A Look Inside The 2020 Kia Optima

People seem to favor mid-sized cars over other sized vehicles.  This is why the mid-size car category is the most competitive among all the categories.  A decade ago, Kia Motors did not have a car worth mentioning to compete in this category.  However, after a decade of change Kia has worked hard in changing their cars.  The 2020 Kia Optima has joined this competitive category and is a representative of the improved Kia brand.

The new 2020 Kia Optima has received rave reviews.  The Optima provides prospective drivers with many options, at an MSRP range of $22,200 up to $36,985.  It has one of the best warranties in the business, strong reliability ratings and excellent safety ratings.  It provides a brilliant blend of value, utility, and performance.  Read below to learn more about the new and improved Kia Optima.

Kia Optima Performance Specs

One of the most interesting aspects of the Optima,  is the amazing number of performance specs the vehicle has.  It offers:

• 185hp produced by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine,
• 176hp produced by a fuel efficient 1.6L turbo,
• 245hp produced by a 2L turbo engine,
• A plug-in hybrid that can generate over 90 miles per gallon
• A hybrid offering.

Car and Driver recorded the 2020 Kia Optima as an Editor’s Choice.  The performance ratings of the Kia Optima are great.  The Optima has repeatedly been praised for its strong acceleration and responsive handling.

It is also available in a few different configurations, like a GT Optima option and a Sport wagon trim.

Safety Features

The Optima has great safety features.  The standard features the 2020 Optima has are:

• Electronic stability control
• Front air-bags
• Side air bags
• Curtain airbags
• Rear view “back up” camera
• Electronic hill starts systems
• Vehicle stability management software
• Tether and latch systems for children
• Rear child safety locks
• Tire pressure monitoring

Add-on safety features include:

• These options include:
• Rear Cross Traffic Detection
• Rear Parking Assist
• Blind Spot Detection

The safety features for higher trims are:

• Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Lane Departure Warnings
• Forward Collision Warnings

Entertainment Features

The 2020 Optima offers great entertainment features.  All Optima trims have an infotainment system with a touch-screen display. Four of the trim levels have a 7″ touch screen, which is standard.  The SX Limited, the highest trim has a standard 8″ touchscreen.  All trims have Bluetooth wireless with Apple and Android integration available.

All trim levels have Bluetooth phone connectivity, audio, and infotainment controls available on the steering wheel.  The three highest trim levels have premium audio available in them.  The Optima also offers an auxiliary in, USB and 12-Volt jacks in all trim levels.  The higher trim levels have more USB integration available.

Fuel Efficiency

Great fuel efficiency across the trim and engine lines is another feature of the 2020 Optima.  In fact, better fuel efficiency is available in the performance turbo engine than some of its competition with similar torque ratings and horsepower.  Kia Optima’s fuel efficiency is dependent on the engine it has, as well as the body type being used for it.  The fuel efficiency of the sport wagon is not yet available, but it has less fuel efficiency due to having more weight.  The Optima fuel efficiency is up to 27 city / 37 highway.  The Plug-In Hybrid is expected to get the fuel efficiency of about 90+mpg.

Competition

As previously stated, the mid-size car segment is the most car markets.  Many car companies are willing to go the extra mile to win customers.

Despite the stiff competitions, the Kia Optima has however earned a top spot for 2020.  It is ranked as a favorite of enthusiast magazines like Auto Week and Car and Driver.

With a 6-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty and a ten year, 100,000 mile warranty on the power train, the Kia Optima offers a better warranty than almost all of its rivals.

Here are the pros and cons of the Kia ranked against its competition:

Pros:

• Number of options across trim packages
• Reasonably priced
• Great standard features
• Great reviews for performance and ride
• Excellent warranty

Cons:

• Kia is still seen as a “lesser” brand
• Optima is a jack of all trades, but a master of none
• A standard, as opposed to luxury, sedan

Conclusion

The 2020 Kia Optima is definitely a strong contender for the best mid-size sedan.  It provides drivers a comfortable interior,  positive reviews, and strong vehicle performance.

While it does not excel in any particular area, the overall  Kia Optima package puts it on the same level and higher than its competitors competitors.  Apart from  being a great value, the Kia Optima is also fun to drive, has a great warranty, and it is backed up with great reliability.

All in all, the 2020 Kia Optima is an excellent car.