TEST DRIVE: The Kia Optima Hybrid Offers an Unexpected Option for Green Drivers

Inhabitat recently test drove the new <a title="Kia Optima Hybrid specs" href="http://www.kia.com/#/optima-hybrid/explore/" target="_blank">Kia Optima Hybrid</a>, one of a few dozen <a title="Inhabitat: hybrid vehicle" href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=hybrid+vehicle" target="_blank">new hybrid vehicles</a> set to hit the market over the next year or two. We didn't expect much in terms of efficiency or style, seeing as how <a title="Kia Motors" href="http://www.kia.com/#" target="_blank">Kia</a> is a budget brand, but boy did this car surprise us. Our runs in the Optima Hybrid averaged nearly 40 miles per gallon--hardly what you would get from the mild hybrid we were expecting--and a friend even commented that the style had hints of <a title="Aston Martin" href="http://www.astonmartin.com" target="_blank">Aston Martin</a>. That's pretty high praise, but come along with us for a little ride to find out why the Kia Optima Hybrid surpassed nearly all our expectations and makes our list of decent options for green drivers.

Teardrop-shaped rear windows, an unusual grille, side vents, and a stretched shape lend the Kia Optima Hybrid a much more upmarket look than you might expect from the brand.

We took our tester for a drive over the river and through the woods to grandma's house for the holidays and found that the Optima Hybrid stuck to slippery roads quite well.

Though some elements of the Optima Hybrid, such as the foot pedal parking brake, are holdovers from an older generation of cars, most exterior and interior details are quite up to date.

The wheels aren't exactly upmarket, but this unique design on the hubcaps hints at an attention to detail throughout the new Optima.

Side vents like this are usually only functional on performance cars, but they still make a nice exterior detail.

Note the sharply raked rear window and split taillights.

The Optima is packed with Sirius satellite radio, Microsoft-powered infotainment system, Bluetooth, push button start, and even heated and cooled seats.

The Optima Hybrid starts at only $26,500 and presents a quite comprehensive package for the money.

We expected a mild hybrid, a system in which a car only makes use of the motor for starting, but the Optima seemed to engage its motor quite often, leaving us with 40+ mpg.

Kias are famous for small trunks, and we're afraid this one is no exception. It will hold groceries competently, but forget about bulky items.

We managed to fit 3 coolers in the trunk but had to jam the last one in at an angle.

The cockpit of the Optima Hybrid is much more upmarket than you would normally expect in an affordable hybrid, which takes the Optima from being a budget green car to a real bargain.

The seats in the Optima have both heating and cooling and power lumbar.

You can control the display screen options on the instrument cluster, Bluetooth, phone, and the infotainment system from the steering wheel controls.

Power mirrors and locks with high-quality controls. Think we're obsessing a bit? Compare these with the mechanical locks on a Smart car or the cheaper electronic controls in a Prius and you get an idea for how this car stacks up overall against other hybrids.

From the instrument cluster you can monitor the hybrid system and watch your fuel economy.

This image of the Optima on the display screen gives you another look at its raked profile.

This gauge gives you a running estimate of the number of miles you have before needing to fill up. The gas tank is small to conserve weight, so a full tank of 8 gallons will take you over 300 miles.

This gauge tells you if you are using the motor in EV mode, or using it as a supplement to the engine. Stay out of the red zone, which is saved for aggressive acceleration using the engine only.

A hint that this car isn't quite as fancy as it sometimes appears. An old-fashioned foot pedal parking brake is hidden under the dash.

CD, satellite and AM/FM radio, media connectivity, navigation--all the options are here.

The Optima is a hybrid for grownups, but without the grownup price.

Dual zone heating, et cetera et cetera. You're getting the idea.

Power and media connectivity outlets are stashed under the center stack above a handy tray for phones.

See the plus and minus signs on the gear shifter? You even get manumatic shifting with the Optima. How did they fit all these features in at this price level?

Dual level storage compartment. Other than a few details, we're really hurting to figure out what Kia left out of the Optima that might go into a mid-level hybrid sedan.

Doors are heavy, a sign of quality construction but also an area where Kia might save weight in the future for even better fuel economy.

The rear seats don't have a ton of leg room, but it's adequate for hauling children around town.

Leather. Like we said, you're getting the idea.