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    Categories: New Launch

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid Review

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

As a carryover from the 2015 model year, the 2016 Optima Hybrid continues to offer all the qualities that consumers love about the third-generation Optima, including its striking European design, abundance of premium features, and exceptional value, all while enhancing fuel economy with a fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain that helps minimize visits to the pump.

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

Available in two well-appointed trim levels – Hybrid and Hybrid EX – the 2016 Optima Hybrid benefits from a 2.4-liter engine that works in conjunction with a 47-horsepower electric motor to produce a combined 199 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. Supplying the electric motor is a powerful 47 kW lithium polymer battery, while a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission transfers all the power to the Optima Hybrid’s front wheels. While there is plenty of power, it’s also fuel efficient, with the Optima Hybrid has EPA-estimated 36 MPG in the city, 40 MPG on the highway, and 38 MPG combined, with the Hybrid EX has EPA-estimated 35 MPG in the city, 39 MPG on the highway, and 37 MPG combined.

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

The 2016 Optima Hybrid features unique exterior elements that enhance aerodynamics and help set it apart. The Optima Hybrid has additional vents on the front bumper to increase airflow and reduce drag. Low rolling resistance tires are mounted to 16-inch alloy wheels or super low rolling resistance tires are mounted to 17-inch alloy wheels (depending on trim) to help reduce weight and drag. The front grille is also unique as are Hybrid-exclusive fender badges, and certain components make extensive use of aluminum instead of steel to help offset the weight of the battery.

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

Both trims are handsomely equipped with premium standard features, but for those seeking more from their Optima Hybrid, both trims are available with packages that up the hybrid’s premium feel. The Hybrid Convenience Package adds a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, UVO eServices with rear-camera display, LED front positioning headlights, and an acoustic laminated windshield and front door windows, which help the cabin stay library-quiet.

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

The Hybrid EX can further be dressed up with the Technology Package, which adds the Panoramic sunroof with gloss black B-pillars, Blind-Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and a Back-up Warning System.

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

In addition to the Hybrid’s design, performance and efficiency, it comes standard with a variety of safety features. Both trims offer standard driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

What’s New

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

  • Removal of Smokey Blue exterior color offering
  • Removal of beige interior and white leather trim combinations with Aluminum Silver exterior color
  • Removal of white leather trim combination with Aurora Black exterior color

