The Kia Optima Hybrid is one of those cars that makes people stop, turn their head and say, “What kind of car is that?”  Sleek, elegant European styling grabs the eye making this car look much more expensive than it is.  Both graceful and muscular, the vehicle’s coupe-like exterior design is accentuated by a sweeping chrome arc that flows from the A through the C pillars which visually lowers the car and enhances its proportions.  The Optima Hybrid smiles at you with its distinctive front grille and headlamps.  Exterior features include 16-inch lloy wheels, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, and very cool LED tail lights…tasteful bling.

Today’s high end car comes full of gadgets and ways to make driving more pleasurable. Kia gets this.  But without socking the consumer.  Standard features on the Optima include automatic dual zone climate control, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, push button start with smart key and rear seat reading lamps.  For $5,350 the Technology Package adds navigation with Sirius traffic info, back up-camera display, an Infinity eight-speaker sound system with subwoofer, heated and cooled front seats; heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.  All this in your shopping cart totals $31,050 for a beautiful, loaded luxury sedan that earns bragging rights with it’s Prius neighbors down the street at 35/40 mpg.

The drawback?  The fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain mated to an efficient six-speed automatic transmission drives a little fussy. Step on the gas and it emits a revving sound like its trying to find its gear.  Most notably in eco mode.  In gas engine mode, it’s better but still the transition from electric to gas feels awkward.  The full parallel hybrid system can be driven in zero emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour or in blended gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.  One unique feature is the Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) that plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric-only operation up to 12 miles per hour to help notify people outside the vehicle that it is approaching.  No sneaking up unannounced with this one.

With my daughter in her carseat, seated beside my Mom, and my Dad in the front, the four of us went out to dinner and no one got on anyone’s nerves!  The comfortable cabin space allows plenty of leg, elbow and  breathing room.  Cargo area (9.9 cu. ft.) is compromised by the hybrid battery behind the back seat, compared to the non-Hybrid Optima’s 15.4 cu. ft.

Were I to buy this car, I’d go for the non-hybrid version…simply because driving is just too important.  But if fuel economy, loads of options and sexy, sophisticated styling are what blows your hair back…..then the Kia Optima Hybrid is the one to opt.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $25,700 – $31,750
engine: 2.4 L Hybrid Engine
hp/torque: 206 hp/195 ft-lb.
drivetrain: FWD
fuel economy:  35 city/40 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  Good. Top Safety Pick

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
stylish, luxurious, fuel-efficient

What’s the best thing about it?
great looks, lots of bells and whistles

What’s the biggest drawback?
powertrain compromises driving

Mom-friendliness score: A-

Driver-friendliness score: B-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“You don’t need lots of money…to have class.”