What's New
The 2020 Kia Optima is back with no major changes. The forward collision avoidance assist system has been upgraded to include pedestrian detection across the lineup, while the EX Premium is now marketed as a separate trim instead of an optional package on the EX trim.
Choosing Your Kia Optima
Kia offers the Optima in five trims: LX, S, EX, EX Premium, and SX. Prices start at $24,115 including destination for the LX and reach $32,915 for the SX.
Engine Choices
Three engine choices accompany the Kia Optima. The LX and S get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, both EX trims come with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor, and the SX is served by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.4L 4-Cylinder | 185 hp | 178 lb-ft | 27 mpg |
1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 178 hp | 195 lb-ft | 31 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 245 hp | 260 lb-ft | 24 mpg |
Power is sent to the front wheels by means of a six-speed automatic transmission on the base engine and with the 2.0-liter turbocharged unit. The 1.6-liter turbo works with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Optima supplies room for five passengers and feels like a large car inside, although it's only a mid-size sedan. The front seats are supportive and offer enhanced bolstering on the top trims.
Cargo space measures 15.9 cubic feet, which is about average for the segment. The split-folding rear bench seat extends storage capacity.
Safety Features
Even base models come equipped with a generous roster of active safety features. These include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, high beam assist, driver attention warning, and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control with full stop and go is included beginning with the EX.
Connectivity
Kia equips the Optima with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, one USB port, and a six-speaker audio system.
Starting on the EX, wireless charging and satellite radio become standard. The EX Premium and SX also get navigation and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Kia equips the standard LX model with projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, and power-adjustable heated side mirrors. Inside, the seats are covered in cloth. Other features include a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, air conditioning, and six-way manual front seats.
Remote start is a $425 option.
For just $1,500 more, Kia adds plenty of upgrades to the S trim. This model has fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, and a rear spoiler. Kia dresses the cloth seats in imitation leather trim, while the steering wheel is also wrapped in leather. A 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support and push-button start are also included.
A sunroof is a $1,00 standalone option.
The EX trim has leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and upgraded wood interior trim.
A panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade is standard on the EX Premium. A heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a 12-way power driver’s seat, a 10-way power front passenger’s seat, and memory functionality for the driver's seat and mirrors are also included.
The range-topping SX model comes with automatic-leveling LED headlights, LED fog lights, 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, red brake calipers, a sport-tuned suspension, and a black gloss rear spoiler. Chrome accents, a 4.3-inch driver information display, and leather seating with red stitching enhance the cabin.
Compare Optima Trims Side-By-Side
Start your 2020 Kia Optima shopping with the S trim and you’ll have a well-equipped model for the taking. Consider the EX for a slightly more powerful and efficient option. With Kia’s usual discounting, you may be able to cover the cost of the upgrade.