2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Road Test - Edmunds.com
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid started out as a great idea. Kia took a great-looking midsize sedan, made it more aerodynamic and threw in a hybrid engine. But without an engine that delivers on its promise of great fuel economy, you're better off either saving money with the standard Optima, or if you want added performance with a similar feature set, go for the Optima Turbo. For those who are more concerned with fuel efficiency in a sedan package, there are more proven competitors to consider. If you want to go the hybrid route, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid are solid picks. The less expensive Volkswagen Jetta TDI gets comparable fuel economy and is powered by a diesel engine so it has good low-rpm torque. Performance The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is powered by a four-cylinder 2. 4-liter hybrid engine. The Optima Hybrid also comes to a stop from 60 mph in 126 feet. This is an average braking distance, although we noticed that the transition from the hybrid-type regenerative brakes to the mechanical brakes proves clumsy, so the brakes feel as if they're grabbing too eagerly. Chances are, however, you aren't interested in the Optima Hybrid. Source: www.edmunds.com
