Honda Accord vs. Kia Optima: Which $20,000 Used Midsize Sedan Wins?
From sleek styling and spacious interiors to impressive performance and the latest technology, 3-year-old used cars are a great way to get the features you want for less money. Many late-model used vehicles are as good as or better than their new counterparts. Take, for instance, the 2020 Honda Accord and the 2020 Kia Optima. These used midsize sedans offer impressive features, but which one reigns supreme in driving and performance, interior and tech, and features? Here’s a side-by-side comparison.
| 2020 Honda Accord | 2020 Kia Optima | |
| Average Price | $21,600–$31,250 | $18,400–$26,300 |
| Engine Types & Sizes | 1.5L & 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.4L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder or 1.6L & 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower & Torque | 192 hp & 192 lb-ft; 252 hp & 273 lb-ft | 185 hp & 178 lb-ft; 178 hp & 195 lb-ft; 245 hp & 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | CVT or six-speed manual (standard in sport trim) or 10-speed automatic (standard on the Touring trim) | Six-speed automatic or Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (standard in EX trim) |
| 0–60 Acceleration | 6.2 seconds (manual transmission) | 6.9 seconds (automatic transmission) |
| Fuel efficiency | 33 mpg combined with 1.5L engine, 30 mpg combined with 2.0L engine | 29 mpg combined with 2.4L engine, 28–29 mpg combined with 1.6 and 2.0L engines |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
Overview of the 2020 Honda Accord
Pros:
- Spacious interior with upscale materials
- Smooth ride and agile handling
- Loaded with advanced safety tech and driver-assistance features
- Potent engine
- Good fuel efficiency
Cons:
- Noisy compared to rivals
- Smaller trunk opening than competitors
The 2020 Honda Accord is a superb choice if you’re looking for an affordable used midsize sedan with reliable performance and modern technology. All trims have ample seating, plenty of storage space in a 16.7-cubic-foot trunk, and a host of tech features, like a 7.0-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Honda Sensing suite of safety tech. The Accord’s impressive fuel efficiency earned it Edmunds’ Top Rated Sedan and one of the Best Gas Mileage Cars for 2020.
Overview of the 2020 Kia Optima
Pros:
- Easy-to-use infotainment system
- Adequate standard features
- Generous interior and trunk
- Advanced safety features available at every trim level
Cons:
- Somewhat unrefined 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine
- Relatively sluggish acceleration
The 2020 Kia Optima makes a great alternative to the Accord for more budget-conscious. The roomy interior fits five riders comfortably, and the trunk provides 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Though its performance may not match the Accord’s, the Optima is loaded with standard features. They include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, a rearview camera, push-button start, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. The standard 2.4-liter engine also gets decent EPA-estimated gas mileage of 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
2020 Honda Accord vs. 2020 Kia Optima: Driving and performance
Performance is one of the more important criteria when comparing vehicles. In this case, both used midsize sedans offer outstanding performance in their class. The 2020 Honda Accord’s 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder base engine produces 192 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque, while the 2020 Kia Optima’s 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder makes 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Not only does the Accord have an edge in power and torque, but it also provides a smooth ride and a well-balanced chassis. It’s an ideal choice for drivers wanting a good mix of performance and comfort. On the other hand, the Optima offers a comfortable ride, but its handling doesn’t quite match the Accord’s.
2020 Honda Accord vs. 2020 Kia Optima: Interior and tech
These used Honda and Kia sedans offer high-quality interior design and tech features. The 2020 Accord is one of the most comfortable cars, with plenty of room for adults to stretch out in both rows. It also has various standard tech features, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 7.0-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth connectivity, and the Honda Sensing safety suite.
The 2020 Optima offers similar features, but its interior design is sportier. It also has a terrific infotainment system that’s intuitive and easy to use. Other standard tech features include Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen display. Also, a built-in navigation system is available in higher trims.
2020 Honda Accord vs. 2020 Kia Optima: Trim levels and features
Honda offered the 2020 Accord in six trims, from the LX to the Touring. Each offers a unique set of features. For instance, the base model provides a good selection of features, including dual-zone climate control, a 4.2-inch driver information display, and Honda Sensing. The range-topping Touring adds premium amenities such as leather seats, heated/ventilated front seats, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The 2020 Kia Optima came in five trims, from the LX to the Plug-in Hybrid. Like the Accord, each Optima trim adds more features and options, such as heated/ventilated front seats that are standard on the EX and SX trims. The base model has a 7.0-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and advanced safety features. The Plug-in Hybrid model allows recharging its lithium-ion battery via an optional wall charger for better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Which used midsize sedan is the right fit for you?
Ultimately, personal preferences will dictate whether the 2020 Honda Accord or the 2020 Kia Optima suits you. The Accord is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable used midsize sedan with classic styling and modern amenities. It offers a smooth ride, plenty of advanced safety tech, and good fuel efficiency in its base 1.5-liter engine.
But if you’re budget-conscious, consider the Optima, whose purchase price will likely be lower, according to J.D. Power. It has an impressive list of standard features, a spacious interior, and advanced safety features like blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert available at every trim level. In addition, its 1.6-liter engine is more fuel-efficient than the Accord’s base powerplant.
Regardless of which used midsize sedan you choose, obtain a vehicle history report and have a trusted mechanic perform an inspection to uncover potential problems before purchasing. Also, prices may vary depending on trim level, mileage, overall condition, and location.
