There’s one midsize sedan that, according to U.S. News, is really something to rave about. The 2020 Kia Optima came in with a No. 1 ranking in their survey looking for the Best Midsize Car for 2020. Why was the Kia Optima rated so highly, and what sets it apart from all its competitors in the crowded sedan market?

What reviewers love about the 2020 Kia Optima

The 2020 Kia Optima’s No. 1 rating by U.S. News isn’t quite final. There are still a few pieces of research and data points missing, but so far, the Kia Optima has earned a score of 8.6 out of 10. It is currently ranked No. 1 in the midsize cars category in their annual “Best Midsize Car for the Money” hunt for its great combination of value and quality.

Overall, reviewers had to nitpick to find anything wrong with the 2020 Optima. They loved the comfortable, spacious interior, high-quality materials, and comfortable ride even on rough surfaces. They were pleased with how user-friendly the tech features are, making it easy to keep your attention focused on driving while performing tasks. 

The different trim levels

One of the things that impressed reviewers the most was all the features on the 2020 Kia Optima’s base LX model. It comes with everything the standard driver needs, including advanced standard safety features. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder puts out 185 hp. Paired with the six-speed automatic transmission, it works for most people’s daily driving routine.

If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, the EX trim adds a seven-speed transmission. It also bumps up the power with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. The SX trim goes even further, with a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that delivers 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Each Optima trim, the LX, S, Special Edition, EX, EX Premium, and SX have slightly different configurations.

Features of the 2020 Kia Optima

The Kia Optima is a midsize four-door sedan that has a sleek profile. It has the signature, tiger-nose grille, available LED headlights, and an available rear spoiler. It has a poised, sporty look, with 18-inch, gloss black alloy wheels. The interior design is also very distinctive for the price level with available two-tone leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The easy-to-use infotainment system has a lot of features for the 2020 Kia Optima’s starting price point of $23,390. Standard features on all trims include an 8-inch, responsive touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth wireless technology, a USB port, Siri Eyes Free, and a six-speaker sound system. Available features include navigation, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, three more USB ports, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.

There are also a lot of high-tech safety features that are standard, such as automatic emergency braking and standard high-beam assist. Standard blind-spot collision warning gives you visual and audible cues to avoid hazards. Lane-keeping assist and forward collision-avoidance is also standard on all models, and so is a rear cross-traffic alert, and a sensor that monitors driver drowsiness. 

Available smart cruise control keeps you safe in traffic, and there are also available adaptive headlights, 360-degree parking camera, and pedestrian detection. Overall, reviewers were very impressed with the number of high-tech safety features available on this high-quality midsize sedan. 

Buyers looking for a lot of car for their money should have confidence choosing a 2020 Kia Optima. According to U.S. News, it’s well on its way to earning its 2020 Best Midsize Car for the Money award.