2018 Kia Optima Hybrid
Pros
- Quiet interior around town and on the highway
- Available 60/40-split rear seats increase the cargo area
- Offers plenty of available safety and luxury features
Cons
- Some rival hybrid sedans get better fuel economy
- Rear headroom is limited by the sloping roofline
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Optima Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
We like the Kia Optima sedan for offering lots of features for the money, along with a well-designed interior and a quiet ride. Adding a hybrid powertrain that's both more powerful and significantly more fuel-efficient than the standard gasoline engine seems like a no-brainer.
The biggest trade-off for the hybrid powertrain is the loss of some cargo space, which drops by 2.5 cubic feet. The available 60/40-split folding rear seats do mean that extra space is available. The Optima Hybrid is also limited to higher trim levels, so if you're looking for a basic hybrid, this might not be the car for you.
The Optima Hybrid certainly makes a case for itself in the segment, too. While we like the driving experience of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, it's an older model than the Optima and in need of a refresh. The new Toyota Camry Hybrid is very efficient but offers fewer features and a less usable infotainment interface. The biggest wild card might be the Honda Accord Hybrid, due out later this year: It's based on our current favorite midsize sedan, and it loses no cargo space in the electrification process.
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid configurations
The front-wheel-drive 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid is well-equipped no matter which version you choose. The entry-level Premium comes with dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and keyless entry and ignition. The Premium's Convenience package offers a good value for the extra features you get, while the EX takes that and adds goodies such as leather upholstery and a kicking Harman Kardon sound system. An electric motor and a 2.0-liter engine combine to produce 192 hp. Most hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission, but the Optima Hybrid sticks with a six-speed automatic transmission that gives a more traditional shifting feel.
The Premium trim comes with many standard features, including 16-inch wheels, heated mirrors, a rearview camera, keyless entry and ignition, a driver information display, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.
The available Convenience package adds power-folding mirrors, laminated front windows to help noise reduction, a power driver seat with memory settings, rear air vents, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors and extra USB ports.
The EX has the Convenience package as standard (minus the parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring) and adds 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, leather upholstery, 60/40-split folding rear seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with HD radio.
You can't get a more luxurious Optima Hybrid than the EX equipped with the Technology package, which adds LED adaptive headlights, automatic high-beam control, a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, adaptive cruise control, a power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear side-window sunshades, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors.
Trim tested
Driving
Comfort
Seat comfort
Ride comfort
Interior
Ease of use
Getting in/getting out
Roominess
Visibility
Quality
Utility
Technology
Audio & navigation
Driver aids
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid.
Most helpful consumer reviews
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid video
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Optima Hybrid safety features:
- 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. Brakes automatically engage to lessen or mitigate the impact.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Sounds a warning if a vehicle is approaching the Optima from the side while it is in reverse.
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2018 Kia Optima Hybrid for Sale
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See your car's valueThe 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid proves that gas-electric hybrid models can offer shoppers more than just a fuel-saving powertrain. The Optima Hybrid is a stylish midsize sedan with a comfortable interior, long warranty coverage, and enough standard features — even at the entry trim level — to satisfy the majority of buyers.
The Optima Hybrid was completely redesigned last year and carries over the restyled exterior, improved handling, quieter ride and more upscale interior into 2018.
Propulsion for the Optima Hybrid comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that combines with an electric motor to produce a total of 192 horsepower. Unlike most other midsize hybrid sedans, the Optima Hybrid uses a conventional six-speed automatic transmission instead of a continuously variable automatic transmission, which results in a more familiar gear-shifting experience. Fuel economy for Kia's hybrid sedan is EPA-estimated at 42 mpg combined (39 city/46 highway).
The interior of the Optima Hybrid boasts a clean, elegant design, with quality materials. Abundant standard features include heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
There's plenty of space inside, especially in the roomy front seats, although tall passengers could find rear headroom a bit lacking. A generous greenhouse provides an airy feeling and good visibility on three sides, but the rear design inhibits rearward vision somewhat. The trunk capacity of 13.4 cubic feet puts the Optima Hybrid near the top of its class, and the available 60/40-split folding seats add even more utility.
The Optima Hybrid comes in two trim levels: Premium and EX. The Premium trim level comes very well-equipped, but buyers can choose the Convenience package to tack on additional power accessories and technology features. The EX model includes the Convenience package plus a number of luxury items, and it can be augmented further by a Technology package.
Fully loaded, the Kia Optima Hybrid can be equipped with luxuries such as heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, acoustically insulated window glass, and rear window sunshades. A full suite of active safety features and driver aids is also available, with adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Whatever your preference, let Edmunds help you find the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid that best meets your needs.
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid Overview
The 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid is offered in the following submodels: Optima Hybrid Sedan. Available styles include Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A), and EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A).
What do people think of the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Optima Hybrid 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Optima Hybrid.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Optima Hybrid featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid?
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
The 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $31,885. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) is trending $4,220 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,220 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$27,665.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) is13.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
The 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27,025. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) is trending $4,038 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,038 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$22,987.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) is14.9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Kia Optima Hybrids are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid for sale near. There are currently 15 new 2018 Optima Hybrids listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $27,025 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $5,243 on a used or CPO 2018 Optima Hybrid available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Kia Optima Hybrids you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Kia Optima Hybrid for sale - 10 great deals out of 11 listings starting at $22,234.
Find a new Kia for sale - 9 great deals out of 19 listings starting at $8,512.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Kia lease specials