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2015
Kia Optima Hybrid

Starts at:
$25,990
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New 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn
    Starts at
    $25,990
    36 City / 40 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn EX
    Starts at
    $32,150
    35 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid

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Expert 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat Kia Optima Hybrid has a gas/electric drivetrain for better estimated gas mileage compared with the conventionally powered Optima sedan. The Optima Hybrid competes with hybrid versions of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion.

New for 2015
The EX trim level has an acoustic laminated windshield, which is optional for the base model.

Below is a list of highlighted features and not an exhaustive list. Features are standard unless otherwise noted.

Exterior Highlights

  • Projector-beam headlights; available high-intensity-discharge headlights and LED daytime running lights
  • LED taillights
  • Available LED fog lights
  • 16-inch alloy wheels; available 17-inch wheels
  • Chrome-accented door handles
  • Heated side mirrors with turn-signal lights; available power-folding side mirrors
  • Available panoramic sunroof

Interior Highlights

  • Cloth upholstery; leather available
  • Available 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
  • USB port, MP3 jack and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Push-button start
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
  • Available illuminated front cupholders
  • Available 8-inch touch-screen navigation system
  • Available Infinity audio system
  • Available heated steering wheel

Under the Hood

  • 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine teams with an electric motor for 199 horsepower total
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Front-wheel drive

Safety Features

  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
  • Front-seat side-impact airbags
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Available blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Available backup camera

2015 Kia Optima Hybrid review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat Kia Optima Hybrid has a gas/electric drivetrain for better estimated gas mileage compared with the conventionally powered Optima sedan. The Optima Hybrid competes with hybrid versions of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion.

New for 2015
The EX trim level has an acoustic laminated windshield, which is optional for the base model.

Below is a list of highlighted features and not an exhaustive list. Features are standard unless otherwise noted.

Exterior Highlights

  • Projector-beam headlights; available high-intensity-discharge headlights and LED daytime running lights
  • LED taillights
  • Available LED fog lights
  • 16-inch alloy wheels; available 17-inch wheels
  • Chrome-accented door handles
  • Heated side mirrors with turn-signal lights; available power-folding side mirrors
  • Available panoramic sunroof

Interior Highlights

  • Cloth upholstery; leather available
  • Available 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
  • USB port, MP3 jack and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Push-button start
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
  • Available illuminated front cupholders
  • Available 8-inch touch-screen navigation system
  • Available Infinity audio system
  • Available heated steering wheel

Under the Hood

  • 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine teams with an electric motor for 199 horsepower total
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Front-wheel drive

Safety Features

  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
  • Front-seat side-impact airbags
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Available blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Available backup camera

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
3/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
5/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
3/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
9.6%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
3/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
9.6%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Battery
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2015
    4.1
    Kia Optima Hybrid
    Starts at
    $25,990
    36 City / 40 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2012
    4.4
    Kia Optima
    Starts at
    $19,500
    24 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2014
    4.6
    Kia Optima Hybrid
    Starts at
    $25,995
    36 City / 40 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2011
    4.3
    Hyundai SONATA Hybrid
    Starts at
    $25,795
    34 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    5.0
    Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid
    Starts at
    $36,090
    28 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2017
    4.6
    Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid
    Starts at
    $34,600
    27 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
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Consumer reviews

4.1 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.1
Value 4.1
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

  • Buy a more reliable car

    I owned this car for only 4 years. Bought it used, clean title, 1 owner, with only 20k miles on it. My parents actually bought it for me as a HS graduation gift. I maintenanced it on time and correctly, took really good care of it. Right when i hit 84K miles it died on me. Supposedly the transmission or the electrical control modules to the transmission gave out. And would've been a $8,000+ repair. It seemed super reliable until one day it wasn't. I only got into one accident in August of 2022 where my front end was damaged enough to where if I drove it, I ran the risk of damaging the car further and the steering wheel airbag did not go off. Yes the mpg was fantastic but not worth the unpredictability of the car itself.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Not worth the scary unpredictability

    Purchased used. Great gas mileage,average 36-40mpg. Seating too low,I'm 5'9, its hard to get up and out of seat if ur older. As soon as car reached 100,500 mi, the battery died. Also, that hybrid fuse in the trunk went out while on the freeway,had mere seconds to pull over,as car speed rapidly descended in primetime traffic. And now, the screen for radio has gone dark,needs replaceing
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Passing seat sucks

    Leg room is good but while the driver side has electric seat the passenger side is very low with manual adjustments. Being older it is very hard to get out of the seat. So when driving Ms Daisy I have to put a pillow in the seat so they can get out easier. Don’t buy this car if you are older.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great car

    Its a great car, low miles and great warranty! Gas mileage is amazing and it's a smooth drive. The hybrid is a great option for all commuting.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Stylish Hybrid

    This car is fantastic! I love the look and feel of it plus it's a hybrid so if you're concerned about your carbon footprint this is a great car to buy or lease. Plenty of leg room but you do lose a little trunk space due to the battery but still a great car for the money. I like not having to plug the car in and appreciate that it toggles between gas and electric use. Really sharp exterior and interior design! I brought it to a garage near my house for an inspection sticker and they said that the inside looked like an Audi! It's a sharp looking car that performs really well and it's better for the environment. I also like the fact that the side mirrors unfold and the interior dome light comes on when I approach the car. Great safety feature! I would definitely recommend this car!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Amazing cockpit-style interior

    Bought it new in August 2015. The 2015 Optima Hybrid drives well and is somewhat responsive when not in ECO mode. I currently have 54,018 miles on the car - mostly highway commutes. There have been a fair share of electrical problems - none of which disabled the car. Just the a few days ago, while on a highway, the transmission gave out. Mind you that I'm an avid user of cruise control at 60-70mph. The car started to lose fuel efficiency in the past year that I've owned it, giving me nowhere near the advertise MPG. I found this strange because in the first year I've owned it, I actually achieved more than the advertise MPG rating - typically 43-47MPG. I want to rule out my driving habits and I've mostly payed attention to MPG in the summer. I am in the low 30's to 35ish even on the highways. The GDI engine is irritably loud when you are outside the car. Inside is a different story. On a plus side - the car is pretty comfortable and I love the cockpit style driver seat. Long commutes are easy with this car. I've had terrible service for this hybrid, but I'm not factoring that into my review.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great car

    I love my kia it's a great car I hope to purchase A different model next time I am out shopping Maybe the stinger or the soul
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most modern car i used.

    This car fits my family's needs. The features are so nice and the a/c is really cool. Fits to our monthly budget. We loved it!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Amazing car

    This car exceeeded all expectations and is amazing to drive and maintain. Fuel efficiency is out of this world. Would recommend to everyone.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 2nd Kia Optima Hybrid!

    Love this car I bought it again! Lots of leg space, the heated/cooled seats what won me in the '15 Ex. Love that my side mirrors fold in when parked.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great car with great mileage

    This car has everything I need. Just wish it had blinds pot mirrors. Have had no problems at all. I would buy it again
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love the Look and Love the Gas mileage

    I really love my car. It is very comfortable and gets great gas mileage. Just has a little hesitation when making turns but otherwise drives like a dream.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid?

The 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • EX (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid?

The 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid offers up to 36 MPG in city driving and 40 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid?

The 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?

The 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid owners.

Is the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid. 66.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.1 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 4.1
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.2

Kia Optima Hybrid history

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