For 2020, the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid receives a few updates. It competes with the Ford Fusion Energi, Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid, and Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid.

It sports a redesigned front end with new headlights, a reshaped grille, and a fresh bumper. At the rear, it has a new set of taillights. These changes help bring it in line with Kia’s latest styling. Inside, the Optima Plug-In Hybrid goes unchanged. There’s still room for 5 people, and a small 9.9 cubic-foot trunk, thanks to the space taken up by the car’s battery.

Powering every Optima Plug-In Hybrid is a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, 9.8-kilowatt-hour battery. Together, they produce 202 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque and drive the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Optima Plug-In Hybrid is rated for up to 28 miles of all-electric range and 101 MPGe. When in hybrid mode, it achieves 41 mpg combined. Recharging takes less than 3 hours from a 220-volt charger.

Kia sells the Optima Plug-In Hybrid in one well-equipped EX trim. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, LED taillights, a premium sound system, and heated outside mirrors. For 2020, wireless-smartphone charging is now among the standard features. The available Technology Package adds a power passenger’s seat, LED headlights with auto leveling, cooled front seats, a panoramic sunroof, LED fog lights, and ambient lighting with several colors.

The Optima’s list of standard safety features includes a reversing camera, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and a driver-attention monitor. Optional features include lane-departure warning and automatic high beams.

The 2020 Kia Optima remains one of the most efficient ways to carry up to 5 people in comfort.