2020 Kia Optima

For nearly two decades, the Kia Optima has been the go-to choice for buyers who need an affordable yet accommodating sedan. Under the hood of the entry-level Optima LX is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (185 horsepower, 178 lb-ft of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic high-beam control, heated mirrors, height-adjustable front seats (with two-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver), and a 60/40-split rear seat are all standard. Tech features such as an 8-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered. Standard advanced safety equipment includes rear parking sensors, lane keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and a blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The S adds 18-inch wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust tips, keyless entry and ignition, a power driver's seat, a hands-free unlocking trunk, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth and faux leather upholstery. The EX gets its own powertrain: a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (178 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque) and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It loses the spoiler but receives sound-reducing front door windows, adaptive cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, rear air vents, interior wood accents, leather upholstery, and additional sensors for the forward collision warning system. The EX also brings with it a total of three USB ports (two in front and one in rear), a wireless charging pad, a rear power outlet, and HD and satellite radio. One package is available on the EX. The Premium package adds four-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat, driver-seat memory functions, a power passenger seat with a two-way lumbar, ventilated front seats, the panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, and a navigation system.