2020
Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

Starts at:
$36,090
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New 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid
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2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

Notable features

New standard convenience and safety features
Five-seat mid-size sedan
Comes in gas, hybrid or plug-in hybrid form
Hybrid gets 42 mpg combined
PHEV has 28-mile all-electric range

The good & the bad

The good

Roomy interior
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard

The bad

PHEV is pricey
Hybrid's gas mileage trails competitors'

Expert 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid?

The 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid are efficiency-focused five-seat mid-size sedans. They’re powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that work with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Optima Plug-In Hybrid can drive up to 28 miles on electric power alone, according to EPA estimates, and it’s also eligible for a federal tax credit. Competitors include the Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Energi.     

What’s New on the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid?

Wireless charging is now standard, and new standard active safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and a driver-drowsiness monitor. 

What Features in the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid Are Most Important?

Efficiency. The Optima Plug-In Hybrid’s equivalent of 101 mpg and 28-mile all-electric range is a compelling case for around-town driving. The hybrid Accord and Camry, however, outperform the Optima Hybrid’s 42-mpg combined rating. 

Should I Buy the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid?

Both the Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid are considerably more efficient than the gas-only Optima, but they’re also significantly more expensive. The Optima Hybrid is also more expensive than the Accord Hybrid and Camry Hybrid, which both have higher EPA-estimated gas mileage.

2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid?

The 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid are efficiency-focused five-seat mid-size sedans. They’re powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that work with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Optima Plug-In Hybrid can drive up to 28 miles on electric power alone, according to EPA estimates, and it’s also eligible for a federal tax credit. Competitors include the Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Energi.     

What’s New on the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid?

Wireless charging is now standard, and new standard active safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and a driver-drowsiness monitor. 

What Features in the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid Are Most Important?

Efficiency. The Optima Plug-In Hybrid’s equivalent of 101 mpg and 28-mile all-electric range is a compelling case for around-town driving. The hybrid Accord and Camry, however, outperform the Optima Hybrid’s 42-mpg combined rating. 

Should I Buy the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid?

Both the Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid are considerably more efficient than the gas-only Optima, but they’re also significantly more expensive. The Optima Hybrid is also more expensive than the Accord Hybrid and Camry Hybrid, which both have higher EPA-estimated gas mileage.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Battery
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

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  • 2020
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  • 2017
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    Starts at
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    29 mi.
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  • 2017
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    Starts at
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  • 2019
    Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid
    Starts at
    $35,390
    29 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
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    Warranty
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Consumer reviews

5.0 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 4.3
Value 4.7
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

Best kept secret among Plu-In hybrids!

After enjoying 3 Honda Accords, I finally switched to a Plug-In Hybrid Kia Optima EX Premium 2020. In the first month, I averaged 2,3 litres/100 km in fuel economy (60.7 mpg US). In fact, in my day-to-day commuting (20 km), I only use the EV mode. The 2 l. gas engine comes on idling as a generator only when the heater/AC or the defrosting is too demanding, or after about 40 km of pure EV driving, it takes up the power and then it's also silky-smooth with its 6-speed automatic transmission (gladly not a CVT!) and sips only 5,8 l/100 km. Otherwise, I REALLY enjoy the complete silence and the torquey accelerations of the electric motor on green lights. I plug it every night and I wake up to a fresh new battery every morning. I always have about 900 extra km autonomy on gas, but I mainly drive it in electric mode. The ride is extremely smooth and quiet. The interior is very roomy and comfortable. Chassis feels very solid and high-quality. Steering is precise. The equipment is complete, from the panoramic moonroof, heated leather steering wheel, heated and cooled leather seats with 10 electric adjustments, to all the programmable driving aids like intelligent Cruise-Control, Lane-Maintaining Assist, 360⁰ cameras, 2-zone AC, 10-speakers Harman-Kardon sound system, Apple CarPlay, automatic rain-detecting wipers, self-dimming headlights, LED lighting all around including new foglights, directional and self-levelling headlights etc. The addition of a big battery behind the backseat spreads the weight over the long wheelbase, so they beefed-up the rear suspension and the ride feels very well balanced and composed. It's not a sports car but, thanks to the newly-revised dampers and links, it rides like an expensive European sedan on any type of pavement. Really stable. The only faults are the size of the trunk (which will not allow many big suitcases like regular sedans do) and the non-foldable rear seat. Also, it will not start to heat up while plugged-in. Built in Hwaseong, South Korea, the Plug-In Hybrid Kia shows perfect fit and finish. I'm really impressed!
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 4.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great EV hybrid

I just leased this vehicle 9 days ago. I have traveled over 300 miles on 5 gal of gas! This includes the 200 miles from dealship to my home - so it wasn't the electric motor! Great quiet, styling, standard safety options, and performance
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid?

The 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid is available in 1 trim level:

  • EX (1 style)

What is the electric range of the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid?

The 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid can travel 28 electric-only miles before the gas engine kicks on.

EPA-estimated range is the distance, or predicted distance, a new plug-in vehicle will travel on electric power before its battery charge is exhausted. Actual range will vary depending on driving conditions, trim level, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid?

The 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

The 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid owners.

Is the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

5.0 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
  • Comfort: 5.0
  • Interior: 5.0
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 5.0

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid history

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