The Kia Optima Hybrid is one of the major reasons to reassess any negative opinions you might be harboring against Korean cars. Let’s be honest. When Korean cars showed up in American dealerships some years ago, the quality was seriously lacking. Some of those early models weren’t much more than a “bucket of bolts”. But that was then and this is now. Take a look at some of the most stylish new cars on the road right now, and you’ll be forced to admit that the Koreans have stepped up their game and are coming on strong with some of the best designs out there.
The Kia Optima was completely redesigned last year and if you’re familiar with the old design, you won’t recognize the new one. The exterior is sleek, sharp, cool, hip… Sorry, when you’re in love with the Optima, it’s hard to stop gushing. This car is a head turner that can compete with anything its European competitors can throw at it.
The Optima is available with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder base engine that produces 200 hp and gets you an EPA-rated fuel numbers of 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway which adds up to 27 mpg combined. If you need something zippier (but thirstier), you can order the Optima with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 274 hp and should get you from 0 to 60 three seconds faster than the base engine. The turbo fuel numbers are 22/34/26.
The Hybrid on the other hand, has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with an electric motor to power this Optima to 206 hp. This model’s fuel numbers are 35 mpg city/40 mpg highway and 38 combined. But the Hybrid brings you more than just better gas mileage. You get all the amenities of the best equipped Optima along with distinct wheels and interior upholstery. As an added bonus, you get Kia’s Microsoft powered Uvo infotainment system that allows you voice-control on everything that you shouldn’t be doing with your hands while you are driving.
With the base Optima starting at $21,000 MSRP and the Hybrid starting at $26,000, this Kia has to be on the “must see” list if you’re shopping for a new family sedan. Something to keep in mind is that all Kia’s feature a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty. These Kia’s are quality products and you’ll continue to see more and more of them on our Texas roads and byways.
