The 2020 Kia Optima lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average headlight and brake wear issues reported. At $18,750 to $29,550, it’s a good value for a midsize sedan that’s loaded with a lot of the latest safety technology.
Is the 2020 Kia Optima a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Kia Optima since it has an upscale cabin and lots of advanced technology. Owner reviews praise the low fuel costs, responsive steering, along with the upscale cabin for the cost.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are relatively nice for a midsize sedan, the seats are comfortable on long drives, cargo space is also very good.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Optima. Avoid models from 2011–2016 since they have engine problems, models form 2017–2020 are more dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the engine choices, although none of them are all that fast.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Optima is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard technology includes lane keep assist, forward collision warning, along with emergency braking. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 31 MPG, giving 573 miles of range out of the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $28 cheaper than average at $197 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Kia Optima is cheaper than other midsize sedans while still offering a lot of features, making it a very good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Optima?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Kia Optima is a very competitive midsize sedan with competent performance, and it gets good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Kia Optima at 4.4/5, enjoying the advanced driver assistance features, but doesn’t like the limited rear headroom due to the sloping roofline.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Optima a 4.1/5, praising the roomy cabin for a midsize sedan, but owners don’t like that there’s no all-wheel drive system available.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Kia Optima Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Kia Optima include moisture in the headlights, excessive brake wear, along with frozen touchscreens. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize cars on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Optima ages.
Moisture in the headlights is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Optima owners, showing up within the first 2,000 miles. There are some headlights which have seal failures from the factory, allowing water in. Usually, Kia dealerships will replace the lights for free under warranty when it’s very new. Out of warranty, the lights cost about $550 each.
Excessive brake wear has also been reported by some 2020 Optima owners at around 15,000 miles. The front brake pads, in particular, tend to wear down quicker than in other cars. Changing out the brake pads costs around $250, while rotors are an additional $400.
Frozen touchscreens are another problem mentioned by some Optima owners within the first 5,000 miles. There are some software updates available for the touchscreen, which improves its reliability. Dealerships will usually install these updates for free during normal servicing, while others charge around $50.
There are no recalls on the 2020 Kia Optima, which is better than some other midsize sedans. Since there are no recalls, it simply means none of the issues have been extremely widespread or affected the safety of the car.
How Long Will the 2020 Kia Optima Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Kia Optima can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other sedans like the Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize cars, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $451 per year.
As a used 2020 Optima reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the serpentine belt for $125, the wheel speed sensor costing $250, along with the battery cables, which cost around $400.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great, and features an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Harman Kardon stereo system.
Standard safety technology is better than a lot of the competition, and includes:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane change assist
- Lane keep assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Rear parking sensors
- Lane departure warning
- Driver attention monitor
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Adaptive headlights
Is the 2020 Kia Optima a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Kia Optima is a good value for a midsize sedan with some nice technology features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $18,750 to $29,550, making it less than a Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy. When new, the price range was $23,390 to $32,190. Depreciation is similar to other sedans, losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Kia Optima?
There are four main models of the 2020 Kia Optima offered from the entry-level LX through to the sportier and more luxurious SX. The Optima comes standard with front-wheel drive on all models.
LX is the entry-level model, which has:
- Automatic headlights
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic high-beam control
- Heated mirrors
- Height-adjustable front seats with two-way power lumbar for the driver
- 60/40-split rear seat
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Six-speaker audio system with USB port
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Rear parking sensors
- Lane keeping assist
- Driver attention monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision warning
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
S is a step-up, with:
- 18-inch wheels
- Fog lights
- Rear spoiler
- Dual exhaust tips
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Power driver’s seat
- Hands-free unlocking trunk
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Cloth and faux leather upholstery
- Optional Panoramic Sunroof package with panoramic sunroof
- Gloss-black exterior accents with the Sunroof package
EX is next in the lineup, adding:
- Unique powertrain
- Sound-reducing front door windows
- Adaptive cruise control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated front seats
- Rear air vents
- Interior wood accents
- Leather upholstery
- Advanced sensors for the forward collision warning system
- Heated steering wheel
- Three USB ports (two in front, one in rear)
- Wireless charging pad
- Rear power outlet
- HD and satellite radio
- Optional Premium package with additional features
SX is the flagship model, which has:
- Similar equipment as EX with Premium package
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights and fog lights
- Automatic high-beam control
- Rear spoiler
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Red brake calipers
- Black-painted exterior accents
- Flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles
- Metal interior trim
- Enhanced driver information display
- Temporary spare tire (other trims have tire repair kit)
What Engines Come In the Kia Optima?
- The base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 185 horsepower. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain yields a combined fuel economy of 25 MPG. Regarding its acceleration, the 2.4-liter engine propels the Optima from 0 to 60 MPH in around 8.5 seconds.
- There’s also a more efficient 6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine available. This engine delivers 178 horsepower and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Its combined fuel economy is impressive, standing at 31 MPG. Regarding speed, this turbocharged variant achieves a 0-60 MPH time of roughly 7.6 seconds.
- For those seeking more power, the Optima also offers a0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Producing 245 horsepower, it’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine variant has a combined fuel economy of 24 MPG. In terms of acceleration, this powertrain allows the sedan to sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in an estimated 6.8 seconds.
What Colors Does the Kia Optima Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Optima?
The 2020 Kia Optima stands out as a comfortable sedan, especially given its midsize classification. Inside, passengers are welcomed by a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom, guaranteeing that both front and rear occupants enjoy a relaxing ride. The seats, upholstered in quality materials, offer good support and are designed to reduce fatigue during long journeys.
Additionally, the Optima is equipped with a smooth suspension system that absorbs most road imperfections, providing a tranquil driving experience. Noise insulation is commendable, with minimal intrusion from wind and road noise, even at highway speeds. Furthermore, user-friendly controls and a well-laid-out dashboard mean drivers can easily access essential functions without distraction, further enhancing the comfort and ease of driving this sedan.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Optima Have?
The 2020 Kia Optima offers a commendable amount of storage space for both passengers and cargo. Its trunk boasts a generous 15.9 cubic feet of space, allowing owners to comfortably fit items like suitcases, grocery bags, or even a stroller. This makes it a practical choice for families, daily commuters, or those who often travel.
Beyond its trunk capacity, the Optima also provides a variety of small interior storage options, including door pockets, a glove box, center console storage, and cup holders. These nooks and crannies are perfect for stashing everyday items such as phones, sunglasses, water bottles, and wallets, making sure that everything has its place inside the car.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Kia Optima was launched for the 2016 model year.
2015: SX Limited model has been renamed to SXL, updated Uvo stereo technology system.
2016: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new styling, technology, engines, and interior.
2017: Upgraded LED headlights on the SX and SXL models, additional options packages offered.
2018: New sportier S model launched, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all models.
2019: Small exterior styling changes from earlier years, new headlights, and more driver assistance features.
2020: Minor changes to the standard features, pedestrian detection added to all models, and the final model year before the Optima was discontinued.
How Does the Kia Optima Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Kia Optima is a nice midsize sedan, offering a lot of technology features and a good interior for the money, although long-term reliability ratings are slightly lower than some competitors.
The Hyundai Sonata is another midsize sedan available for around $1,500 more. Both the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata are built on the same base platform, while the Hyundai Sonata offers a nicer interior. We recommend the Kia Optima since it’s a better value, but it’s worth looking at both to see which you prefer.
The Honda Accord is a popular competitor, which can be found for about $2,500 more. Reliability ratings are a bit better on the Honda Accord, while the Kia Optima offers a more upscale cabin. We recommend the Honda Accord since the ownership costs will be lower as it ages.