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2020 Kia Optima EX Review

September 7, 20265 min readBy South West

Tech features compete with more expensive sedans, but touchscreen can be laggy when cold. Full review of the 2020 Kia Optima from South West Auto Group.

N/A
Horsepower
N/A
0-100 km/h
FWD
Drivetrain
9.8 L/100km combined
Combined
N/A
Torque
5 / 5 ★
Safety

If you're weighing a 2020 Kia Optima, the short answer is yes — it earns a look for tech features compete with more expensive sedans, and comfortable seats for long-distance travel. The honest trade-off: touchscreen can be laggy when cold. This example sold for $14,995, showed 141,183 km and is rated an official 9.8 L/100km combined.

This 2020 Kia Optima EX in Gray offers a comfortable, well-equipped sedan with 141,183km on the odometer. Loaded with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full suite of driver assistance features including blind spot detection and forward collision warning. Priced at $14,995, it's a smart, affordable choice for anyone looking for a reliable daily driver in London, Ontario.

What stood out about this one

I've had a lot of Optimas come through the lot over the years, and this EX trim always stands out to me for how much it offers without asking buyers to stretch their budget. The heated seats and dual-zone climate control are the kind of features you don't expect to see at this price point, and they make a real difference on those cold London mornings.

This one has seen its fair share of kilometres, which just means it's been someone's reliable daily companion. The safety tech on this car — blind spot detection, lane departure warning, forward collision warning — is honestly more than you'd find on plenty of newer vehicles in this price range, and that gives me real confidence recommending it.

If you're looking for a comfortable, well-equipped sedan that won't drain your wallet at the pump or at purchase, this Optima EX deserves a look. Come take it for a drive and see for yourself.

Features and equipment

Safety

  • Backup Camera
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Traction Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Anti-Lock Braking System
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring

Technology

  • Touchscreen Display
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • USB Ports (Front)
  • Voice Control System

Comfort & Convenience

  • Heated Front Seats
  • Dual Zone Climate Control
  • Power Driver Seat
  • Power Passenger Seat
  • Keyless Entry
  • Push Button Start
  • Tilt Steering Wheel
  • Telescopic Steering Wheel
  • Power Windows
  • Power Door Locks

Exterior

  • Daytime Running Lights
  • Power Folding Mirrors

Performance

  • Gas Engine
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Front Wheel Drive

What to check before you buy

  • Check that the timing chain and engine have had regular oil changes, as the 2.4L Theta II engine benefits from consistent maintenance
  • Test the dual-zone climate control and heated seats to confirm they're functioning properly
  • Inspect tires and brakes given the higher kilometre count on this unit
  • Confirm infotainment system connectivity (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) works smoothly with your phone before driving off the lot

This 2020 Kia Optima EX was sold by South West Auto Group in London, Ontario. If you are looking at something similar, have a look at what is on the lot now — and if you want a straight answer about whether it is the right fit, just ask.

Specifications

Engine2.4L 4-Cylinder
DrivetrainFWD
TransmissionAutomatic
Fuel typeGasoline
Fuel economy9.8 L/100km combined
Mileage141,183 km
Safety rating5 / 5 (NHTSA)
Price when sold$14,995
Highlights

The 2020 Kia Optima EX sits comfortably in the sweet spot of Kia's midsize sedan lineup, offering a well-rounded blend of comfort, technology, and value without stepping into the higher-priced SX trims. This generation of Optima earned a reputation for its confident styling, spacious cabin, and a longer-than-average warranty coverage that made it a favourite among budget-conscious buyers who still wanted a few premium touches. The EX trim brings meaningful upgrades over the base LX, including heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver and passenger seat, and an 8-inch touchscreen with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in. Add to that a genuinely comprehensive suite of driver assistance features — blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning — and you get a car that feels more advanced than its price tag suggests. This Optima EX is a great fit for commuters, students, or first-time buyers who want a comfortable, tech-forward sedan without breaking the bank. The 2.4L 4-cylinder engine paired with the smooth 6-speed automatic delivers dependable, easy-going power that's ideal for daily driving around London and the surrounding area. With Ontario winters in mind, the heated front seats and responsive traction and stability control systems make this Optima a practical choice for year-round driving. At $14,995, it represents strong value for a vehicle with this level of standard equipment.

FEATURE
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
TECH
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
South West's Take: “This Optima EX is exactly the kind of car I like to have on the lot — comfortable, loaded with useful tech, and priced to make sense for real people. If you want heated seats, a great touchscreen, and solid safety features without paying luxury car money, this one's worth a test drive.”
Pros & Cons
Pros
Tech features compete with more expensive sedans
Comfortable seats for long-distance travel
Strong warranty coverage on used models
Reliable platform with good resale value
Cons
Touchscreen can be laggy when cold
Interior materials feel slightly less premium than competitors
Final Verdict
  • 2020 Kia Optima EX sedan in Gray
  • 141,183 km
  • Front-Wheel Drive
  • Heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control
  • 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Blind spot detection, lane departure warning, forward collision warning
  • Priced at $14,995

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