The 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid is the latest addition to the hybrid cars market. There is no doubt that Kia’s cars are great in quality, teamed with classy design and modern technologies.
The Hybrid cars have become quite popular since they give impressive fuel efficiency. However, the South Korean car maker, Kia, introduced its mid-size sedan, the Kia Optima in 2001. Since then it has been quite a hit in its segment. The Kia has been in the U.S. market for some twenty years now and has become the eighth best-selling brand in the country.
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid – Modern and Attractive Look
The 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid borrows its looks from Kia Optima, but with few upgrades. With a modern and attractive exterior, this hybrid has larger dimensions than its predecessor. Its exterior is a masterpiece of design and function. The sloped roof and curvy exterior metal sheet, adds to its attractive looks.
Its front fascia carries Optima’s signature Tiger grille, featuring the bright LED headlights. Modern technologies like Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) and High Beam Assist (HBA) are also available to light up the road ahead.
The rear lights also bear LED technology combination lamp. Satin-finish accents, special badging and unique front aero treatment are also some upgrades that make it stand apart from the regular Optima. Its outside mirrors have a heating option to defog for enhanced visibility. The hybrid also gives 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. This hybrid will sit on
Spacious Cabin
Inside the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid, it is spacious, comfortable and loaded with advanced technology. It will come with manually adjustable cloth seats. In the higher trims, one will get leather and heat to the front seats.
The Optima Hybrid is fitted with appropriately soft and usable materials. Rear passengers will find plenty of leg room but limited headroom. The inside comes in variants with a single color or in two colors. A 7.0-inch touch screen for infotainment, for entertainment needs, with a reversing camera, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/MP3/satellite audio system comes standard on all trims.
Other features also include keyless ignition, Bluetooth connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Its large touch screen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Engine Specification
The 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid has a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four engine together with the electric motor. This is capable of producing the total of 154-horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel drive. The electric motor will produce 50 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
This engine is capable of going from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds; this might be a little slower than other hybrids. It is expected to give a fuel economy of 36 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway, and 42 mpg combined. However, the total net output is 192 horsepower/271 lb-ft of torque.
The Kia’s Optima Hybrid can easily switch between hybrid motor and engine without any fret. Its battery can power the vehicle for short distances on electric power but this too at low-speed and short distances. This vehicle can shuffle between hybrid and charging modes and can hold battery’s charge or charge the 1.62-kWh lithium-polymer battery.
Availability and Cost of the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid
No official release date has yet been confirmed but it is expected that 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid will make an entry in the market in the second half of 2018. Its base trim is likely to start from $27,500.
Summing it up
The 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid is decently equipped and is fuel-efficient. It gives tough competition to other hybrids of its kind. Its competitors are 2018 VW Jetta Hybrid, 2018 Audi A6 Hybrid and 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Hybrid.
