The Kia Optima Hybrid is a gas-electric version of the standard Optima midsize sedan that carries the distinction of being the brand's first-ever hybrid in the U.S. market. As with the mechanically-identical Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the Optima Hybrid is unlike many other hybrid vehicles in that its powertrain is optimized for highway rather than city driving.
The Optima Hybrid uses a parallel hybrid system, allowing the four-door to operate on its electric motor, gas engine or any combination of the two. It employs a lithium ion battery pack designed by South Korea’s LG Chem. Weighing just 95.9 lbs, the 30 kW battery takes up limited trunk space while powering a 40 horsepower, 151 lb-ft. of torque electric motor that mates to a six-speed automatic transmission plucked from the Kia Sorrento. A 2.4-liter direct-injected gasoline engine rounds out the package, which combined puts out 206 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Thanks to its unique design, the gas-electric Kia achieves 35 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway – the latter leading the mid-size hybrid segment. The Optima Hybrid is also capable at traveling up to 62 mph on electric power – beating the previously class-leading Ford Fusion’s 47 mph electric-only rating.
Despite the powertrain’s extra weight compared to the traditional version of the sedan, the Optima Hybrid tips the scales at just 3,490 lbs, according to Kia.
A unique front grille, low rolling resistance tires and special 16-inch alloy wheels reduce drag and give the Optima Hybrid its own style. Aerodynamic enhancements like a lower ride height, an active flap system and underbody panels help the Optima Hybrid achieve a low 0.26 drag coefficient.
Standard and Optional Features
The Optima Hybrid comes well-equipped, with standard features including a power driver’s seat, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, push button start with a smart key, power windows and locks, A/C, an AM/FM/CD sound system with six speakers and USB/AUX input jacks, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, keyless entry, cruise control and a trip computer.
An available Premium Technology Package adds luxuries such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power passenger seat, driver’s seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, HID headlamps, leatherette-wrapped center fascia, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink and compass, a navigation system with back-up camera and an an Infinity audio system.
Occupant Safety
Standard safety equipment includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Four-wheel ABS, Electronic Stability Control, a Traction Control System, a Brake Assist System and Hill Assist Control are also standard.
Key Competitors
The Optima Hybrid competes for the wallets of environmentally-conscious buyers against mega-mpg machines like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid in addition to the less efficient (but less expensive) Chevrolet Malibu Eco.