2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Reviews

Then Ford, GM and to some extend Chrysler followed suit, offering hybrid vehicles in their respective lineups. And now you can even buy hybrid models from Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
Kia has confirmed that prices for the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid will start at $26,500 when it goes on sale in the near future. Interestingly, the price for the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is just a little more than the $25,795 it costs to buy its sibling – the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

The KIA Optima recently won a design award for its stunning shape by the German Design Council, and the hybrid version of this car looks just as good. In fact, it’s styled just like any other Optima model. You get push button start and automatic climate control as standard.

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

Well the Kia Optima Hybrid gets a 2.4-liter, inline four-cylinder engine, plus a 30 kW electric motor. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. This last detail sets it apart from most other hybrids on the market, because most other manufacturers use CVT (continuously variable transmission) gearboxes with their hybrid drive trains. Kia claims 36-mpg in the city and 40-mpg on the highway. Unlike some hybrids, which give a better economy number in city driving over highway driving, the Kia Optima Hybrid is the other way around, partially because at speeds over 60 mph, a flap in the grille closes to make the car more aerodynamic. For comparison’s sake, the 4-cylinder Optima get a 24/34-mpg rating.

Added weight on the other hand is not ideal for a car’s handling, and at 3490 lbs. the Kia Optima Hybrid is roughly 270 lbs. heavier than its non-hybrid sibling. However, the Kia Optima Hybrid handles its bulk with ease. Well it’s not what you’d call a fast car. It is not as huge as in other Optima models, and you lose the folding rear seats. You do have to pay extra to get into the hybrid though. The base Kia Optima Hybrid starts at $26,500.

Aerodynamic enhancements like a lower ride height, an active flap system and underbody panels help the Optima Hybrid achieve a low 0.26 drag coefficient.Kia Optima Hybrids comes well-equipped, including a power driver’s seat, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and push button start with a smart key. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children  and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System .
Four-wheel antilock brakes, Electronic Stability Control , Traction Control System, Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control are also standard.