2019 Kia Optima vs 2020 Toyota Camry

The 2019 Kia Optima, while not as revolutionary in design as its 2011-2015 predecessor, still captured attention with its trademark tiger-nose grille, sassy fender-vent trim, and available black panoramic glass roof. This version of Kia’s midsize car offered a variety of trim levels, allowing consumers to find their ideal match in terms of both aesthetics and budget. However, the availability of interior colors was limited, except for black, making it a bit challenging to find the perfect color combination. Prices ranged from $22,900 for the base Optima LX to $35,790 for the SX Turbo with the luxurious Limited Package. The plug-in hybrid model was the most expensive, topping $42,000 with all options. Federal tax credits and state incentives could help mitigate the cost. The test car featured SX Turbo trim, but not the Limited Package, and at $33,505, it boasted a blacked-out exterior, machined-face 18-inch aluminum wheels, red brake calipers, and dazzling white pearl paint. Inside, black leather with red inserts, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and upgraded instrumentation added a sporty touch. In comparison, the 2020 Toyota Camry marked a bold shift from its historically reliable but sometimes bland design. This generation of the Camry was expressive in a way previous models never were, featuring a bold front fascia and taut lines. Some design cues seemed inspired by BMW, adding a sporty flair previously unseen in Camrys. With 14 exterior color options, including an available black roof, this version aimed to be fashionable. Inside, the Camry used uniformly nice materials and a driver-focused dashboard to make even the basic trims feel upscale. The TRD model stood out with red trim accents and bright red seatbelts, reminiscent of premium sports cars. Although it fell short of being a luxury sedan, the 2020 Camry made strides in presenting itself with luxury-like qualities, especially with the sumptuous leather and wood in the higher trim levels.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered a selection of five powertrains, including hybrid options. The base LX and sporty S trims came with a naturally aspirated 185-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The mid-grade EX Turbo featured a 178-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged engine known for its fuel efficiency. The hybrid models provided 41 mpg in combined driving, with the plug-in hybrid capable of 28 miles of electric range before reverting to a gas-electric hybrid. The SX Turbo test car packed a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivered smooth, linear acceleration rather than the immediate thrust typical of other turbocharged units. A 6-speed automatic transmission and four driving modes—Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart—allowed for a customizable driving experience. The SX Turbo's unique rack-mounted electrically-assisted steering, sport-tuned suspension, and larger brakes contributed to a firm yet not harsh ride quality. However, excessive body motion on rough roads and some steering imprecision slightly diminished the driving confidence. The 2020 Toyota Camry, by contrast, offered four distinct powertrains. The range-topping 3.5-liter V6 produced 301 hp, providing smooth power delivery but lacking in excitement for the TRD model. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine made 203 hp (or 206 hp in XSE trim) and, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered a lighter and more responsive driving experience. The TRD model further featured a specially tuned and lowered suspension, upgraded brakes, and high-performance tires, enhancing sportiness at the expense of traditional Camry comfort. The introduction of AWD added functionality without significant compromises to passenger or cargo space. The front-drive Camry achieved an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 31 mpg, while the AWD version dropped to 28 mpg. The front-drive V6 models delivered just 26 mpg, with the TRD rated at 25 mpg.

As a daily driver, the 2019 Kia Optima provided comfort, simplicity, and ample storage. Controls were logically laid out and easily accessible, with tactile buttons and knobs reducing the need for interaction with the touchscreen infotainment system. The Optima boasted a spacious 15.9-cubic-foot trunk, numerous storage compartments, adjustable front seats with available heating and ventilation, and rear air-conditioning vents with quick-charging USB ports. The backseat offered excellent legroom and comfort, making it a practical choice for families. The Smart Trunk feature was both a boon and a bane. While it automatically opened the trunk when you stood behind the car with the key fob, it sometimes triggered unintentionally. Meanwhile, the 2020 Toyota Camry was user-friendly and ergonomically sound. Most controls were intuitively placed, but an incongruous row of buttons on the lower left dashboard was a minor inconvenience. The center console cleverly accommodated the shifter, cupholders, phone tray, and storage bin, maintaining a roomy front cabin. Despite this, rear-seat legroom had slightly decreased compared to previous generations, and the overall passenger volume was marginally less. With a smaller 15.1-cubic-foot trunk—the same size as a Honda Civic's—it fell short of competitors like the Accord. Notably, the addition of AWD did not compromise trunk or rear-seat space due to structural modifications, maintaining the front-drive version's cargo and passenger capacities.

Kia equipped the 2019 Optima generously with tech features, including an 8-inch touchscreen with the latest UVO technology, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera. Higher trims like the S and EX Turbo added satellite radio and UVO eServices with emergency response. The SX Turbo included a navigation system, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. However, UVO eServices relied on the smartphone's data plan and signal, limiting its utility. The new smartphone app for remote access and starting the car was a welcome addition. Toyota's 2020 Camry finally integrated Android Auto along with Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The standard infotainment system, though functional and responsive, lagged behind competitors in terms of graphics and navigation software. The 7-inch standard screen felt small, with an optional 8-inch upgrade available. The system included USB-A ports and an optional Qi wireless charging pad, but no USB-C ports. WiFi Connect and Remote Connect offered additional connectivity and remote functionality, making the Camry more tech-savvy. Higher trims featured larger instrument panel displays and an optional 10-inch head-up display, enhancing the driver's experience.

Kia's 2019 Optima came packed with advanced driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems, even at the entry-level LX variant. The 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. Top-notch crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA underscored its safety credentials. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a surround-view camera system were optional upgrades.