2020 Kia Optima Review

Under the hood of the entry-level Optima LX is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (185 horsepower, 178 lb-ft of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic high-beam control, heated mirrors, height-adjustable front seats (with two-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver), and a 60/40-split rear seat are all standard.

Tech features such as an 8-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered. Standard advanced safety equipment includes rear parking sensors, lane keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and a blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The S adds 18-inch wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust tips, keyless entry and ignition, a power driver's seat, a hands-free unlocking trunk, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth and faux leather upholstery. The optional Panoramic Sunroof package equips the S trim with a panoramic sunroof and gloss-black exterior accents.

The EX gets its own powertrain: a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (178 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque) and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It loses the spoiler but receives sound-reducing front door windows, adaptive cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, rear air vents, interior wood accents, leather upholstery, and additional sensors for the forward collision warning system. The EX also brings with it a total of three USB ports (two in front and one in rear), a wireless charging pad, a rear power outlet, and HD and satellite radio.

One package is available on the EX. The Premium package adds four-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat, driver-seat memory functions, a power passenger seat with a two-way lumbar, ventilated front seats, the panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, and a navigation system.

The range-topping SX is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (245 hp, 260 lb-ft) with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is equipped similarly to the EX outfitted with the Premium package. Additional upgrades on the SX include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and foglights, automatic high-beam control, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension, red brake calipers, black-painted exterior accents, a flat-bottom steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles, metal interior trim, and a larger driver information display. It also adds a temporary spare tire compared to the tire repair kit on other trims.