2020 Kia Optima Hybrid Review
2020 Kia Optima Hybrid Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+70
Used Optima Hybrid for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
2020 Kia Optima Hybrid Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
- Quiet interior around town and on the highway
- Available 60/40-split rear seats increase the cargo area
- Plenty of available safety and luxury features
Cons
- Some rival hybrid sedans get better fuel economy
- The sloping roofline limits rear headroom
What's new
- Wireless device charging and some features from last year's Technology package are now standard
- Part of the fourth Optima generation introduced in 2016
Overview
Take all that is good about the Kia Optima — smooth ride, comfortable interior, generous set of standard features — and combine it with more than 40 mpg, and you get the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid. If you're considering a midsize sedan for short-range commutes and in-town driving, the Optima Hybrid merits a look.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.22 per gallon for regular unleaded in Louisiana.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Louisiana
$95/mo for Optima Hybrid EX
Optima Hybrid EX
vs
$165/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
The regular Optima's reputation is well-earned. It's sleek and looks great thanks to a guiding hand from one of Audi's former top designers. It's also loaded with features and has an infotainment system that is among the most user-friendly in the class. The Optima Hybrid amplifies these virtues by adding an impressive fuel economy of 42 mpg combined (40 city/45 highway).
True, those aren't the best numbers in the class. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry hybrids do better, and do it without sacrificing much trunk space. The Optima Hybrid gives up 2.5 cubic feet of space to house its battery pack compared to its gas-only counterpart. On the other hand, the Optima Hybrid is dynamic and entertaining to drive, more so than some other midsize hybrid alternatives. It's a competitive option in a competitive class.
Which Optima Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
With just one trim level available, the EX is an easy recommendation. But we also like the extra features that come with the Technology package, such as a panoramic sunroof, 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, upgraded Harman Kardon sound system and navigation system. Even with these extra luxury and tech items, the Optima Hybrid is still competitively priced.
2020 Kia Optima Hybrid models
The 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid is a five-passenger midsize sedan powered by the combination of an electric motor and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Together they make 192 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque and put power to the road through a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Optima Hybrid comes well-equipped with standard features, but there is one available package to dress up the Kia even further. There is also an Optima Plug-In Hybrid, reviewed separately.
Only one trim level is available, the EX, and it comes with a shedload of standard features. Highlights include leather seating, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Uvo 8-inch touchscreen tech interface, wireless device charging, push-button ignition, and a comprehensive suite of driver aids (forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, among others).
The Technology package adds items such as larger wheels, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and sound-reducing side windows. Inside, there's an upgraded Harman Kardon stereo system, a navigation system, ventilated front seats and additional driver aids.
Kia Confirms Small Electric EV3 SUV Is Coming to the U.S.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid.
5 star(43%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(14%)
1 star(14%)
14 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best PHEV
Chris Doan, 07/03/2017
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
I've owned BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz in the lasts 10 years and have been shopping around for a PHEV for months. I was considering and test driving the Ford Fusion Energi, Chevy Volt, Totoyta Prius, Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Huyndai Sonota Hybrid, Tesla Model S but finally traded in my Mercedes for a KIA Optima EX PHEV for its styling, infotaiment system, technologies, range, price/value … ratio, long warranty. This car met all my expectations: stylish, smooth/quiet/comfortable interior, reasonable EV range. It did deliver the 29 all EV range as advertised. I've installed a 240V outlet and used an inexpensive level 2 charger I bought from Amazon.com for less than $250, it charged the car from empty to full battery in less than 3 hours. Well done KIA!
5 out of 5 stars
Best Value Hybrid
Reginald Gayden, 04/16/2018
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
Bought 2017 Optima Hybrid in November 17. It was the only Hybrid Optima on the lot out of dozens of gas ones. I had been comparing Accord, Camry, and Malibu Hybrids and read the Optima Hybrid got 46 mpg on the hwy. That was only 2 or 3 miles per gallon less than the best of them so I did some pricing. My choice was for the 26,800 premium with pretty standard features, good radio with … Android Audio and SiriusXM, dual zone climate control, tilt, cruise control,pwr windows and Door locks. At the time of purchase, there was a $5,000 rebate offered. I could not believe it. All this car for less than a Prius prime. I have driven it to over 18k miles in 6 months after taking several trips and I really enjoy and appreciate this car. My first trip was from Phoenix to Vegas. Did it on one tank of gas. The car went 828 miles. Very impressive! Really like having a 6 speed transmission instead of a CVT. Driven properly there are days when it averages 60 to 61 mpg city hwy mix. It can go up to 80mph in electric mode. 10 year 100 k warranty and a 5star safety rating I think the value is unbeatable.