Specifications

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors



Optima HybridOptima Hybrid EX
Engine
Type
2.4L MPI HEV, aluminum block and head
2.4L MPI HEV, aluminum block and head
Valve System
DOHC, four valves/cylinder with CVVT
DOHC, four valves/cylinder with CVVT
Displacement (cc)
2,359 cc
2,359 cc
Bore x Stroke
88.0 mm / 97.0 mm
88.0 mm / 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio
13.0 : 1
13.0 : 1
Horsepower (SAE net)
159 hp @ 5,500 rpm
159 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (SAE net)
154 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
154 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Electric Motor
-
-
Motor Type
Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Horsepower (SAE net)
46.9 hp (35 kW) @ 1,630-3,000 rpm
46.9 hp (35 kW) @ 1,630-3,000 rpm
Torque (SAE net)
151.2 lb-ft (205 Nm) @ 0-1,630 rpm
151.2 lb-ft (205 Nm) @ 0-1,630 rpm
Voltage
270VDC (Nominal)
270VDC (Nominal)
System performance combined power
-
-
Horsepower (SAE net)
199 hp @ 5,500 rpm
199 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (SAE net)
235 lb-ft @ 1,000-2,500 rpm
235 lb-ft @ 1,000-2,500 rpm
Fuel System
Multi-Point Injection (MPI)
Multi-Point Injection (MPI)
Battery
Battery Type
Lithium polymer battery
Lithium polymer battery
Battery Voltage
270V
270V
Battery Weight
91.0 lbs (41.3 kg)
91.0 lbs (41.3 kg)
Battery Capacity
5.3 Ah
5.3 Ah
Power output
47kW
47kW
Electric-Vehicle operation
Limit of 62 mph
Limit of 62 mph
Drivetrain
6-speed electronic automatic without lock-up torque converter
-
-
Gear Ratios
A/T
A/T
First
4.212:1
4.212:1
Second
2.637:1
2.637:1
Third
1.800:1
1.800:1
Fourth
1.386:1
1.386:1
Fifth
1.000:1
1.000:1
Sixth
0.772:1
0.772:1
Reverse
3.385:1
3.385:1
Final gear ratio
3.320:1
3.320:1
Clutch type
Wet type laminated clutch
Wet type laminated clutch
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase
110.04 in.
110.04 in.
Track (front/rear)
63.03 in./63.03 in.
62.80 in./62.80 in.
Length
190.70 in.
190.70 in.
Width
72.05 in.
72.05 in.
Height
57.08 in.
57.08 in.
Min. Ground Clearance
5.12 in.
5.12 in.
Interior Dimensions
Head room
-
-
Front
39.96 in.
39.96 in.
Rear
37.60 in.
37.60 in.
Shoulder room
-
-
Front
57.28 in.
57.28 in.
Rear
55.71 in.
55.71 in.
Leg room
-
-
Front
45.47 in.
45.47 in.
Rear
34.65 in.
34.65 in.
Hip room
-
-
Front
54.65 in.
54.65 in.
Rear
54.49 in.
54.49 in.
SAE Volume, interior
-
-
Passage volume (cu. ft.)
102.17 cu. ft.
102.17 cu. ft.
Cargo volume (cu. ft.)
10.78 cu. ft.
10.78 cu. ft.
Coefficient of drag (Cd)
0.26
0.26
Body & Chassis
Layout
Front engine, front drive
Front engine, front drive
Body type
Steel unibody
Steel unibody
Steering type
Rack and pinion, electric motor
Rack and pinion, electric motor
Turns, lock-to-lock
2.94
2.94
Turning diameter, curb-to-curb
35.76 ft.
35.76 ft.
Suspension
Front suspension
Independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension
Independent, multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Independent, multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Brakes
Type
AHB (Active hydraulic boost) System, ESC, HAC standard
AHB (Active hydraulic boost) System, ESC, HAC standard
Front/rear
11.8 in. vented discs/11.2 in. solid discs
11.8 in. vented discs/11.2 in. solid discs
Tires & Wheels
Wheels
6.5J x 16 Alloy
6.5J x 17 Alloy
Tires
P205/65R16 94H
P215/55R17 93V
Curb Weight
Automatic transmission
3,496 lbs.
3,622 lbs.
Weight distribution (front/rear)
60.3% / 39.7%
59.8% / 40.2%
Estimated Fuel Economy
Automatic transmission, city/highway/combined (mpg)
36/40/38
35/39/37
Fuel tank capacity (gallons)
17.2
17.2

