I love the Kia Optima Hybrid
See that face? Here are the details of my amazing Kia test drive at Reviewer’s Retreat in North Carolina this week. I am joining the #driveKia team and hope to further test one of these in the near future on a road trip!!!
Kia Optima Hybrid test drive #driveKia (image babypopdesigns Flickr)
This car is beautifully designed and stylish, graceful in feel and has the get-up-and-go so many hybrids are missing. John Dominguez, Press Fleet Manager, was my Kia companion on the 30 minute test drive around Concord, North Carolina. We drove on local streets as well as on Interstate 85 during our test drive. So I was able to see how well it handled in different situations.
First I was impressed by the way the hybrid changed from gas to electric power seamlessly. The Optima Hybrid is capable of running on either its gas engine, electric motor or both. I had always heard you felt a jolt when this transition happened…not in this car!!! Just in case you were wondering, there is no plug-in charging system…the battery pack is continually being replenished by energy generated from the gas engine and captured during regenerative braking…who knew? Plus its fuel economy rating is: 35 city /40 highway and 37 mpg combined. Score!!!
I loved the stylish design of the exterior and the lush interior. I was blown away (literally) by the air conditioned seats and the start up process… Watch this 3-second video to see why I loved starting the Kia Optima Hybrid…
Here are some other things that caught my eye in the car I drove with panoramic sunroof, leather interior, power heated and cooled front seats (YES), heated rear seats, an Infinity audio system w/Sirius radio, a navigation system, HID headlights and many other perks!
The front lights are beautifully designed...
the design of the wheels really caught my artist's eye...
the ergonomic dashboard w/ a large and easy to read, with an LCD screen wraps for optimal viewing
I loved the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob…feels like a sporty luxury car…
the gear box looks like that of a luxury car
one touch start and stop
The Bottom Line
Safety is important to all Moms and GrandMoms!!! Here are some important safety awards the 2012 Kia optima has been awarded.
Safety recognitions
the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid #driveKia
The 2012 Optima Hybrid’s base price is $25,700. The model I drove had upgrades to $32,000. I saw on the commercial that yo can get this car for around $269 a month. It is a nice ride with a good feel and quite roomy for my long legs. I am ready for a week-long test drive soon so I can share even more about how this car operates. Can you say, “Road trip??!!!”
Oh! I want to give one a try too!
Looks great. 37 mpg is fabulous, I need a car that is fuel efficient!
What a great looking car – plus you look great in it!!
Love the one start button and the mpg.
It is awesome…TY
Don’t we all with gas so high!!! I can’t wait to see how it does on a long trip.
Isn’t that button and music a great way to start your car? I would love hearing that every day!!!
What a great review of a hybrid car. We are in the market for one soon and we will definitely look at this Kia. Thank you for sharing. I will be interested in your review after a week long road trip. Have Fun!
Oh Melinda…you would really love this car. Go test drive one and let me know how you like it!!!
What a great car! I tested out the Kia Sorento at RevRet12 and was really impressed by it… but now I want to take the Optima Hybrid for a spin as well! Love the photo of you in there – this car looks made for you!
Now that’s a sweet ride! I’m so jealous! That car looks great on you! 🙂
Wow! Looks like a fantastic car and how awesome that you got to test drive it. I’d love to know more about how it performs in different terrains and conditions…
I think it was made for me. TY
Thanks Emmi…
I can’t wait to drive it more. I did go on the Interstate and on street traffic during the test drive.
Great price for a car with so many extras and excellent mileage! Have fun on your road trip 🙂
Oh, wow…. that is one sweet car!
What a great looking car, I want one! Thanks for the great review. We’ll keep this car in mind when we go car shopping.
What a pretty car! Looks like you had a blast. I’m hoping my next car will be a hybrid. I tried when I bought my last one but I just couldn’t make the finances work out!
What a great car … it would be so fun to take it on a longer road trip! I really like the Hybrid idea and I’d love a smaller car. When all my kids grow up and move out, I’m driving something tiny! 🙂
I will, I will!!!
oh it is that and then some!!!
You would so love this car…take it out for a spin!!!
Wow! I have been wanting to check out Kia we have a local dealership. The things that caught me that you mention cooled seating! Yes, it gets 115* in the summer here at times.
The gas/electric power with gas mileage savings perfect for visiting my family 5 hrs away! & hello sunroof! I do miss that in my current car. I would love a hybrid I just wish the prices would come down a bit. I also need to get an suv type vehicle, which I wonder if they carry in a hybrid! great info. you shared!! Definitely keeping Kia in mind on the car hunt now!
I understand about the finances. But take a look when you can…you will love it!!!
This is not that tiny Randi!!! It is a mid-size car.
Those seats rock Theresa!!! I just wish that feature came in a mattress!!! You should go test drive one and see how that feature feels!!! It is amazing!!!
Oooo, this is a fun toy!! I wish I didn’t just get a new car 🙂 I will have to go and test drive one for future!! Thanks for sharing!
shoot…you would have loved this car. Kia has great cars!!!
I love the design of the Kia but had no idea it had such a great safety record. Thanks for the tour!
What a fun opportunity!!
The safety stuff is really compelling isn’t it. I am glad that you learned about it here.
TY…it is fun and rewarding to be a brand evangelist for such an amazing product. I am thrilled tat John took the time to answer all my questions and make me know and love the features of this car.
Looks like a fun car! We looked at Kias before we bought a new car. Push start cars are so cool! Love the LCD dash screen in the Kia
I loved everything about this Kia…down to the cup holders!!! Thanks for stopping by!!!
Rebecca
What an awesome review. Makes me want to go check out the Kia’s here. I need those air conditioned seats down here in Florida.
I know…I thought the same thing about the seats!!!
Stop already! You’re making me want a new car!
We recently had an accident and my car was totoaled when we hit a deer. I am leaning towards a new Kia Sorento, it is so nice to drive! I bet the Optima is really nice too!
I know, I know!!!
Yes Chrissy,,,all the Kia’s are awesome!!!
I have been drooling over a Kia Suv for a couple of years now..So jealous you got to drive this…Great pictures and video