2 out of 5 stars
On first name basis with device department
Shannon Gudvangen, 01/25/2020
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
My car has spent more time at the dealership than at home. I had to bring it in before it even hit 200 miles. Now it's at 60,000 miles and it's been at the dealership more than 20 times and the manager of the service department knows my name when I walk in the door. One thing after another went out with the hybrid system. Apparently it has 4 air flaps and all if them had to be … replaced. It gets pretty good gas mileage when we can actually drive it. I am very disappointed with this vehicle.
5 out of 5 stars
Luxury hybrid sedan
Alan W, 03/11/2018
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
I couldn't imagine a better hybrid. I tried the Camry hybrid, didn't like the CVT (continuous variable transmission), which was noisy when pushed even slightly. It was pricey but not as well equipped as the top of the line Optima Hybrid. I bought it with the technology package, which added $5K to the price but was well worth it for the safety features. I kept my last car, an … indestructible 2003 Acura TL, for 15 years; I intend to keep the Optima Hybrid for the same length of time. The Acura was great on the highway but it was a gas guzzler in the city, where I now mainly drive, and the gas it guzzled was premium. The new car sips regular gas. It's much safer as well as far more advanced technologically. I've been getting very good gas mileage (it's rated 39 city, 46 highway but on two occasions I got 48.1 mpg). Gas mileage in the city tends to be mediocre. Besides outstanding safety and comfort, the car offers a wide variety of entertainment options thanks to Sirius XM and Android auto. Consumer reports gave the Optima a top rating. It was right about the Acura in 2003; so far it's been right about about the Optima Hybrid.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Optima Hybrid since its last redesign.
2020 Optima Hybrid Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $29,310 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 42 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $95/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Optima Hybrid models:
- Blind-Spot Detection System
- Illuminates a light on either of the Optima's side mirrors when a vehicle enters its blind spot.
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
- Sounds a warning if the Optima detects an imminent front collision. The brakes automatically engage to avoid or lessen an impact.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Sounds a warning if a vehicle is approaching the Optima from the side while it is in reverse.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.8%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
Consider these recommendations
Related Used 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Ram C/V Cargo Van 2014
- Used Jaguar XF 2014
- Used GMC Canyon 2010
- Used Kia Cadenza 2016
- Used Buick Enclave 2010 For Sale
Shop similar models
- Used Hyundai Sonata-hybrid
- Used Ford Fusion-hybrid
- Used Kia Optima-plug-in-hybrid
- Used Hyundai Sonata-plug-in-hybrid
- Used Ford Fusion-plug-in-hybrid
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 For Sale
- Used Kia Optima Hybrid 2019
- Used Kia Optima Hybrid 2020
- Used Kia Optima Hybrid 2018 For Sale
- Used Kia Optima Hybrid 2017
- Used Kia Optima Hybrid 2016
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Porsche Panamera
- 2024 MINI Cooper
- 2025 Nissan Murano News
- Audi Q8 Tron
- 2023 BMW X3
- 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
- 8 Series Coupe
- Ford Bronco 2023
- Audi TTS
- 2024 BMW X4
Research other models of Kia
- 2023 Niro
- Kiasportage Hybrid
- 2023 Kia Spectra
- 2023 Kia Sorento
- Kia Forte 2023
- 2023 Kia Rio
- Kia Niro Ev
- Kia Sportage 2023
- Kiaev6
- Kia Niro Plugin Hybrid
Research similar vehicles
- 2024 Lexus RX
- 2023 XC60
- Sorento Plug In Hybrid
- 2024 Lexus TX
- 2023 Elantra
- 2023 Ford Explorer
- 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Lexus NX 2024
- 2023 Hyundai Tucson
- 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Other models
- Used Volkswagen Passat in Beverly, MA
- Used Lotus Evora-Gt in Kennesaw, GA
- Used GMC Safari in Lancaster, SC
- Used Lexus SC-300 in Gambrills, MD
- Used Mercury Marauder in Hagerstown, MD
- Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Chapel Hill, NC
- New Land-Rover Range-Rover for Sale in Pittsburg, CA
- Used Mercedes-Benz 420-Class in Porter Ranch, CA
- New BMW I5 for Sale in Norfolk, NE
- Used Lexus LS-500H in Tarzan, TX