What the hybrid brings to the table, in addition to its stellar looks, is a car that Kia claims can go up to 62 MPH on electric power alone. I was never light-footed enough to accomplish this feat, as the gas-powered engine usually kicked in at just over 35 MPH. Although the transition was absolutely seamless, it was difficult to know when the transition would start.
With the boost of the electric engine (which makes the Optima qualify as a pure hybrid), the gas engine cranks out 206 horsepower. So, it doesn’t lack the giddyup and go, but won’t be a jackrabbit off the line either.
And why not turn yourself into a more “green” driver by trying to keep the electric engine operating for as long as possible, and see if you can achieve the 62 MPH threshold. I’ve always found hybrids to be great at making you a better, more efficient driver, and this Optima was no exception.
The Optima Hybrid is as beautiful inside as it is on the outside. Touchpoints throughout the car feel well-made, yet luxurious. Green accent lighting is a subtle touch that may not add to the driving experience, but is something you won’t find many of its competitors offer. The panoramic sunroof opens over the front row seats and then slides back over the second row seat, revealing the open sky to all passengers. Again, it’s a nice touch that doesn’t go unnoticed.
While legroom and headroom are ample for all passengers, trunk space is limited for the hybrid version. Due to the lithium-polymer battery pack, the trunk offers a mere 9.9 cubic feet of space.
Kia claims to attain 40 MPG with this hybrid, but in mixed driving I was never able to manage more than 34 MPG. That of course, is still an impressive number, but I do wish that just once, a hybrid could get its EPA estimates, under normal driving. I say this because hybrids are generally more expensive, due to the extra technology that exists in them. And the Kia Optima Hybrid is no exception to this rule.
A non-hybrid, base model Optima starts about $18,000, but the base price of my tester was $26,500, with an additional $5,000 in packages, including the panoramic sunroof, leather seats, heated/cooled seats and 17” alloys (which are absolutely gorgeous). That takes the price to $31,500 for a non-luxury mid-size sedan. But you are paying for a better carbon footprint and savings at the pump.
What you get with the Kia Optima Hybrid is one of the best-looking, best-performing mid-size sedans of this model year. And it’s a hybrid – for the win.
Jimmy Dinsmore is the Wheels editor at the Dayton Daily News and may be reached at (937) 225-2115.
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