Owning a Kia will never be hip or sexy, but it may very well be smart. The 2012 Optima Hybrid continues to make inroads in the midsize sedan market with Kia's first (and only) hybrid car. Going head-to-head against hybrid versions of the Camry, Fusion and Sonata, the Optima Hybrid offers a few distinctions, most notably in its price and its standard features.

Introduced last year, the Optima Hybrid sees few changes for 2012. Under the hood, the same 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 166 hp combines with a 40-hp electric motor to make 206 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The lithium-polymer battery resides in the trunk area, which does cut back considerably on trunk space (it has just 9.9 cubic feet), but a pass-thru is included for hauling longer items.

It's the host of standard features that attract discerning buyers to the Kia line, and the Optima Hybrid is no exception. USB, Bluetooth, push-button start, power doors and windows, a temperature-controlled glovebox, auto-dimming rear-view mirror—these are treats usually reserved for more luxurious trim levels, and you get them all and more with the Base (the only trim available for the car). Dual front-side airbags as well as antilock brakes and electronic stability control are part of a bevy of included safety features.

But the Optima Hybrid is certainly not very sporty with a 0-to-60 time of over 9 seconds. Most hybrids have a tangible disconnect between the gas pedal and engine response, and it's here in spades. Thanks to a "wet clutch" link between the gas and electric motors, the Optima Hybrid relies on electric power up to 62 mph, when the combustion engine finally kicks in. That sounds all well and good, but it doesn't seem to amount to any earth-shattering mpg savings (it's rated at 35 mpg city/40 highway, behind its rival the Camry Hybrid). Still, reports are that the ride is smooth and comfortable overall.

And there is the price. As it stands now, the vehicle is on the low end of hybrid models in its class. Adding the optional Premium Technology package ramps up the price considerably, but you'll end up with extra features such as a panorama roof and heated seats that aren't available on competitor's models.

The Optima Hybrid, with its aggressive front end, alloy wheels and gentle roof curvature is one of the better-looking sedans in its class. When you factor in all the goodies, you can rest assured that you're not only getting a good bargain, you are also helping curb those pesky greenhouse gases.