History/Overview
Kia and its Hyundai parent are big boosters of electric vehicle technology, between them boasting a number of plug-in and hybrid models. One of this Korean conglomerate's first forays into hybrid tech was the Optima Hybrid, which debuted more or less as you see it here as a 2011 model. Kia refreshed the Optima significantly in 2016.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
The Optima Hybrid gains another more minor styling update for 2020. Its standard feature list gains lane departure warning, lane keep assist and city-speed forward collision avoidance. All models now come with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen (last year's car started out with a 7.0-inch display). LED headlights and LED interior lighting are new options for 2020.
Mid-range EX models lose last year's rear door sunshades, which are now limited to EX Premium trim.
Available Trims
Kia offers the Optima Hybrid in LX, EX and EX Premium trims. All use a powertrain comprising a 2.0L gas four-cylinder engine that works with an electric motor to feed a combined 192 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard Features
LX trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, windshield wiper de-icer, heated and power-folding side mirrors, eight-way power driver's seat with four-way lumbar, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter lever, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8.0-inch display audio with six speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, passive keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, driver attention warning and forward collision avoidance assist.
EX trim adds 17-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, panoramic sunroof, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, wireless smartphone charging, LED interior lighting, blind spot detection, rear parking sensors and rear cross traffic alert.
Finally, EX Premium gains automatic high beams, auto-levelling adaptive headlights, LED fog lights, eight-way power front passenger seat with two-way lumbar, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, rear-door sunshades, navigation, a nine-speaker sound system, satellite radio, adaptive cruise control, an electric parking brake, tire pressure monitoring, all-speed forward collision avoidance assist and a surround-view exterior camera system.
Fuel Economy
Kia's fuel consumption estimates for the 2020 Optima Hybrid are 5.9/5.2 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
Toyota is the driving force in the hybrid sedan segment with the Camry Hybrid; Ford and Honda also offer hybrid versions of their Fusion and Accord mid-size cars. Kia faces homegrown competition from the mechanically-similar Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
