2019 Kia Optima Hybrid Review
Price Estimate: $15,755 - $18,191





+54
Edmunds' Expert Review

by Kurt Niebuhr
Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
- Quiet interior around town and on the highway
- Available 60/40-split rear seats increase the cargo area
- Plenty of available safety and luxury features
Cons
- Some rival hybrid sedans get better fuel economy
- The sloping roofline limits rear headroom
What's new
- Additional standard features this year
- EX is the only available trim for 2019
- Minor exterior styling updates
- Part of the second Optima Hybrid generation introduced in 2016
The 2019 Kia Optima takes everything you get with a regular Optima — plenty of features for the price, as well as a comfortable interior and a pleasant ride quality — and adds on some extra goodness. You get an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in combined city/highway driving as well as 192 horsepower. Those are noteworthy increases compared to a regular Optima.
For sale nearby
4 listings
- 100,746 miles
- 3 accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 4cyl automatic
- E and M Auto Sales (1,907 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
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Located in Bloomington, CA
In very good conditions, clean title, current License tags, Ac, power windows and seats, bluetooth wireless, 2nd owners, 2019 Kia Optima Hybrid EX Se...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
41 Combined MPG (39 City/45 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNAGU4LE3K5031716
Stock: 031716
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 12-10-2024- 69,425 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 4cyl automatic
- First National Auto (1,911 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Seattle, WA
Recent Arrival! SPOTLESS CARFAX HISTORY, WEST COAST OWNED, DOCUMENTED SERVICE RECORDS, 2.0L DOHC VVT, 10-Way Power Adjustable Passenger's Seat, 12-Way...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
41 Combined MPG (39 City/45 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNAGU4LE7K5031993
Stock: 26767
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-06-2024
It's true that most rival midsize hybrid sedans typically offer a tad better fuel economy than the Optima. Also, some other manufacturers have packaged the battery packs to not impinge on cargo space — the Optima Hybrid loses 2.5 cubic feet to its hybridization. From a driving standpoint, however, the Optima is among the best. While you'll want to consider rivals such as the Honda Accord, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Toyota Camry, the Optima Hybrid is definitely a competitive option.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Driving
Though we haven't driven the Optima Hybrid yet, we have tested the mechanically related Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. We expect the Optima will pull away smoothly from a stop thanks to its initial electric-only power. But outright performance and handling are likely to be a bit disappointing.
Comfort
The regular Optima sedan delivers a smooth ride on all kinds of pavement, and the cabin is quiet at highway speeds. We're not as thrilled with the seats, though.
Seat comfort
Heated front seats are standard; ventilated seats and heated rear seats are options. The front seats are roomy but lack lateral side bolstering. The rear seats are also spacious, but the low-mounted cushion may lack support for average-size adults.
Ride comfort
The regular Optima sedan absorbs small, high-frequency bumps pretty well for an overall smooth ride. Larger undulations cause some jostling but not significantly more than rivals in this class. The Hybrid's ride quality should not be that different despite the different powertrain.
Interior
The Optima's interior, regardless of model or trim, isn't especially exciting visually. That said, it serves its functions well. The feature set makes you feel as if you're getting a lot more for your money, although the quality of materials feels a bit mediocre.
Ease of use
We give the Optima high marks for its easy-to-use infotainment system and readable physical buttons that are logically placed. The primary controls are all within reach, and there's no guesswork with buttons that are a bit out of the way.
Getting in/getting out
When the tall door openings are free from obstructions, passengers can access their seats with little difficulty. The doors are adequately short in length to provide access in tight parking spots.
Roominess
The front seats have plenty of space for larger passengers, and the range of adjustments will cover short and tall occupants. The rear outboard seats benefit from an abundance of legroom, but headroom is only adequate for adults of average height.
Visibility
The Optima's cabin feels big and airy thanks to large windows and narrow roof pillars, but the high rear decklid and rear-seat headrests obscure the rearward view. The standard rearview camera and optional parking sensors help reduce blind spots.
Quality
Plenty of plastic is used throughout the interior, but it's sturdy and the texture is visually appealing. The car feels as solid as any other sedan in the class.
Utility
With 13.4 cubic feet of storage, trunk space is slightly less than the class average for a midsize hybrid sedan. It gains extra points for 60/40-split rear seats, though the opening is on the small side. Inside, there's plenty of space for personal items in the many bins and pockets.
Technology
Kudos to Kia for an easy-to-use infotainment system with high-quality graphics and plenty of redundant physical buttons so you don't get lost in menus. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are appreciated.
Audio & navigation
Like Kia itself, the touchscreen interface prefers function to form. There's nothing flashy; it's just competent and easy to use. The navigation system is fine, but we wish it tried to predict street and city names in the input screens.
Driver aids
Reverse assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist are all now included in the Optima's standard suite of driver aids. But most of the latest driver safety aids, such as lane departure warning and forward collision warning, are optional.
Which Optima Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
With only one trim level available, it's got to be the EX. But we like all the extra features that come as part of the Technology package — the one and only option package available. Even with these extra luxury and technology items added, including a powerful 10-speaker stereo, a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats, the Optima Hybrid is still competitively priced.
2019 Kia Optima Hybrid models
The 2019 Kia Optima Hybrid is a five-passenger midsize sedan available in one trim level. It's powered by the combination of an electric motor and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which together make 192 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The Optima Hybrid comes well-equipped with standard features, but there is one available package to dress up the Kia even further.
The only trim level available is the EX, and it comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights and power-folding mirrors. Inside, leather seating includes a 10-way adjustable driver's seat, a six-way adjustable passenger seat and heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Dual-zone climate control and rear-seat air vents are standard, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 7-inch touchscreen, keyless entry and push-button ignition. Reverse assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and lane keeping assist are all included in the Optima's standard suite of driver aids.
The Technology package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat, adaptive LED headlights and laminated front door windows to reduce road noise for a quieter cabin. Inside, there's a panoramic sunroof and auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 10-speaker, 630-watt Harman Kardon stereo system, an 8-inch touchscreen, a heated steering wheel, LED interior lights, and ventilated front seats. Forward collision warning and assist, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control are also added.

