2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Test Drive & Car Video Review

Unlike many hybrids on the market, the Kia Optima Hybrid looks very similar to the regular gas only Optima with a few exceptions. Most noticeable are the aluminum alloy wheels which are unique to the hybrid and the hybrid badges. Other than that and a small trunk spoiler, the hybrid model closely resembles the regular car. But the Optima has many excellent features including a great panoramic sunroof. There are only 3 color choices available on the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid: white, black, and satin metal.

The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid is powered by a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine that is pair to an electric motor which is powered by a lithium ion battery that is recharged by a regenerative braking system. Combined the powertrain makes 199 horsepower and 235 lb-ft. of torque with fuel economy figures coming in at 36 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway. The battery pack is situated behind the rear seat which cuts trunk space by about 5 cubic feet.

So at the end of the day the question is "should you consider the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid is you are considering a fuel efficient mid-sized family car?" Well the answer is yes; the car is great looking, gets descent fuel economy, is very safe, and has an excellent warranty.

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[kevinhurdle]

Before I get started on this review. I just wanted to see what kind of reviews this model year received.. I've owned my 2013 Optima Hybrid EX "fully loaded" since March 2015 with 30k miles on it. I had to stop the video at 2:45 into it because I couldn't stand much more of Chris's review. I've avg NO LESS than 34 mpg driving hard, and as high as 42 mpg. I'm currently sitting at 38.5 driving very regularly. I have peaked a tank full at 48 mpg driving the car sensibly to see what I could squeeze out. I hope by now this guy has learned how to drive a hybrid vehicle which is a different style of driving than a non-hybrid vehicle. Unless he's one of these bozo's that want to discredit the technology because he's beholden by the oil industry.... I'll update my review of his review once I finish watching this ....please stand by... ok I just finished with Chris's review... I have a couple more critiques of this review. 1st my 6' 3" 245lb buddy who's a luxury car owner raves about my passenger seat having more room than his BMW 550 and loves the comfort of it. He also missed saying the rear seats are also heated in the EX. 2nd learn how to pack a trunk I have traveled with 2 large suitcases and 2 suit bags in the trunk. I find that the hybrid battery pack does not take up an unacceptable amount of space. 3rd... LEARN HOW TO DRIVE A HYBRID. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my 13' Optima Hybrid EX and think the 13' is still the best looking of the 2011 ~ 2020 model years, especially the interior. I'm going to have a very hard decision about whether it makes sense to buy a new car and have payments again when I own this car and get excellent gas mileage, looks great, I get plenty of compliments on its styling, ride, sound. The only vehicle that could replace this is the 2021 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid when its released in the US.

[blu-ot]

I just test drove a black one today and i have to say it's a very nice !!!!

[bbokdoong]

This reviewer got 29.5 mpg from Honda Fit.
Normal drivers get low to mid 30s mpg driving Honda Fit.
His reviews generally returns poor fuel economy.
He may be an aggressive driver or live in high altitude region.
Considering that, Kia optima did not do so bad at 32.5 mpg.
I would estimate 35 mpg in normal driving.

[thecatsfan]

That's nice. That car is rated from 30mpg to 33mpg depending on the drivetrain combined and suffers the same real-world lower numbers as most every car made. Does not get anywhere near the mpg of the Optima Hybrid and has a higher sticker price when loaded with leather and options.

[Ameer]

I would like to know if you are only driving in the city or are you doing mixed driving. Normally in the city you get lower numbers when it comes to fuel economy rather than mixed or even highway driving.

[thecatsfan]

I can and will compare the Optima to the Hybird. The Kia has more features and options. The Kia is less expensive. Both IIHS and NHSTA rated the Kia higher for crash test safety. The Camry is an IIHS Top pick, but the Kia is an IIHS Top+ pick. The Kia has a much longer warranty: basic, drivetrain and hybrid system. And yesterday I drove them both. 2 brand new cars parked across the street from each other. The Kia got better mileage on a 10 mile test drive and handled better as well.

[thecatsfan]

KIA does not overstate EPA fuel economy numbers. They test their vehicles in a laboratory environment in accordance with EPA rules and regulations and report the results to the EPA. The EPA has the option to perform their own test or require re-testing. Kia's process is exactly the same as every manufacturer and is far closer to real than the Ford Fusion and several other current hybrids.

[thecatsfan]

Overall I must say a very sold review though. We are currently considering this purchase. Will take a second look at that passenger seat. Did not notice that. Need to load some suitcases in the trunk as well for comparison. Good job!

[digitaltouch]

Great review Chris, never seen one of your videos before but after this one ill be looking out.

[GerryStilton]

Thanks for a great and Informative review.

[jonathancox]

I have a non hybrid Kia Optima 2014 that, when in Eco drive on all highway, gets between 38-40 mpg.

[jwagner]

Low seats???
That's exactly what I looking for!

[Dklew]

Piece of Junk? Get out the 90's They are as reliable as Honda now, and they make Quality Vehicles worth the money. Plus these rims are way better looking than alot of the hybrids out there

[kcirreb]

most passenger seats dont allow you to adjust the height....

[rogerdemontferrand]

Faire des vidéos en short, ça fait vraiment déplacé. Pire quand on est vieux !

[rjaiswal]

is it a good looking car ??....its bloody DAMN good looking car bro !!

[TheCobalt]

Saying that a Kia will always be a Kia means absolutely nothing.

[jwagner]

Please fellows.. compare with fusions, Camrys, Accord...
Not with Honda Fit or Mitsubishi

[bsommerfe]

Hey fella, have you driven one?? It's a hell of a lot smoother thant the fusion and the camary rides like a feel every crack. The Optima is extremely smooth and beats both the fusion and camary in refined interior and ride. Where do you get your info from....Edmunds. what a joke.

[markb]

Hybrids are an absolute waste of money. I'm getting the 2014 Mazda 6 Diesel, best looking car out there by far in the 30k range.