The News Wheel

2020 Kia Optima Hybrid Overview

The News Wheel
2020 Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid
2020 Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Optima was first introduced in 2000 as a gasoline-powered model. It wasn’t until 2011 that it became available as a hybrid option after it debuted at the LA Auto Show. Six years later, the Kia Optima was released as a plug-in hybrid model, offering drivers two variants of the incredibly efficient four-door sedan.

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What’s new for the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid?

On the outside, the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid gets new 17-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights. But the interior of this efficient vehicle has been upgraded even more. Amenities like ambient lighting with variable colors and wireless charging make like comfortable and convenient. When you want to utilize the 8-inch touchscreen, you’ll be connected to UVO link, which comes with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and remote services for door locks, starting the vehicle, and alarm notification.

To round out the new features, the 2020 Optima Hybrid is equipped with Kia Drive Wise technology, which contains the following standard safety systems: Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, and Driver Attention Warning. The 2020 Optima Plug-In Hybrid model also receives Kia Drive Wise tech along with wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting, and LED fog lights.

Exterior

On the outside, the 2020 Optima Plug-In Hybrid and Optima Hybrid feature Hybrid Blue accents, power-adjustable and heated outside mirrors, LED Daytime Running Lights, heated rear glass with a timer, and Smart Welcome, which detects your Smart Key and automatically turns on the door pocket lights and unfolds the power-folding outside mirrors. Another helpful feature on both models is Smart Trunk™, which automatically opens the trunk when you stand behind the Optima with your Smart Key in hand.

Interior

With just one trim for each model, Kia included a large collection of plush standard amenities for the 2020 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid. On both models, you’ll find heated leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone Full Automatic Temperature Control, an overhead console with sunglasses holder, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, carpeted floor mats, Satin Chrome inside door handles, and Black High-Gloss and metal look interior accents.

Performance and Efficiency

The 2020 Optima Hybrid has a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder Full Parallel Hybrid System sitting under the hood. This engine system is paired with an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with H-Matic, allowing the Optima Hybrid to get up to 192 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy comes in at an impressive 40 mpg in the city, 45 mpg on the highway and 42 mpg combined.

When you go with the 2020 Optima Plug-In Hybrid, you get some additional efficiency ratings. While the plug-in model has the same hybrid system under the hood, the fuel capacity is at 14.5 gallons compared to the 15.8 on the Optima Hybrid. When fully charged, the Optima Plug-In Hybrid can get 101 MPGe as well as 630 miles of range and 41 mpg combined.

The Full Parallel Hybrid System gives the 2020 Optima incredible efficiency
Photo: Kia

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Safety

Along with the Kia Drive Wise technology keeping you safe on every drive, the 2020 Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models are equipped with a bevy of additional standard safety features.

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