2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Priced at $26,500
The Optima Hybrid is powered by the same engine found in the Sonata Hybrid: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 30-kilowatt electric motor that feeds a lithium-polymer battery pack. The system allows for full-electric drive at speeds up to 62 mph. The powertrain achieves 35 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Like in the Sonata Hybrid, cargo space is drastically reduced compared with the regular Optima sedan. The rear seats do not fold down, either, but there’s a small pass-through for long objects such as skis.
Kia says the Optima Hybrid comes with the same features you’d find in a well-equipped Optima LX, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, passive entry system, 16-inch alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. The hybrid is also the first Kia to offer Uvo, Kia’s voice-activated communication and entertainment system similar to Ford’s Sync, which includes Bluetooth connectivity.
The only significant upgrade from the standard features is the $5,000 Technology Package, which adds a navigation system, panoramic sunroof, 17-inch wheels, power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, high-intensity-discharge headlamps with automatic leveling, leatherette-trimmed dash, auto-dimming rearview mirror, backup camera and an eight-speaker stereo.
The Optima Hybrid was delayed to create breathing room for the Sonata Hybrid, which was also delayed from its original start date of January; the car eventually went on sale in April after the automaker added a virtual engine sound. The Optima Hybrid will go on sale in June and will come with the virtual engine sound standard.
