2012 Kia Optima Hybrid consumer reviews

The Kia Optima is one of the best looking cars in this market segment, so making it one of my top choices as a no brainer. I purchased the base model that included the package containing the backup cameal and EVO sound system. I am 6' 5" and found the interior room, both front seat and back, able to accomodate me. The range of motion in the front driver power seat goes low enough to provide a lot of head room,but also goes height enough for my wife to drive comfortably. Also, the center console does not get in the way of my right let like the Sonta sister car does The Hybrid performance takes some getting used to, since to get the great gas mileage, you need to baby it, and it feels sluggish off the star when doing this. However, if you need the power, you can take off the ECO mode and it become very peppy "better acceleration than the standard 4 cyl eng". We are averaging ~36.5 mpg overall (~38 in city and 35 on the highway doing 74mph). I think it would get much better mpg on the highway doing between 55 and 65 mph, but I just can't seem to let myself go that slow:) I rated the interior 1 star lower because I actualluy like the Sonata layout better (too bad my right leg hit the concole in that one). My biggest suggestion to Kia is to provide one more upgrade package between the base and the fully loaded model. I was not interested in the NAV, but really wanted the upgraded inifinity sound system. They have that trim level in the Turbo model, but not the hybrid. I just couldn't justify the major extra cost for a package that incuded several items I didn't really want or need. I have checked around about upgrading the sound system, but that cost is also accessive and takesup some of the already limited available trunk space for the amp.

I've had my hybrid a month now and so far it is not getting anywhere near the gas mileage Kia advertises. I traded in a Forte for the Hybrid and my Forte was getting the same mileage as this more expensive Hybrid. I've been averaging anywhere between 28 - 30 mpg. Not at all happy about that! Otherwise they styling of the car, comfort, and convenience of all the other bells and whistles is great...but they were on my Forte too. If you're buying this car to save money on gas, don't waste your time!

I have owned a 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid since November 2011. I keep a ledger after every single tank of gas. This car is averaging maybe 31 mpg overall. There have been numerous times I have received 27 mpg. The funny thing is the computer reads each time about 3 mpg higher than what I'm actually getting. I asked a service manager about this and he said that the computer estimated mpg tends to be inaccurate, its funny that it is always inaccurate by over estimating. Please do not buy this car for gas mileage, its not worth the money. One dealership actually told me that professional drivers got 60 mpg in this car, and Kia should be sued for that lie. No one on any planet could get 60 mpg in this car. The highest I have gotten was 38. Please beware of this car.

Compared to the regular Optima I would say that it performs like a sports car and large enough for a family. The styling is up there with the high dollar ones with the price of a working person buget. I'm totally impressed by the Optima's looks and the Hybrid goes beyond that, handles and feels super great. For the money I can't see anyone beating it in style, mpg, handle, size and price. Michael W., Granbury, TX

Here are the issues I had within 2 months of owning the car: -Tire Pressure Monitoring System faulted out and the light started blinking when reaching high speeds on the interstate -UVO and phone sync would cut out in the middle of calls and while playing songs. Also had issues getting it to work sometimes. Would have to pull over and restart to get the USB connect to work - Had issues with the battery drive to engine drive when starting out from a fresh start. No matter how you did it it buckled and bumped. - As the buckling and bumping got worse desided to take to dealer after a road trip. I was on my way to dealer to have looked at when the display said Hybrid Drive Failure. Come to a stop and Do not operate vehicle. I managed to make it to the dealer. They said it was ok and to bring it back tomorrow (it was close to closing time i guess and the dealer service was bad) So, I went home (5 miles away from the dealer) and the car completely shut off 3 times while driving back. Had to pull over and restart. Got home and when I came out the next morning the car would not start up and the oil pressure light, engine light, hybrid drive error light and maintenance light all were on. Had to tow to dealer. Talked to the tech and he said it is saying there is a lose connection somewhere but he hasn't found it. He assumed they would have to replace the power cable and see if that worked. After that, I told them to keep it and I went to a diff dealer and took a loss to get out of it. Bought another hybrid... I travel a lot for work and a car that will break down like this after 2100 miles (that is typed correctly 2100 MILES) is not dependable enough for me. I couldn't risk not being able to make a trip because my car broke down... especially a new car. If you check out on the net about this failure you will find there is more related to these types of situations. Plus it never got gas mileage as stated... Even on 2 all hwy 600 mile trips

