carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.6L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM7) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 27 / 37 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,200 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 292 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $21,287–$28,073 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2020 Kia Optima earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.5/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.0/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $21,287–$28,073, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Optima sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value lands at 7.9/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2020 Kia Optima, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2020 Kia Optima ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $21,287 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 23%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Kia Optima scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.4 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $26,780 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $26,000 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.1/10 | $25,220 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $24,440 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.0/10 | $23,660 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $21,287 | |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $20,561 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $19,835 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $19,110 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $18,384 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $17,658 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 7.5/10 | $18,200 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.