Model year guide

2020 Kia Optima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2020 Kia Optima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 24 on record.

2020 Kia Optima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2020 Kia Optima at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints136
Combined27 mpg
Typical price$18,515

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2020 Kia Optima recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2020 Kia Optima.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2020 Kia Optima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2020 Kia Optima MPG & running costs

Combined27 mpg
City24 mpg
Highway33 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,283

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2020 Kia Optima worth?

Low
$17,000
Typical price
$18,515
High
$22,194

From 13 comparable 2020 Kia Optima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2020 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,415
Depreciation (5 yrs)$3,550
Total$14,965
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($18,515) with the same model 5 model-years older ($14,946), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2020 Kia Optima trims & engines on record

Trims
LX, S, SE · SX
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl 185 hp · 2.0L 4-cyl 245 hp

2020 Kia Optima vehicles on record

2020 Kia Optima 2020 Kia Optima SX5XXGW4L26LG441121 2020 Kia Optima 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L34LG430023 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L3XLG435064 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L35LG429964 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L39LG393695 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L38LG387886 2020 Kia Optima 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L37LG388964 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L31LG406567 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L3XLG388053 2020 Kia Optima 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L30LG393536 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L39LG426520 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L38LG383112 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L39LG427957 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L39LG387010 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L35LG380166 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L35LG388915 2020 Kia Optima 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L38LG413757 2020 Kia Optima 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L32LG408991 2020 Kia Optima 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L30LG383458 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L38LG392215 2020 Kia Optima 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L33LG381073 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L31LG381962 2020 Kia Optima 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L35LG382774 2020 Kia Optima 2020 Kia Optima LX, S, SE5XXGT4L32LG424723

Other Kia Optima model years

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

2020 Kia Optima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Kia Optima have any safety recalls?

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2020 Kia Optima.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Optima?

Based on 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, power train, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Kia Optima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2020 Kia Optima at about 27 mpg combined (24 city / 33 highway).

How much is a 2020 Kia Optima worth?

Comparable 2020 Kia Optima listings run roughly $17,000–$22,194, typically around $18,515 (from 13 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.