2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2019 Kia Optima

The 2019 Kia Optima, while not as revolutionary in design as its 2011–2015 predecessor, still managed to capture attention with its signature tiger-nose grille, stylish fender-vent trim, and optional black panoramic glass roof. The variety of trim levels allowed buyers to find a look that suited their taste and budget. However, the limited availability of interior colors, except for black, made it challenging to find the perfect combination. Prices ranged from $22,900 for the base LX to $35,790 for the SX Turbo with the Limited Package, with the plug-in hybrid model topping $42,000. The SX Turbo trim, with its blacked-out exterior, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and red brake calipers, gave off a sporty vibe, especially with the optional white pearl paint.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid maintained a subtle distinction from its non-hybrid counterparts, with only "Hybrid" badges and aerodynamic 17-inch aluminum wheels setting it apart. This approach avoided the odd design cues often seen in hybrid models, making it appealing to those who liked the standard Accord's look. The Accord Hybrid came in four trims: Hybrid, Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring, with prices starting at $25,620. The Hybrid Touring trim, priced at $36,070, offered a slight cost advantage over the non-hybrid Touring due to the standard engine's higher power. The recommended Hybrid EX trim at $29,520 included essential driver-assistance and infotainment technologies, heated front seats, and heated side mirrors.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered five different engines, including hybrid powertrains. The base LX and sporty S trims featured a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the mid-grade EX Turbo had a 178-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The hybrid model returned 41 mpg in combined driving, and the plug-in hybrid provided up to 28 miles of electric range. The SX Turbo trim, with its 245-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, delivered smooth, linear acceleration and averaged 23.5 mpg during testing. The 6-speed automatic transmission, with its manual shift gate and paddle shifters, offered four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The SX Turbo's unique rack-mounted steering system provided better feel, though it lacked crispness on mountain roads. The sport-tuned suspension offered a firm yet comfortable ride, smoothing out speed humps effectively.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, with its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and two-motor hybrid powertrain, produced 212 combined horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty, the Accord Hybrid was quick enough to lead traffic from a stoplight. During testing, it achieved 42.6 mpg in combined driving, with 44.1 mpg in city and suburban areas. The car's Sport mode made it more responsive, though it resulted in a loud drone from the eCVT. The added weight improved the car's center of gravity but affected its composure on undulating roads. Honda's engineers tuned the Accord Hybrid for predictable ride motions, flat-cornering, and natural-feeling regenerative brakes. The car provided a blend of ride, handling, and road communication, making it enjoyable to drive despite the occasional eCVT noise.

The 2019 Kia Optima excelled as a daily driver, offering comfort, simplicity, and ample storage. The controls were logically laid out, with buttons and knobs reducing the need for touchscreen interaction. The spacious interior included a 15.9-cubic-foot trunk and numerous storage cubbies. The front seats offered various power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, though the standard leather felt stiff. The Limited Package added luxurious Nappa leather and other premium features. The backseat provided impressive legroom, good thigh support, and rear air-conditioning vents. The Smart Trunk feature, while helpful, could be inconvenient if triggered unintentionally.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid retained the standard Accord's full-size interior and trunk, offering a massive backseat with excellent thigh support, rear air-conditioning vents, and available USB charging ports. However, the front seats lacked sufficient track travel and height adjustment, potentially causing discomfort for taller passengers. The seat cushions were comfortable, and the Touring trim added front heating and ventilation and rear heating. The 16.7-cubic-foot trunk was larger than competitors, accommodating four full-size suitcases and additional items. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback enhanced utility, though a hatchback design would have been even more practical.

The 2019 Kia Optima came with a generous standard infotainment system, including an 8-inch touchscreen, UVO technology, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera. Higher trims added satellite radio, UVO eServices, and a smartphone app for remote access and climate control. The SX Turbo trim featured a navigation system, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the font choice was unique.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, starting with the EX trim, offered a robust Display Audio infotainment system with a power and volume knob, tuning and scrolling knob, and shortcut buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, basic HondaLink services, and quick-charge USB ports. The EX-L trim added a premium sound system, while the Touring trim included navigation, HD digital traffic data, a wireless smartphone charger, NFC technology, a WiFi hotspot, and expanded HondaLink services. HondaLink provided features like in-car delivery of Amazon packages, Find My Car, and smartphone remote locking and starting. The Touring trim also had a head-up display (HUD) visible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2019 Kia Optima included standard driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems, making it a great value for families. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking-assist sensors, and a driver-monitoring system. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a surround-view camera system were available as upgrades. The Optima received top crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with only minor exceptions.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid came with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-sign recognition, and road-departure mitigation. The system was smoother and more refined than previous versions. All Accord Hybrids also had automatic high-beam headlights, a multi-angle reversing camera, and SmartVent front side airbags. The EX trim and higher added a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord received top crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the Touring trim earning a Top Safety Pick designation.