2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid is designed to appeal to consumers looking for a stylish and well-appointed sedan that does not sacrifice style, comfort, performance or value for fuel efficiency.

The Optima Hybrid offers head-turning design and modern amenities and adds a more fuel-efficient drivetrain and state-of-the-art lithium-polymer battery pack to deliver up to 35 miles per gallon in the city and a class-leading 40 mpg on the highway.

For 2012 the Optima Hybrid builds on an already solid platform with the addition of HD Radio and power folding outside mirrors to the Hybrid Premium and Technology Package.

All 2012 Optima Hybrid models feature a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gas engine that produces 166 horsepower connected by a wet clutch to an Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor producing 40 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque up to 1,400 rpm (in full-electric mode only).

The full parallel hybrid system can be driven in zero emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 mph or in blended gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.

The Optima Hybrid's design combines a sleek silhouette and aggressive stance with sculpted elements that evoke passion and communicate the Kia's philosophy of creating stylish and fun-to-drive vehicles. The Optima Hybrid features a unique hybrid-specific black gloss and chrome tabbed front grille. The vehicle's coupe-like profile is accentuated by a sweeping chrome arc that flows from the A through the C pillars.