A wealth of standard features, user-friendly tech and a comfortable, spacious interior make the Kia Optima a solid pick for a midsize sedan. But if you're looking for maximum fuel savings, consider the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid. Its hybrid powertrain features a rechargeable battery that means short trips can be driven on electric power alone.

With an estimated range of 28 miles on electric power, the plug-in Optima can ferry short-range commuters one, or possibly both, directions of their daily drive on electric miles alone. When the electric miles are used up, the powertrain switches over to the four-cylinder gas engine rated at 40 mpg, so there are no range anxiety issues to deal with as with a full EV (battery electric vehicle). And if you're near a charging station or even at home, the Optima Plug-In Hybrid can fully charge in about three hours from a 240-volt source, or about nine hours from a standard 120-volt household-style outlet. That's a longer charge time than for a typical EV but not unreasonable for a plug-in hybrid.

By necessity, the rechargeable Optima carries a larger battery pack, which leaves it with less than 10 cubic feet of cargo space. Rival plug-in hatchbacks such as the Honda Clarity and the Toyota Prius offer much more, although the Optima measures up about equal to other sedans. On the other hand, the Kia is dynamic and entertaining to drive, more so than some other plug-in hybrid alternatives. Overall, we think it's worth checking out.

Which Optima Plug-In Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

With just one trim level available, the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX is an easy recommendation. But we also like the extra features that come with the Technology package, such as a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, and navigation system. Even with these extra luxury and tech items, and factoring in a federal tax credit, the Optima Plug-In Hybrid remains competitively priced.

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid models

The 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid is a five-passenger midsize sedan powered by the combination of an electric motor and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Power reaches the road through a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The four-cylinder's fuel economy is rated at 40 mpg combined.

The Optima Hybrid comes well-equipped with standard features, but one available package dresses up the Kia even further. There is also a regular Optima Hybrid, reviewed separately.

The only trim level available, the EX, comes with a shedload of standard features. Highlights include leather seating, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Uvo 8-inch touchscreen tech interface, a navigation system, wireless device charging, push-button ignition, and a comprehensive suite of driver aids (automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control, among others).

The Technology package includes items such as larger wheels, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and additional driver aids.

Save as much as $6,206 with Edmunds

2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid pricing

in Ashburn, VA

2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A

$31,109

Build & price

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Build & price

2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid price drops

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid.

Average user rating: 4.0 stars

1 total reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

4/5 stars, Great plugin hybrid, just a few drawbacks

Rondad, 05/22/2020

EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)

Edmunds info on the 2020 Optima plugin Hybrid is slightly inaccurate - there's no sunroof on the EX (only available trim). One annoying thing is that the wireless phone charger isn't large enough for the larger-size phones like the iPhone XS Max and the Samsung Galaxy Note series IF you have a case on the phone. Neither my wife's IPhone nor my Note8 can take advantage of this

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Features & Specs

Trim

Base MSRP: $36,090

MPG & Fuel: N/A City / N/A Hwy / 41 Combined; Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gal. capacity

Seating: 5 seats

Drivetrain: Type: front wheel drive; Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic

Engine: Inline 4 cylinder; Horsepower: 202 hp @ 6000 rpm; Torque: 276 lb-ft @ 2330 rpm

Basic Warranty: 5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Dimensions: Length: 191.1 in. / Height: 57.5 in. / Width: 73.2 in.; Curb Weight: 3799 lbs.; Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 9.9 cu.ft.

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Safety

Our experts’ favorite Optima Plug-In Hybrid safety features:

Lane Departure Warning System: Monitors the vehicle position within your lane and warns if you deviate, or begin to deviate, from it.
Blind-Spot Detection: Warns you of vehicles that might be in your blind spots with audio and visual signals, including side-mirror indicators.
Forward Collision Warning: Warns of a potential collision with the car in front of you. Bundled with autonomous emergency braking.

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid vs. the competition

2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

2019 Chevrolet Volt

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid vs. Chevrolet Volt

The Chevrolet Volt is the king of the hill in the plug-in hybrid market. Because of its EPA-rated 53 miles of all-electric range, the Volt can frequently be used on a daily basis without having to switch over to the gas engine at all. It also offers good handling and decent acceleration. But the Volt's interior plastics leave a lot to be desired, as does its somewhat tight back seat.

Compare Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid & Chevrolet Volt features

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid vs. Honda Clarity

The Honda Clarity comes in three flavors, and the Plug-In Hybrid version might just be the most sensible of the bunch. It can go an estimated 47 miles on all-electric power while offering more space for passengers and cargo than the Volt. But the Clarity's styling might not be everyone's cup of tea, both inside or out.

Compare Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid & Honda Clarity features

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid vs. Ford Fusion Energi

The Fusion Energi is like the Optima Plug-In Hybrid since they're both traditional sedans converted to be plug-in hybrids. The Fusion Energi can go an estimated 21 miles under electric power but benefits from having a 14-gallon fuel tank when the juice runs out. The Fusion's roomy, quiet cabin is appealing, but there's a distinct lack of cargo space.

Compare Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid & Ford Fusion Energi features

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5 average Rating out of 1 reviews.
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Toyota Prius Prime
3.375 average Rating out of 8 reviews.
Starting at $28,200

FAQ

Is the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 Optima Plug-In Hybrid both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Optima Plug-In Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 41 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Optima Plug-In Hybrid has 9.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid. Learn more

What's new in the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid:

Wireless device charging and some features from last year's Technology package are now standard
Part of the fourth Kia Optima generation introduced in 2016

Learn more

Is the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

To determine whether the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Optima Plug-In Hybrid. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Optima Plug-In Hybrid's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 Optima Plug-In Hybrid is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid?

The least-expensive 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid is the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $36,090.

Other versions include:

EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) which starts at $36,090

Learn more

What are the different models of Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid?

If you're interested in the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid, the next question is, which Optima Plug-In Hybrid model is right for you? Optima Plug-In Hybrid variants include EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A). For a full list of Optima Plug-In Hybrid models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

More about the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid Overview

The 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid is offered in the following submodels: Optima Plug-In Hybrid Sedan. Available styles include EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A).

What do people think of the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 Optima Plug-In Hybrid 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Optima Plug-In Hybrid.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Optima Plug-In Hybrid featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid?

2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)

The 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $37,315. The average price paid for a new 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) is trending $6,206 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $6,206 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $31,109.

The average savings for the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) is 16.6% below the MSRP.

Which 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrids are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid.

Can't find a new 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrids you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Kia for sale - 5 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $17,503.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Kia lease specials