2019 Kia Optima vs 2020 Dodge Charger

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 luxurious Limited Package, and a separate plug-in hybrid model topped $42,000.

The test car, an SX Turbo without the Limited Package, featured a blacked-out exterior, 18-inch aluminum wheels, red brake calipers, and white pearl paint, giving it a sporty appearance. Inside, black leather with red inserts, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and upgraded instrumentation added to the racy feel. Despite its appeal, the standard SX Turbo still had some cheap plastic materials, making the Limited Package's upgrades to chrome, quilted Nappa leather, and improved interior materials seem like a bargain at under $37,000.

The 2020 Dodge Charger continued the muscle car legacy with its menacing headlights and gaping grille, which were updated in 2015 to a more modern look. The facelift included a thin inlet replacing the large grille and more aggressive headlights. The cabin maintained a retro theme with large vintage-looking bezels housing modern digital displays. The rear-wheel-drive platform required a raised transmission tunnel, creating a cockpit-like feel for the driver and front passenger.

Trim levels for the 2020 Charger included SXT, GT, R/T, and Hellcat, with sub-trims for the R/T and Hellcat versions. The SXT came with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote start, push-button start, power-adjustable front seats, rear parking sensors, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The GT added 20-inch wheels, a more pronounced front spoiler, a rear trunk lip spoiler, and a hood scoop, along with dual-zone climate control, a WiFi hotspot, HD radio, and an 8.4-inch infotainment screen. The R/T and GT shared many visual cues, but the GT had the added benefit of a V8 engine. The Hellcat featured the largest engine, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and safety features like blind-spot monitoring.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered five different engines, including hybrid powertrains. The base LX and sporty S trim had a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the mid-grade EX Turbo used a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 178 hp. Hybrid models returned 41 mpg in combined driving, and the plug-in hybrid provided up to 28 miles of electric range. The SX Turbo test car had a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters. It offered four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode adjusting to driving behavior. The car averaged 23.5 mpg on the test loop, just shy of the EPA's 24 mpg estimate.

The SX Turbo trim featured a unique rack-mounted electrically assisted steering system, providing better feel at the wheel. However, it lacked crispness on mountain roads, reducing driver trust. The sport-tuned suspension offered a firm ride, but excess body motion on rough roads affected confidence. The SX Turbo's brakes, with larger front discs, performed well under typical conditions but faded under heavy use. Overall, the Optima SX Turbo was enjoyable to drive but not a true performance sedan.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered various powertrains corresponding to trim levels. The SXT and GT had a 3.6-liter V6, producing 292 hp in the SXT and 300 hp in the GT, with an 8-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD. The R/T featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, an upgraded performance suspension, and an active exhaust. The R/T Scat Pack had a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, Brembo brakes, and launch assist. The Hellcat Widebody boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.

The Charger lineup offered a range of performance options, from the base V6 to the powerful Hellcat. The widebody models had Bilstein adaptive suspension, providing precise cornering. The Brembo brakes were essential for managing the car's weight. The Performance Pages feature allowed drivers to record lap times, monitor engine performance, and customize drive modes. The Charger excelled in performance, with the Hellcat delivering exhilarating acceleration and the widebody models offering impressive handling.

The 2019 Kia Optima provided comfort, simplicity, and ample storage for daily driving. Controls were logically laid out, with buttons and knobs limiting interaction with the touchscreen. The spacious interior included a 15.9-cubic-foot trunk and numerous storage cubbies. The front seats offered various power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, with the Limited Package adding Nappa leather and heated rear seats. Backseat legroom was impressive, with good thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. Rear air-conditioning vents and quick-charging USB ports were also provided. The Smart Trunk feature automatically opened the trunk lid when standing behind the car with the key fob, though it could be turned off if needed.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered ample space, with plenty of legroom in the rear seats. The driver and front passenger enjoyed well-bolstered bucket seats and generous head- and legroom. The doors featured trays and cup holders, and the center console provided quick storage solutions. The large trunk, with 16.5 cubic feet of space, was above average for performance sedans and family sedans alike. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench allowed for additional storage space.

The 2019 Kia Optima came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, UVO technology, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera. The S and EX Turbo trims added satellite radio and UVO eServices, which used the smartphone's data plan. The UVO eServices app allowed remote access to vehicle functions and remote start. The SX Turbo included a navigation system, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with voice-recognition technology offering flexibility in commands.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims having an 8.4-inch screen. Both sizes used the Uconnect system, which included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, satellite radio, HD radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system's simplicity and logical menu layout made it easy to use. The digital display screen in the instrument panel provided trip computer, digital speedometer, vehicle settings, radio station, and phone call information, with turn-by-turn directions for the navigation system.

The 2019 Kia Optima included standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Rear parking-assist sensors and a driver-monitoring system were also standard. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The Optima received top ratings from the IIHS, except for an Acceptable rating for child safety seat LATCH anchor accessibility. The federal government gave the Optima 5-star ratings in every test, except for a 4-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision.

The 2020 Dodge Charger had standard front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Available safety features included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rain-sensing windshield wipers were also available. The Charger's crash prevention technology earned a Superior rating from the IIHS, though these features were optional.