Have driven a 2017 Kia Optima back to back with 2020 Camry and the Kia felt much better made. It certainly handled, accelerated better than the Camry and was far more composed in general. The interior design and execution of the Optima was better.
Subjectively exterior was nicer looking than Camry.
The circa 2010 American made 2.4 gave them a bad rep.