2020 Kia Optima

There's been a lot to admire about the Kia Optima since its introduction to the US market where it was the most popular Kia from 2012 to 2015. From its stylish design to its featureful lineup, it has always been a value-rich offering boasting class and refinement. There is now even more to like from the 2020 model, with the midsize sedan having received some safety-focused alterations for the new year - a year that'll likely be this generation's last with an all-new model on the way for 2021. The class is a highly competitive one though, with the venerable Honda Accord and Toyota Camry effectively keeping the Optima in check. Even so, there's an Optima model for nearly everyone, with five trims to choose from, and three engine options available - ranging from a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder mill, to a 245-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-pot. With two transmission options available as well, will the Optima be able to regain a foothold in the segment for 2020?

There is a lot of value within the Optima lineup, with its price range falling slightly below the average midsize sedan costs. The base-spec model of the lineup, the LX, is given a base price of $23,190; the Kia Optima S is priced at $24, 690 and is followed by the EX which is priced at $26,990. The EX Premium, which has an MSRP of $29,990, sits below the top-spec SX, which is presented with an MSRP of $31,990.

Most of the Optima trims are equipped with a suspension tuned ideally for comfort, and they do ride comfortably with a mostly buttoned-down feel. Typical suburban and highway road imperfections and undulations are suitably smoothed over and absorbed, and the Optima's chassis remains composed and without excessive body movements. The SX's sport-tuned suspension copes with rough surfaces admirably, too, despite sporty inclinations.

For a family car, the Optima is quite impressive when it comes to handling; its steering responses are accurate and fast without feeling overly darty at higher speeds. It always tracks straight, though it is rather light on feedback, and its suitably heavy weighting provides a sensation of solidity. There is a slight hint of understeer when pushing on too hard through corners, but the car manages to remain firmly planted to the asphalt providing the driver with some confidence. The brakes also provide decent, consistent stopping power - not too aggressive, nor too weak, the pedal is easy to modulate in high traffic conditions.

The SX trim is equipped with some advanced underpinnings, including an electric-power-steering motor directly mounted to the rack, as opposed to the column as in other trim levels. This means that the SX turns into corners more aptly and, by virtue of its other specially-tuned mechanics, delivers a surprisingly improved ride quality with fewer disturbances transmitted to the cabin. Still, it lacks the sportiness of rivals like the Honda Accord and is better left to more sedate driving conditions.

The new Kia Optima is an exceptional vehicle - but it's not the best in the class. While there's a lot to like, especially from the two turbocharged powertrains, which are reasonably powerful and fuel-efficient, although most of the offerings from the competition simply manage to perform better in both regards. The Honda Accord is one such rival that also happens to be roomier on the inside and more premium in interior design and quality. But the Optima is, nevertheless, comfortable and spacious, offering plenty of passenger room and a usable trunk, with a wide array of in-cabin storage solutions. The infotainment system is favorable too, coming standard with full smartphone integration and with a premium Harman Kardon audio system in the top-spec trims. All Kia Optima models also come equipped with a compendium of safety and advanced driver-assist features as standard - so there's no skimping on safety in lower-level trims - and it boasts a history of exceptional crash test safety ratings from both key authorities. A relatively good reliability rating also contributes to making the Optima one of the most ideal family sedans around. Most of all, the Optima delivers brilliant value within the class for just how much it offers in specs versus how much it costs - even the base model comes with many advanced features which other vehicles require you to add on. It's a great buy for anyone, really.

The EX Premium is our model of choice, as it is one of two models, along with the standard EX, that comes with the better-performing 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox. This powertrain not only accords the Optima with better straight-line performance than the 2.4-liter engine, but it's also the most fuel-efficient in the entire lineup. The EX would be a suitable pick too, but the EX Premium is well worth the extra $2,000 for the fully-power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, upgraded Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, and the panoramic sunroof.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is an all-new model this year but still features powertrain options that are similar to those of the Optima's, specifically the 1.6-liter turbo-four. The Sonata has an eight-speed automatic transmission, however, which is slightly more fuel-efficient, returning estimates of 28/38/33 mpg on the EPA drive cycles. Though neither of these sedans are exclusively sporty by design, the Sonata exudes more of a modern, athletic appearance, which may appeal to some. Both are very sedate in their performance, built for the commuters among us and not the racers. The Sonata is also a little more refined on the inside; the cabin is more interesting and exudes more of a premium impression, and it features a larger, available 10.3-inch touchscreen, which just graces the dash beautifully when installed. While the two midsize sedans are very similar in most regards, the Sonata is a little over $500 more than the Optima, which when considering that it's a newer generation with more modern tech, makes it a no-brainer.

The Honda Accord is a long time - and thriving - rival of the Optima. It's only a little more expensive than the Optima and comes equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo-four engine on base trims, which is not only more powerful than two of the Optima's available powertrains, but it's more fuel-efficient as well. An even more powerful engine is optional for the higher-spec trims of the Accord lineup. The Accord delivers greater performance and a more refined ride than the Optima: it's faster, more capable around the bends, and with all that said, it's still suitably comfortable. Like the Optima, the Accord also comes generously outfitted with features - from comfort and convenience, to safety and driver-assists. The Honda Accord's safety ratings match those of the Kia Optima's ratings, too. The Accord boasts a far more premium-feeling interior though, with a bit more class and visual appeal. Overall, the Honda Accord is a better all-rounder, delivering a little more of everything in comparison to the Optima.