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2020 Kia Optima

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Class: Midsize Cars
Body styles: Hybrid 4dr Sedan, LX/LX+/EX/EX Tech 4dr Sedan, PHEV 4dr Sedan, Sx/Sxl 4dr Sedan
Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower: 154–245 hp
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, automatic
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Seats: 5
Fuel: Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best): 42 combined · 40 city / 45 hwy
Length: 191.3 in
Curb weight: 3,230–3,792 lb
NHTSA rating: ★★★★★
Recalls: 0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 52% better than the average 2020 midsize car (27.6 MPG).
Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
No recalls so far

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 Kia Optima is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,490 lb (Hybrid 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (40 city / 45 highway), 52% better than the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,600 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 153 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2020

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Optima — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Optima →

Trims, performance & features

Engine185 hp2.4L 4-cyl

Engine178 hp1.6L turbo 4-cyl

Engine245 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl

Engine154 hp2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid

Engine154 hp2.0L 4-cyl hybrid

Transmission6-speed automatic · automatic

DriveFWD

Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

LX, S, SEEXSXPHEV EXHEV EX

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard

Forward collision warningStandard

Blind-spot monitoringStandard

Rear cross-traffic alertStandard

Lane departure warningStandard

Lane keeping assistStandard

Adaptive cruise controlSome trims

Backup cameraStandard

Automatic high beamsStandard

Adaptive driving beamStandard

Keyless startStandard

LED headlightsYes

Built in: Hwasung, South Korea

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Optima configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

Body	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Track F / R	Curb weight	Weight F/R
Hybrid 4dr Sedan	191.3 in	73.2 in	57.5 in	110.6 in	62.2 / 63 in	3,490 lb	61/39
LX/LX+/EX/EX Tech 4dr Sedan	191.3 in	73.2 in	57.9 in	110.6 in	62.2 / 63 in	3,230 lb	61/39
PHEV 4dr Sedan	191.3 in	73.2 in	57.5 in	110.6 in	62.2 / 63 in	3,792 lb	61/39
Sx/Sxl 4dr Sedan	191.3 in	73.2 in	57.9 in	110.6 in	62.2 / 63 in	3,558 lb	61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

Version	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City / Hwy / Comb	vs. class	Fuel / yr	CO₂ g/mi
Optima Hybrid Hybrid	2.0L 4-cyl	Automatic (AM6)	Front-Wheel Drive	40 / 45 / 42	+52%	$1,600	213
Optima Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid	2.0L 4-cyl	Automatic (AM6)	Front-Wheel Drive	39 / 44 / 41	+49%	$1,650	97
Optima	1.6L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic (AM7)	Front-Wheel Drive	27 / 37 / 31	+33%	$2,150	292
Optima FE	2.4L 4-cyl	Automatic (S6)	Front-Wheel Drive	25 / 35 / 29	+24%	$2,300	311
Optima	2.4L 4-cyl	Automatic (S6)	Front-Wheel Drive	24 / 32 / 27	+16%	$2,500	330
Optima	2.0L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic (S6)	Front-Wheel Drive	21 / 30 / 24	+3%	$2,800	371

10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)

10/10EPA greenhouse gas score

Save $6,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

27.6 MPG2020 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

Version	Overall	Frontal	Driver / passenger	Side	Side pole	Rollover	Rollover risk
2020 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD	★★★★★	★★★★★	5★ / 4★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	9.8%

StandardElectronic stability control

StandardForward collision warning

StandardLane departure warning

Frontal crash test — 2020 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Side crash test — 2020 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 midsize cars

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2020 Kia Optima (this car)	42 MPG	★★★★★	0
2020 Toyota Corolla	52 MPG	★★★★★	6
2020 Honda Accord	48 MPG	Not rated	6
2020 Chevrolet Impala	22 MPG	★★★★★	0
2020 Toyota Camry	52 MPG	★★★★★	3
2020 Nissan GT-R	18 MPG	Not rated	0
2020 Mazda 3	30 MPG	Not rated	0

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Optima.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Kia Optima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

153Complaints to NHTSA since 2015

6Involved a crash

3Involved a fire

5Injuries reported

60,000 miTypical mileage at failure

Engine103

Power Train28

Unknown Or Other17

Electrical System14

Fuel/Propulsion System12

Service Brakes7

Air Bags7

Engine And Engine Cooling7

Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Kia Optima buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
Engine — 103 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
Power Train — 28 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Optima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Optima years

Compare all years →

Year	MPG (best)	Length	Overall	Recalls	Complaints
2019 Optima	41	191.3 in	★★★★★	1	213
2018 Optima	42	191.3 in	★★★★★	3	244
2017 Optima	42	191.3 in	★★★★★	4	306
2016 Optima	37	191.3 in	★★★★★	5	764
2015 Optima	37	190.6 in	★★★★★	4	1,020
2014 Optima	37	190.6 in	★★★★★	7	580
2013 Optima	37	190.6 in	Not rated	10	1,352
2012 Optima	36	190.6 in	Not rated	6	917
2011 Optima	36	–	Not rated	6	544
2010 Optima	25	–	Not rated	1	41
2009 Optima	25	–	Not rated	1	55
2008 Optima	25	–	Not rated	3	60

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →