2020 Kia Optima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Kia Optima competes with other midsize family-sedans like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat. It receives a few...
The Kia Optima competes with other midsize family-sedans like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat. It receives a few changes for 2020.
You’ll find one of three powertrains in the Optima. The base setup is a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, good for 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Together, this combination produces 24 mpg city, 32 highway, and 27 combined. If fuel efficiency is your focus, you can select a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 178 hp and 195 b-ft and pairs with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). It returns fuel economy of 27/37/31. For those with a need for speed, Kia offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 245 hp and 260 lb-ft. Like the base engine, it comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It returns 21/30/24. All Optimas are front-wheel drive (FWD).
The Optima offers LX, S, EX, and SX trims, along with a new EX Premium trim that slots between the EX and SX. The LX trim comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, 6 speakers, an 8-way driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar, an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, projector-beam headlights, and LED daytime-running lights (DRLs). Other trims add leather, larger wheels, LED rear lights, and navigation. The Optima offers 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
Safety-wise, Kia gives you an impressive level of standard content. Every Optima includes a reversing camera, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic detection, driver-attention warning, and reversing sensors. EX and above trims benefit from full-speed adaptive cruise control. The Optima earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2019.
With plenty of safety features and tech, the Optima remains a highly competitive product.
What owners say
Love the styling and build of this car. The 18 wheels and dual exhaust ports add to the appeal. The 2.4 I-4 isnt a slouch and pairs nicely with the 6 speed automatic transmission. Having different drive modes to choose from is great. Sport mode runs out the tach, stiffens the suspension and tightens the steering, and gives better throttle response, making it a gas to drive. The infotainmment system with rear camera is nice too. Only drawback is this car came from the factory without a spare tire. It comes with a pressurized can of sealant.
January 11, 2023Not sure what other car can be equal with this. The price is great, the features, and quality kia has brought is excellent!
March 10, 2021My third kia in 18 years. Love the EX Premium Optima. Best price for the features. Rides and drives great.
April 24, 2020Trims & specs
Base MSRP $23,390 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 185 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,390 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 185 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $27,190 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.6L 178 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 32 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $30,190 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.6L 178 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 32 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,890 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 185 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,190 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 185 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $32,190 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 245 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$23,390 - $32,190
Current avg. market price
$12,748
Trending down by 1.4% this month
April 2026 - October 2026
