2020 Kia Optima PHEV

History/Overview

For its first plug-in car in 2015, Kia went straight for the all-electric market with a battery-powered version of the Soul compact. The Korean brand targeted a wider audience with its plug-in follow-up, 2018's Optima PHEV, which added some electric-only driving range to the Optima Hybrid.

What's New / Key Changes from Last Year

For the 2020 model year, the Optima PHEV benefits from the same styling refresh as the Optima Hybrid, which is covered in a separate buyer's guide entry. Additions include new standard LED headlights and optional LED fog lights, while the only subtraction is the loss of rear door sunshades as a standard feature.

Available Trims

Kia offers the Optima PHEV in EX and EX Premium trim levels. Both use a 2.0L gas engine mated to an electric motor for 202 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard Features

EX trim standard kit includes 17-inch wheels, automatic and adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, windshield wiper de-icer, rain-sensing wipers, heated and power-folding side mirrors, leather seating, eight-way power driver's seat with four-way lumbar, heated front and rear seats and steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8.0-inch infotainment display, nine-speaker sound system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, passive keyless entry, smart trunk, adaptive cruise control, electric parking brake, auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance, 360-degree camera views and rear parking sensors.

EX Premium adds LED fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, eight-way front passenger seat with four-way lumbar, ventilated front seats and rear door sunshades.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption estimates for the 2020 Kia Optima PHEV are 6.2/5.5 L/100 km (city/highway) when running as a hybrid, and 2.3 Le/100 km in electric vehicle mode. Electric driving range is 47 km.

Competition

Some of the Kia Optima PHEV's direct competitors are the Honda Clarity, Ford Fusion Energi and Toyota Prius Prime. Kia's parent company, Hyundai, also makes a plug-in version of the Sonata that is a virtual mechanical twin to the Optima.