    2014 Kia Optima Hybrid driver’s seat, backlit controls, gauges, EV mode gauge. Click image to enlarge |
Behind the steering wheel, the Optima Hybrid’s illuminated instruments are easy to see day or night. On the left is a round gauge with a blue and white “Eco Guide” displaying current charging status, a green Ready light that tells you when the car is ready to go, and a green EV light that lights up when the Optima is running on electric power. There are also illuminated coolant temperature and battery charge levels.
The centre display between the gauges has vehicle information that can be accessed using a menu button on the steering wheel. The driver can scroll between average fuel economy, instant fuel economy, range, service info, user settings for vehicle functions such as lighting and sounds, and an Eco Level score based on how efficient the driving has been. A green Eco light indicates when the car is being driven in Eco mode. To the right of the centre display is a large, backlit speedometer and smaller fuel gauge.
   2014 Kia Optima Hybrid centre stack, navigation, shifter. Click image to enlarge |
In the centre of the dash, the large eight-inch touch-screen can display audio, phone, navigation, and hybrid information, but not climate info: the dual-zone automatic climate control is operated by dials and buttons below the screen. To display the audio, phone, navigation or information screens, the driver pushes traditional buttons below the screen, but for specific tasks such as channel changing or phone contact selection, the driver presses the touch-screen or says certain specific voice commands after pressing a button on the steering wheel. The voice activation system doesn’t recognize instructions not in its database so it’s important to review the list of available voice commands. Some functions, such as telephone, audio volume and channel select can be operated by buttons on the steering wheel.
The cabin has an upscale look with a tasteful blend of leather, leatherette, and padded dash surfaces, thin chrome and silver trim, and illuminated controls. A padded armrest between the front seats hides a hidden storage bin, and there’s an open bin at the bottom of the centre stack with two 12-volt chargers, USB and auxiliary ports for smartphones and music players.
Because of the position of the hybrid battery behind the rear seats, the rear seatbacks do not fold down, but there is a small pass-through behind the centre rear armrest. The Optima Hybrid’s 305 litre trunk is smaller than its hybrid competitor’s trunks, but it is fully lined and has a hidden storage tray under the trunk floor. There is no spare tire, just a tire inflation kit.
Like all Kias, the Optima Hybrid comes with one of the best new car warranties available: a 5-year/100,000 km basic warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km powertrain warranty. In the non-luxury class, only Hyundai and Mitsubishi can match Kia’s basic warranty, and only Mitsubishi has a longer powertrain warranty (10-year/160,000 km).
Despite its below average fuel economy in the ‘full’ hybrid class, the Optima Hybrid is still more fuel efficient than ‘mild’ hybrid mid-size sedans like the Buick Regal e-Assist as well as non-hybrid mid-size sedans. And it offers a well-appointed cabin, sleek styling and a comfortable driving experience with the traditional feel of a six-speed automatic transmission. In a way, the Kia Optima Hybrid and its cousin the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have created a small but meaningful niche between ‘full’ hybrids and ‘mild’ hybrids.
2014 Kia Optima Hybrid pricing and standard features
Standard features in the Optima Hybrid LX ($30,095) include 16-inch low rolling resistance tires and tire inflation kit in the trunk, new design alloys, automatic headlights, front fog lights, LED tail lights, power heated mirrors, heated windshield wiper de-icer, cloth seats with front seat heaters, power driver’s seat with lumbar support, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual zone automatic climate control, pushbutton ignition, remote entry, power windows and door locks, express up/down front windows with obstacle detection, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, steering wheel phone, audio, cruise, trip buttons, CD/satellite radio with 6 speakers, Bluetooth phone and audio, USB & aux ports, rearview camera, rear seat pass-through.
The Optima Hybrid EX trim ($33,695) adds 17-inch low rolling resistance tires and alloy wheels, dual sunroof with power sunshades, HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lights, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, power folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic defogging system, LED interior mood lighting, leatherette dash trim, and illuminated stainless steel door scuff plates.
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The Optima Hybrid EX Premium trim ($36,195) adds leather upholstery, air-cooled front seats, power front passenger seat, memory for driver’s seat, Infinity audio system with 8 speakers including subwoofer, eight-inch touch-screen and voice-activated navigation system, rear parking sensors and blind spot detection system.
Pricing: 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX Premium
Base price: $36,195
Options: $200 (pearl white colour)
Freight: $1,485
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $37,980
Competitors:
Buick Regal e-Assist
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Honda Accord Hybrid
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota Prius
VW Passat TDI
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
