BASE PRICE: $27,250
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.4-liter inline-4, 166 hp, 154 lb-ft; AC permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor, 40-hp, 151 lb-ft; combined power rating, 206 hp, 195 lb-ft; 1.4-kWh lithium-polymer battery pack
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 110.0 in Length: 190.7 in
Width: 72.1 in Height: 57.0 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 3500 lb
PERFORMANCE (MFR’S EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 9.2 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 123 mph
FUEL ECONOMY (MFR’S EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 35/40 mpg
The gas-electric Kia mostly pleases, except for the gas-electric part.
BY STEVE SILER
May 2011
May 2011
The Hyundai Sonata hybrid wrapped in the Kia Optima’s burlier skin. Like the gas-electric Sonata, the Optima is powered by a 166-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a 40-hp electric motor. Total output is 206 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Although the EPA hasn’t officially rated the Optima hybrid, it should get the same 35 mpg city/40 highway projections as the Sonata.
On the outside, the hybrid looks like most other Optimas, although close inspection reveals numerous aero-related enhancements including flat-faced 16-inch wheels, rocker-panel extensions, a unique grille, revised bumpers, and new head- and taillight lenses. Inside, base Optima hybrids come equipped with power fabric seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as pushbutton start and dual-zone climate controls. Kia’s voice-activated, Microsoft-developed UVO infotainment and communications system is now officially available in the Optima hybrid, but when customers spring for the $5000 Hybrid Premium Technology package, UVO gets bumped in favor of a touchscreen navigation system. That bundle also has an eight-speaker Infinity sound system, a backup camera, leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch wheels, HID headlamps, and other sundry items.
How Does It Drive?
A slight delay before the gas engine is summoned slows the Optima hybrid off the line. The gas pedal might make suggestions to the powertrain, but it doesn’t seem to get much respect. During our brief test drive, we sometimes heard engine revs surge and dip erratically, although acceleration remained constant. At other times, pedal requests were answered with a bit more power or somewhat less than we expected. Smooth stopping requires careful attention, too, as the brakes are tasked with reenergizing the lithium-polymer battery pack. These tendencies are common among hybrids but are a bit more pronounced in the Optima than in most others. They served to remind us of how many powertrain decisions are made by computers and how few are made by the driver.
How Does It Stack Up?
Other than the Sonata, the Ford Fusion hybrid is the Optima hybrid’s closest competitor. The Optima lags well behind the Fusion’s powertrain refinement, although its design makes the Ford—and everything else in the segment save the Hyundai—look frumpy and old. The Optima’s probable EPA projections of 35 mpg city/40 highway, meanwhile, transpose the Ford’s 41/36. Next to the Nissan Altima (33/33) and Toyota Camry hybrids (31/35), the Korean twins have a pronounced edge in efficiency, although the American entry’s hybrid system is by far the best in the class.
What’s the Cost?
At $27,250, the Optima hybrid costs about $700 more than the hybrid Sonata, and it undercuts the Altima and Camry hybrids by a few hundred bucks. Compared with the Fusion hybrid, the Optima boasts a price advantage of more than $1900. Also significant is that the Optima hybrid and its Hyundai-branded sibling are the only ones in this group backed by a 10-year powertrain warranty.
All the parts of this car that are regular Optima are satisfying, but the purpose of a hybrid is, well, that it’s a hybrid. Until the powertrain woes are sorted, that more expensive Fusion is going to look like the far better choice in this segment.
Optima 4dr Sdn 2.4L Man LX
Specifications
Brakes | |
---|---|
Brake Type | Pwr |
Brake ABS System | 4-Wheel |
Brake ABS System (Second Line) | N/A |
Disc - Front (Yes or ) | Yes |
Disc - Rear (Yes or ) | Yes |
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness | 11.8 x -TBD- in |
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness | 11.2 x -TBD- in |
Cargo Area Dimensions | |
---|---|
Trunk Volume | 15.4 ft³ |
Cooling System | |
---|---|
Total Cooling System Capacity | 3.7 qts |
Electrical | |
---|---|
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) | N/A |
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) | N/A |
Engine | |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas I4 |
Displacement | 2.4L/144 |
Fuel System | GDI |
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM | 200 @ 6300 |
SAE Net Torque @ RPM | 186 @ 4250 |
Exterior Dimensions | |
---|---|
Wheelbase | 110.0 in |
Length, Overall | 190.7 in |
Width, Max w/o mirrors | 72.1 in |
Height, Overall | 57.3 in |
Track Width, Front | 63.0 in |
Track Width, Rear | 63.0 in |
Min Ground Clearance | 5.3 in |
Liftover Height | N/A in |
Fuel Tank | |
---|---|
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx | 18.5 gal |
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx | N/A gal |
Interior Dimensions | |
---|---|
Passenger Capacity | 5 |
Passenger Volume | 102.2 ft³ |
Front Head Room | 40.0 in |
Front Leg Room | 45.5 in |
Front Shoulder Room | 57.2 in |
Front Hip Room | 54.7 in |
Second Head Room | 37.6 in |
Second Leg Room | 34.7 in |
Second Shoulder Room | 55.7 in |
Second Hip Room | 54.5 in |
Mileage | |
---|---|
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy | 35 MPG |
Cruising Range - City | 444.00 mi |
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City | 24 MPG |
Fuel Economy Est-Combined | N/A MPG |
Cruising Range - Hwy | 647.50 mi |
EPA MPG Equivalent - City | N/A |
EPA MPG Equivalent - Hwy | N/A |
EPA MPG Equivalent - Combined | N/A |
Battery Range | N/A mi |
Steering | |
---|---|
Steering Type | Pwr Rack & Pinion |
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall | N/A |
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) | 2.9 |
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb | 35.8 ft |
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall | N/A ft |
Suspension | |
---|---|
Suspension Type - Front | MacPherson Strut |
Suspension Type - Rear | Multi-Link |
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front | N/A mm |
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear | N/A mm |
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front | N/A in |
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear | N/A in |
Tires | |
---|---|
Front Tire Size | P205/60R16 |
Rear Tire Size | P205/60R16 |
Spare Tire Size | N/A |
Trailering |
---|
Transmission | |
---|---|
Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
Trans Type | 6 |
Trans Description Cont. | Manual w/OD |
First Gear Ratio (:1) | 3.27 |
Second Gear Ratio (:1) | 1.93 |
Third Gear Ratio (:1) | 1.70 |
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) | 1.28 |
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) | 1.03 |
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) | 0.83 |
Reverse Ratio (:1) | 3.59 |
Clutch Size | N/A in |
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) | 4.33-3.25 |
Vehicle | |
---|---|
EPA Classification | Midsize Cars |
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | N/A |
Weight Information | |
---|---|
Base Curb Weight | 3206 lbs |
Wheels | |
---|---|
Front Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in |
Rear Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in |
Spare Wheel Size | N/A in |
Front Wheel Material | Steel |
Rear Wheel Material | Steel |
Spare Wheel Material | N/A |
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