Features & Options

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

MechanicalOptima HybridOptima Hybrid EX
2.4L Multi-point Injection (MPI) HEV 4-cylinder engine
S
S
6-speed automatic transmission with H-Matic
S
S
Auto Shift lock system
S
S
Tire Mobility Kit (TMK)
S
S
ExteriorOptima HybridOptima Hybrid EX
16" tires with alloy wheels
S
--
17" tires with unique alloy wheels
--
S
Black gloss/ chrome front grille
S
S
Sporty front and rear lower bumpers, side sills
S
S
Dual body-color outside mirrors
S
S
Laminated front door windows
O
S
Acoustic Laminated Windshield
O
S
Chrome and body-color door handles
S
S
Solar glass
S
S
LED tail lights
S
S
LED front positioning lights
O
S
HID head lights with auto-leveling
--
S
LED fog lights
--
S
Outside mirrors with turn signal indicator
S
S
Power folding outside mirrors
--
S
Heated rear glass with timer
S
S
Panoramic Sunroof with gloss black B-pillar
--
O
Virtual engine sound system
S
S
Headlamp anti-fog function
S
S
EcoHybrid' Emblem
S
S
Interior & ConvenienceOptima HybridOptima Hybrid EX
Eco Switch on the steering wheel
S
S
Auto Cruise control
S
S
USB/auxiliary input jacks
S
S
Bluetooth® wireless technology
S
S
Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
S
S
Tilt and telescopic steering column
S
S
AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio unit with 6 speakers
S
--
Infinity® surround-sound audio with eight speakers
--
S
Sirius® Satellite Radio
S
S
Supervision meter cluster with LCD display design
S
S
8" Navigation with rear-camera display, TMU, and Sirius traffic (AVN4.0)
--
S
UVO2 eServices with rear-camera display
O
--
Push-button start with Smart key
S
S
Power front windows with auto up/down
S
S
Power door locks with remote keyless entry
S
S
Dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear vents
S
S
Rear air conditioning vents
S
S
Heated steering wheel
--
S
Illuminated glove box
S
S
Cooling glove box
S
S
Chrome accent front cup holders
S
--
Illuminated chrome accent front cup holders
--
S
Illuminated door scuff plates
--
S
Illuminated ignition cylinder
S
S
Door mood lamp and overhead pin lamp
--
S
Sunglasses holder
S
S
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
--
S
Carpeted floor mats
S
S
Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
--
O
Back-Up Warning System
--
O
Electronic parking brake
--
S
Trunk hinge cover
S
S
Trip computer
S
S
Digital clock
S
S
Seating & TrimOptima HybridOptima Hybrid EX
Cloth seat trim with Clean Tex
S
--
Leather seat trim
--
S
White Leather Seat Trim with Contrast Piping
--
O
10-way power adjustable driver's seat
O
S
4-way power front passenger seat
--
S
Rear-seat center pass-through
S
S
Seat back pocket
S
S
Heated and ventillated front seats
--
S
Heated rear seats (high/low setting)
--
S
Driver's seat memory
--
S
Leather-wrapped steering wheel/gearshift knob
S
S
Black high gloss center fascia panel
S
S
Dark silver metal paint center fascia
S
--
Interior chrome accents
--
S
Hybrid unique trim (film insert) door inserts, center console
--
S
Leatherette wrapped center fascia
--
S
Black high gloss console upper cover
--
O
Black high gloss power window switch panel
--
O
Restraint & Safety SystemsOptima HybridOptima Hybrid EX
Dual front advanced airbags
S
S
Dual front seat-mounted side airbags
S
S
Full-length side curtain airbags
S
S
Front and rear 3-point seat belts
S
S
Front seat-belt pretensioners
S
S
Height-adjustable front seat-belt anchors
S
S
4-wheel disc brakes
S
S
Anti-lock Brakes System (ABS)
S
S
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
S
S
Front seat-belt reminder
S
S
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
S
S
Traction Control System (TCS)
S
S
Brake-Assist System (BAS)
S
S
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
S
S
High-line Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
S
S
Side-impact door beams
S
S
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
S
S
5-mph bumpers
S
S

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

Pricing

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid © Kia Motors

ModelDescriptionMsrp
Optima Hybrid2.4L Hybrid I-4 - 6 A/T $25,995.00
Optima Hybrid EX2.4L Hybrid I-4 - 6 A/T $32,195.00
Factory Installed OptionsMsrpCommentsOptima HybridOptima Hybrid EX
Aurora Black Pearl Paint $395.00
Yes

Yes
Snow White Pearl Paint $395.00
Yes

Yes
Hybrid Convenience Package
- 10-way power adjustable driver's seat
- UVO2 eServices with rear camera display
- LED front positioning lights
- Laminated front door windows
- Acoustic laminated windshield
$1,460.00
Yes

-
Technology Package
- Panoramic Sunroof with gloss black B-pillar
- Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Back-Up Warning System
$2,380.00
-

Yes
White Interior Package
- White leather seat trim with piping
- Black high-gloss console upper cover
- Black high-gloss power window switch panel
$400.00Requires Technology Package
-

Yes
 
Port Installed OptionsMsrpCommentsOptima HybridOptima Hybrid EX
Rear Bumper Appliqué $75.00
Yes

Yes
Carpeted Floor Mats $130.00
Standard

Standard
Cargo Net $50.00
Yes

Yes
Cargo Tray $80.00
Yes

Yes
Autodimming Mirror with Compass and Homelink® $350.00
Yes

-
Mud Guards $95.00
Yes

Yes
Wheel Locks $55.00
Yes

Yes
 
Steve Allen: