2020 Kia Optima Hybrid Overview
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.
Dare to Compare: See how the 2019 Sportage stacks up against the Toyota RAV4
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.
Photo: Kia
More Kia: Have you met the all-new 2020 Soul?
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.
- 8-inch Rear-View Monitor with Dynamic Parking Guidance
- Parking Distance Warning-Reverse
- Blind Spot Collision Warning
- Lane Change Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold
- Dual front advanced airbags
- Dual front seat-mounted side airbags
- Full-length side curtain airbags
- Driver’s side knee airbag
- Three-point seat belts for all seating positions
- Front seat belt pretensioners
- Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System
- Vehicle Stability Management
- Electronic Stability Control
- Traction Control System
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution
- Brake Assist System
- Hill Start Assist Control
- High Line Tire-Pressure Monitoring System
- Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren
- Rear child-safety door locks
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.