Whenever car owners and car critics discuss the reliability of midsize sedans, several names linger at the top of their list. However, U.S. News has singled out the 2020 Kia Optima as the new reliability leader among midsize sedans, even beating out Toyota Camry. The standard features in the base model of the Optima also set it apart as the Best Midsize Car for 2020. This changing of the guard demands taking a closer look at just what U.S. News sees in the 2020 Optima and what it means for buyers who focus on reliability in a family car.

The 2020 Kia Optima is ranked among the most reliable family cars

Given the Kia Optima’s rather shaky track record, especially where reliability is concerned, it comes as quite a surprise to find the 2020 Kia Optima ranked so high. Though the Optima failed to garner a perfect five-out-of-five rating from the U.S. News reliability survey, it topped some strong competitors and is in distinguished company with its 4.5 out of 5 score.

Those autos tied with Optima include the Cadillac XT5, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Optima’s own minivan cousin the Kia Sedona. SUVs dominated the list overall with Toyota’s Camry and Avalon (both rating four out of five) being the only other sedans on the list. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Equinox received perfect ratings along with the Lexus RX 350 and RX Hybrid.

What’s behind the U.S. News rating?

To compile their list of the most reliable family cars, U.S. News analyzed a combination of family-friendly attributes along with predicted reliability. Their predicted reliability ratings take into account verified consumer surveys of three-year-old vehicles throughout the past 12 months of ownership conducted by J.D. Power and Associates.

Predicted reliability in a family car translates into providing families with reliable transportation that costs less money over the long-term, making this one of the most important ratings for frugal family car buyers.

Features that make the Kia Optima reliable

Family-friendly features included with the 2020 Optima are soft-to-the-touch surfaces and luxury throughout the cabin, two full LATCH car-seat connector sets on the rear outboard seats along with a tether anchor in the middle seat, and above-average cargo space.

The UVO infotainment system included in the Optima features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a USB port (three additional ports available), Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, and a six-speaker sound system. The system’s 8-inch touchscreen control is easy to use and responsive.

The 2020 Kia Optima’s high-quality interior and comfortable ride have moved this midsize sedan to the top of its class. However, flashy tech gadgets, powerful performance, and luxury are not what drives the U.S. News reliability rating.

High reliability ratings come from a car’s capacity to log miles on the road rather than hours in the shop. The Optima scored 83 out of 100 in the J.D. Power and associates predictable reliability rating, which ranks among great car achievements. Kia backs the reliability of the Optima with a solid five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

Family car buyers seeking reliability want the 2020 Kia Optima

Toyota Camry has been a mainstay when it comes to midsize sedan reliability for decades. However, family car buyers have a viable alternative to the Camry in the 2020 Kia Optima. The Optima provides a comfortable, family-friendly ride, ample cargo space, and plenty of tech gadgets while saving buyers about $5,000 when compared to Camry.

Above all, the 2020 Optima’s higher predicted reliability means that its owners can put their cars to the task of safely transporting their families all over town and on road trips without wasting a lot of time and money at the shop.