KIA Optima Hybrid

Like the refined exterior treatment, the interiors of the Optima Hybrid is also improved. This five-seater sedan is furnished with premium quality materials and promote the luxurious feel of the cabin. Also, the seats are comfortably spacious and come with heated and ventilated function. Similarly, the second-row seats offer suitable space for three passengers. But the sloping roofline hinders the headroom for tall persons. There are plenty of standard features which extend the convenience, such as dual-zone automatic temperature control, rear vents, ambient lighting, push-button start, electronic parking brake, memory function for the driver's seat and outside mirror. The infotainment system comprises of an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth streaming, and 630 watts Harman Kardon premium sound system with ten speakers. Connectivity features include Aux support, USB ports, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Also, this year’s Optima has gained wireless phone charging to comply with the standard of the futuristic hybrid cars. 

The new Optima Hybrid expresses the futuristic design with unique and sleek exterior design. The visual appeal of the Kia Optima stands it apart from the rivals. In the front fascia, the black tiger-nose grille strikes perfectly with the styling and resembles the hybrid personality of the Optima. The front grille houses an active air flap that optimizes the efficiency of the engine and keeps under the hood temperature within the operational range. Kia has empowered Optima with energy-efficient LED lights in the front and rear. The uniquely designed LED headlights illuminate the road ahead, and the LED fog lights amplify the visibility in hazy situations. In the rear fascia, the LED taillights facilitate an exceptional design. While the LED center-mounted high stop light sync with the taillights and alerts the following cars more clearly. Optima Hybrid is available in single grade EX, but Kia has made sure that it gets all the high-end exterior features. The panoramic sunroof comes with the power function and makes it easier for you to operate it while driving. Likewise, the five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels further complement the styling and exterior personality of the Optima Hybrid. 

Kia Optima Hybrid comes with front-wheel drive architecture and delivers a premium ride quality. In the front, the independent MacPherson strut suspension ensures precise handling, while the stabilizer bars maintain the top-notch ride quality. In the rear, the independent multi-link suspension and high-performance dampers back the handling on the cracked road conditions. Also, the rear torsion beam with coil springs further enhances the ride quality by twisting over the bumps, so the cabin remains in a balanced position. The electronic stability control and vehicle stability management system further support in enabling the top of the line ride quality by holding the vehicle over varied road conditions. 

When compared to the previous generation model, the performance of 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid is significantly enhanced. The lithium-polymer battery now delivers 19% enhanced performance and is also 13% more energy efficient. The parallel hybrid system consists of the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and 38 kW electric motor setup with the 1.76 kWh battery. This configuration delivers a combined power output of 192 hp at 6,000 rpm and torque of 271 lb.-ft. at 0–1,770 rpm. The hybrid powertrain is mated with the electronically controlled 6-speed automatic gearbox. Optima Hybrid ensures excellent fuel efficiency of 42 mpg combined, 45 mpg on highways, and 40 mpg in city conditions. 

With the all-new Optima Hybrid 2020, Kia has prioritized the safety of the passengers. Its unibody structure is made of 53% AHSS, which is stronger and lighter. Now Optima Hybrid comes with additional driving assistance, active and passive safety features. Safety begins with the braking capacity of the Optima Hybrid. It is backed by the 12-inch ventilated disc brakes in the front and 11.2-inch solid disc brakes in the rear wheels. Moreover, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, and anti-lock brake system work in synchrony to enable intact braking when required. In terms of passive safety features, Kia Optima is equipped with dual front airbags, dual side-mounted airbags, full-length curtain airbags, and driver side knee airbags. While the blind-spot collision warning system alerts the driver of vehicles passing by right and left side of the Optima. Likewise, rear cross-traffic warning, front collision warning, front collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist alerts you or take preventive actions to prevent the collision. 

The new Kia Optima Hybrid is packed with innovative driving assistance features and also comes with wireless phone charging to match the standard of the hybrid cars. It has been priced competitively as per the hybrid segment and competes head to head with Honda Accord Hybrid, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry. Optima does deliver high-end interior comfort, engine performance, and ride quality. But, some of its rivals offer better handling and fuel economy.