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Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Kia Optima Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.14 per gallon for regular unleaded in Michigan.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Michigan
$94/mo for Optima Hybrid EX
Optima Hybrid EX
vs
$163/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Kia Optima Hybrid Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(46%)
4(15%)
3(8%)
2(15%)
1(16%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Best PHEV
5 out of 5 starsChris Doan, 07/03/2017
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
I've owned BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz in the lasts 10 years and have been shopping around for a PHEV for months. I was considering and test driving the Ford Fusion Energi, Chevy Volt, Totoyta Prius, Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Huyndai Sonota Hybrid, Tesla Model S but finally traded in my Mercedes for a KIA Optima EX PHEV for its styling, infotaiment system, technologies, range, price/value … ratio, long warranty. This car met all my expectations: stylish, smooth/quiet/comfortable interior, reasonable EV range. It did deliver the 29 all EV range as advertised. I've installed a 240V outlet and used an inexpensive level 2 charger I bought from Amazon.com for less than $250, it charged the car from empty to full battery in less than 3 hours. Well done KIA!
Best Value Hybrid
5 out of 5 starsReginald Gayden, 04/16/2018
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
Bought 2017 Optima Hybrid in November 17. It was the only Hybrid Optima on the lot out of dozens of gas ones. I had been comparing Accord, Camry, and Malibu Hybrids and read the Optima Hybrid got 46 mpg on the hwy. That was only 2 or 3 miles per gallon less than the best of them so I did some pricing. My choice was for the 26,800 premium with pretty standard features, good radio with … Android Audio and SiriusXM, dual zone climate control, tilt, cruise control,pwr windows and Door locks. At the time of purchase, there was a $5,000 rebate offered. I could not believe it. All this car for less than a Prius prime. I have driven it to over 18k miles in 6 months after taking several trips and I really enjoy and appreciate this car. My first trip was from Phoenix to Vegas. Did it on one tank of gas. The car went 828 miles. Very impressive! Really like having a 6 speed transmission instead of a CVT. Driven properly there are days when it averages 60 to 61 mpg city hwy mix. It can go up to 80mph in electric mode. 10 year 100 k warranty and a 5star safety rating I think the value is unbeatable.
On first name basis with device department
2 out of 5 starsShannon Gudvangen, 01/25/2020
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
My car has spent more time at the dealership than at home. I had to bring it in before it even hit 200 miles. Now it's at 60,000 miles and it's been at the dealership more than 20 times and the manager of the service department knows my name when I walk in the door. One thing after another went out with the hybrid system. Apparently it has 4 air flaps and all if them had to be … replaced. It gets pretty good gas mileage when we can actually drive it. I am very disappointed with this vehicle.
Luxury hybrid sedan
5 out of 5 starsAlan W, 03/11/2018
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
I couldn't imagine a better hybrid. I tried the Camry hybrid, didn't like the CVT (continuous variable transmission), which was noisy when pushed even slightly. It was pricey but not as well equipped as the top of the line Optima Hybrid. I bought it with the technology package, which added $5K to the price but was well worth it for the safety features. I kept my last car, an … indestructible 2003 Acura TL, for 15 years; I intend to keep the Optima Hybrid for the same length of time. The Acura was great on the highway but it was a gas guzzler in the city, where I now mainly drive, and the gas it guzzled was premium. The new car sips regular gas. It's much safer as well as far more advanced technologically. I've been getting very good gas mileage (it's rated 39 city, 46 highway but on two occasions I got 48.1 mpg). Gas mileage in the city tends to be mediocre. Besides outstanding safety and comfort, the car offers a wide variety of entertainment options thanks to Sirius XM and Android auto. Consumer reports gave the Optima a top rating. It was right about the Acura in 2003; so far it's been right about about the Optima Hybrid.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Kia Optima Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Optima Hybrid since its last redesign.
2019 Optima Hybrid Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,090 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 41 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $94/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Optima Hybrid models:
- Blind-Spot Detection System
- Illuminates a light on either of the Optima's side mirrors when a vehicle enters its blind spot.
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Sounds a warning if the Optima detects an imminent front collision. The brakes automatically engage to avoid or lessen an impact.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Sounds a warning if a vehicle is approaching the Optima from the side while it is in reverse.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.8%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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