DecodedCars2020 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
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- 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.
- 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 →
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 |
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% |
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
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 | Not rated | 5 | 764 |
| 2015 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 1,020 |
| 2014 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 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 →