Very satisfied with car's performance and less trips to the gas station. Being tall I am limited to what is available and the Optima has both legroom and headroom (except with sunroof option, not purchased). Car is very quiet in the city and has less road noise, then other comparable vehicles, I have driven, on the highway. I am also impressed with interior design and dashboard layout. The backup camera is a big plus. The only negative aspect I have found is reduced trunk space, which is two thirds of a regular Optima. However, we are able to fit two full size suitcases and two carryons into it with a little room to spare.

Owned a Toyota hibrid gone.. KIA opt hibrid best car on the road which I still own cant say enough about warranty, gas savings ,ride,room in side options on car nice,nice.........

Yes, a GREAT car! I bought mine on January 21, 2012 and was disappointed by the gas mileage. Until I learned how to drive the car. Now, October 5, 2012, I get an ACTUAL mileage of 35 mpg per tank (city/highway). The least I have gotten is 32 while the most is 36. Not bad for a full size car that you don't have to risk your life in everytime you get into it! And I found out that it beats out the Mini-cooper and Fiat 500 in Gas mileage (actual not EPA). There are two issues I have. One, starting from standstill power is lacking. Do not attempt to just bolt out into traffic - you'll get hit. Two, there is a blindspot when changing lanes on the right. I've had to learn to be extremely careful even when looking and not relying on mirrors. This is a design flaw that should be fixed as it is dangerous. I still believe it is a great car for all of the good points. Great styling, comfort, economy, AC that doesn't lower gas mileage, and a dream to drive.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with almost everything about the car. The styling on the outside is excellent, and on par or better than much more expensive vehicles and brands. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with a good stereo system, and a great air conditioner that even thrives in 105 degree weather in Austin, TX. I love the UVO sound system, and voice recognition functionality of the car. The ONE complaint I have (and it really bothers me): The gas mileage is nowhere near what they advertise. Average mileage is supposed to be around 37mpg, with 40mpg on the highway. The dealership told me if I went easy on the acceleration, I would see even better numbers. For the first 6 weeks, I have driven the car EXTREMELY soft on the pedals, to the point where people behind me honk because of how long it takes me to get up to speed. On average, I'm seeing about 29mpg, with a balance of city and highway driving. The gauge on the car is reading 32mpg, but when I calculate fuel used/mileage on my own, its coming in at 29. Really my only complaint about the car is the gas mileage, and I think the numbers they are advertising are completely false. Everything else has been great so far.

Took delivery KOH in late April. After 1000m of city driving I averaged 25mpg. My Kia salesman gave me a courtesy call on his cell phone and I explained my concern about the city mpg. He walked to the service mgr. who agreed to run some diagnostic tests the next day.The next day when I related my concerns to the service mgr. about the city EPA rating of 35mpg city, he went ballistic. He said the EPA ratings were meaningless and to convince me EPA was meaningless he told me what lousy mpg he was getting on his Kia Turbo. (This mgr couldn't pass Management of Customer Service 101 if he had a cheat sheet for the final exam). Then it was bad gas (no BP is not bad), didn't use the same pump at the same gas station (not in the owners manual), and of course we didn't know how to drive a hybrid--nearing 80, my wife and I are not the muscle car driver types. The service mgr walked back into the dealership and never touched the car.There is a dicohtomy of reviews of the 2012KOH, both professional and consumer. One pro. review found the EPA of the KOH disappointing in the real world and one consumer review even suggested a class action suit for poor EPA performance--but I gather from reviews that corporate Kia has a deaf ear to the consumer concerns. I hope anyone considering a KOH will research the professional and consumer reviews. With the diverse claims for the Kia EPA ratings --that buying a KOH for fuel efficiency is the luck of the draw. The first pro reviiew I've read on the 2013 KOH, its the same disappointing EPA in the real world.