The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid gas-electric sedan offers a good combination of comfort, practicality, style, performance and high fuel economy.
The mid-size Optima Hybrid is rather large, as are many current mid-size sedans, and its racy-looking body has a roomy interior.
However, the coupe-like styling results in narrow rear door openings and poor visibility through the rear window. (The optional rear camera display thus is a good idea.) The small rear “lip” spoiler is so nicely integrated into the styling that you have to look twice to notice it. But too bad the gas/electric hybrid system prevents use of dual exhausts with shiny outlet tips, always a nice touch for a racy-looking car.
Key Takeaways
- Test car: $25,700 front-drive Optima Hybrid, jet black, with a 206-horsepower gas-electric powertrain and a six-speed automatic.
- 35 mpg city and 40 highway, as estimated in the review.
- Warranty: a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, plus roadside assistance.
- Performance: Merging into fast freeway traffic and 65-80 mph passing on highways are brisk.
- Hybrid system: The hybrid system in the Optima Hybrid works fairly seamlessly, but isn’t among the best.
- Rear seats: the hybrid system prevents the rear seatbacks from flipping forward to allow more cargo room.
Although the trunk is generally large, with a wide opening, the hybrid system prevents rear seatbacks from flipping forward to allow more cargo room.
Price and Styling
This reasonably priced $25,700 front-drive Optima Hybrid is based on the Hyundai Sonata, but the two cars share no exterior body panels. But keep in mind the low front end can be damaged by high curbs and such.
A high beltline (where the body meets the side windows) prevented me from driving with my elbow out the window at a comfortable angle. The beltline also makes the rear seat feel somewhat low.
Powertrain and Driving Impressions
The 206-horsepower Optima Hybrid delivers an estimated 35 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on highways. Go easy with the accelerator pedal and the car will accelerate without using gas.
Other Optima models have regular gasoline-only engines. The hybrid system in the Optima Hybrid works fairly seamlessly, but isn’t among the best. It’s hooked to a responsive six-speed automatic transmission with an easily used manual-shift feature.
Performance is strong. Merging into fast freeway traffic and 65-80 mph passing on highways are brisk.
The electric power steering is quick, but has an artificial feel. The ride is supple, and handling is good, although not in the sports-sedan class. The brakes stop the Optima Hybrid quickly and surely, controlled by a pedal with a linear action.
Equipment, Safety and Warranty
Standard items include dual-zone automatic temperature control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, cruise control, pushbutton start, adjustable steering wheel with audio controls, keyless entry and power windows, door locks and outside mirrors.
Options include the backup camera, navigation system, panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim, upscale audio system and power folding outside mirrors, along with larger (17-inch vs. 16-inch) tires with alloy wheels.
Also optional are heated and cooled front seats and heated outboard rear seats, heated steering wheel and power front driver and passenger seats.
There are plenty of safety items. They include full-length side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, hill-start assist and traction and electronic stability controls. The large outside mirrors have turn-signal indicators.
Backing up the car is a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, along with a roadside assistance program.
Interior and Cargo
The quiet interior’s backlit gauges can be quickly read even in bright sunlight, easily used controls and plenty of storage areas. Cupholders are conveniently placed up front in the console and found in the large fold-down rear center armrest. All doors have storage pockets and beverage holders.
The trunk has old-style hinges, but the lined hood is held open by a gas strut. Components in the crowded engine compartment look as if they should be tackled only by a knowledgeable Kia mechanic.
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Verdict
Several folks said they initially thought my test jet-black Optima Hybrid was a high-class German or Japanese sports sedan. They said it should cost considerably more than it does.
Pros
Sleek. Roomy. Fast. Electric-only operation. High economy. Nice ride. Good handling. Reasonably priced.
Cons
Artificial steering feel. Narrow rear doorways. Poor rear vision. No fold down rear seatbacks.
Bottom Line: Sleek styling for a practical, economical, nice-performing sedan.
Facts & Figures: 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $25,700 (front-drive Optima Hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas-electric hybrid |
| Horsepower | 206 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy (original EPA label) | 35 city / 40 highway mpg |
| Fuel Economy (EPA, restated) | 34 city / 38 highway / 36 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| Warranty | Powertrain 10 yr/100,000 mi; basic 5 yr/60,000 mi; roadside assistance |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.