KIA Optima

Kia Optima offers a spacious and quiet cabin for five passengers. The front seats are power-adjustable and add an extra layer of comfort with the heated and ventilated feature. There‘s plenty of space for both first and second-row passengers. It gets more comfortable with the seat bolstering available in the SX grade. However, despite the captivating cabin design, the downward sloping roofline intrudes with the headroom of second-row passengers. The standard interior features incorporate an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, USB port, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes, and a six-speaker audio system.

The 2020 Kia Optima is a carryover of 2019's Optima. The exterior design of this sedan is highlighted with captivating elements. In the front fascia, the tiger-nose grille and LED headlights intensify the styling while ensuring better illumination. The LED daytime running lights compose a distinctive front appearance and make the front fascia more engaging than many of its rivals. The rear fascia of Optima doesn’t reflect the same engagement and style. With many sedans available in the identical taillight design as of Optima, it looks a bit traditional. 

Kia Optima provides a gentle and composed ride quality. The MacPherson strut suspension and stabilizer bar in the front, which significantly helps in maintaining the balance of Optima over bumpy roads. The multi-link suspension in the rear strengthens the ride quality and handling. The top-trim SX is equipped with the sport-tuned suspension, it hardens the ride quality instead of making it better. In terms of handling, Kia Optima maintains the genuine reciprocity with the track and acts responsively as per the driver's input. 

The five grades of Kia Optima are available in three engine options. The first two base grades LX and S are powered by the 2.4-L engine. It can deliver an exhilarating power of 185 hp at 6,000 rpm and torque of 178 lb.-ft. at4,000 rpm. This engine is mated with the 6-speed automatic transmission system and delivers better fuel-efficiency of 29 mpg combined. However, as the 2.4L engine isn’t punchy enough, this powertrain is best suited for city rides. To make your ride more powerful, you can pick higher trims. Like the EX and EX Premium are powered by the 1.6-L Turbocharged engine. It’s mated with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and ensures maximum power output of 178 hp at 5,500 rpm and torque of 195 lb.-ft. at 1,500–4,500 rpm. The 1.6L turbo engine can deliver a combined fuel efficiency of 31 mpg. Moreover, the top trim SX features a more agile 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated with the six-speed automatic transmission. Optima’s SX can produce the maximum power of 245 hp at 6,000 rpm and torque of 260 lb.-ft. at 1,350–4,000 rpm. This engine is more energetic among the lineup but presents the lowest combined fuel efficiency of 24 mpg. 

The base grades of Optima LX and S come standard with 12-inch ventilated disc brakes in the front wheels and 11-inch solid disc brakes in the rear wheels. These grades also get the standard features including lane keep assist, lane change assist, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and driver drowsiness monitor. Whereas, the rest of the grades are equipped with the 12.6-inch ventilated disc brakes in the front and 11.2-inch solid disc brakes in the rear wheel. And, also arrives with more advanced safety features, such as adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, etc.

Each grade of Optima is packed with standard driving assistance and infotainment features. Despite it, Optima is priced reasonably in the highly competent mid-size sedan segment. It’s available in three engine options and offers top of the line ride quality. However, on the handling front, Optima performs average than many of its rivals.