similar to the 2016 model when it first came out. Considering its distant cousin Hyundai Sonata, Kia has crafted a better-looking car.
2020 Kia Optima Sedan
The Kia Optima is 191.1 inches long better than the usual mid-size sedan segment. The width and height are similar to other sends at 73.2 inches and 57.7 inches. You get a 5.3-inch ground clearance and a tad longer wheelbase of 110.4 inches.
Models
Kia Optima
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
Curb weight (lb..)
3219
3411
2844
2840
2724
2899
2870
Length(in)
191.1
191.7
181.9
183.1
182.3
180.3
183.7
Width(in)
73.2
75.6
70.9
69.9
70.8
70.7
70.5
Height(in)
57.7
58.1
56.5
57.3
55.7
57.3
57.4
Ground clearance (in)
5.3
5.3
6.7
6.3
6.1
6.4
Wheelbase (in)
110.4
112.1
106.3
106.3
106.3
106.3
106.3
Ford Fusion is the bigger car compared to the Optima though it’s also the heaviest too. Other cars like the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, and the Civic revolve around 180 inches of total height. The short length equals results in a shorter wheelbase as well. While the Optima sakes up all the bumps from the ride with its 110 inches long wheelbase.
It’s not the practicality, power, or performance which attracts the buyer, but the unparallel safety gear offered on the Optima which magnetizes the buyers to Kia’s showroom. NHTSA awarded a stellar 5-star rating to the 2020 Kia Optima. You get a healthy standard feature list inclusive of safety features like Electronic Stability Control, Hill Assist, active lane control. Lean-departure warning and more.
4-Wheel ABS
Emergency Braking Preparation
Daytime Running Lights
Post-Collision Safety System
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
Front And Rear Head Airbags
Stability Control
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Dusk Sensing Headlamps
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Traction Control
Ventilated Front Disc / Solid Rear Disc Brakes
Pre-Collision Safety System
Engine Immobilizer
2020 Kia Optima Competition
8.0/10
Ford Fusion vs Kia Optima
The Ford Fusion is one of the dominant brands in the mid-size sedan segment. Ford has backed its car with more power and handling prowess which the Optima might not match. Though considering the base trims Optima is a more power dominant car. If you compare the price, both are identical, so this is going to be a tough one. No matter how attached to the Fusion you are, its time has come to an end. The feature list is not that rich and cabin is not user-friendly. Considering you can buy the feature savvy Optima for the same make your choice obvious.
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Optima
Hyundai Elantra’s geeky feature list will surely attract some customers, but it’s not the most sensible buy. The Elantra is underpowered than the Optima and displays a poor ride quality. Being distant relatives the Elantra suffers from the same menacing 7-speed automatic transmission. Kia’s higher power output comes at the cost of mileage which Hyundai capitalizes on. Otherwise, we would suggest you go with Kia Optima as a well-rounded deal.
Hyundai Elantra
Honda Accord vs Kia Optima
No matter how great Optima is doing, it's not the class leader. Honda has a knack for delivering more the commuter market than other brands and the Accord is a live example. It's been 10 generations that the Accord has been dominating this segment and is possibly the best car you can buy at that price. It's more powerful, stylish, and comfortable. However, stacking up the Accord may stretch to 2 to 3 grand. Otherwise, the Accord is the car to go with.
Honda Accord
2020 Kia Optima Final Verdict
The 2020 Kia Optima is a lucrative mid-size rending fair price, adequate power, and acceptable fuel economy numbers, and that’s about all a buyer in this segment wants right? The feature list is as geeky as one can get while driving. The ride quality might feel average but its better than most sedans offered in the segment. It’s a long car that’s for sure with a sloping roofline, this may penetrate into the usable headroom space, that’s a backdrop, but overall Kia has done a fine job with the Optima, as always.
