2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
Easily the gem of the entire Optima lineup, the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid carries over again unchanged from its 2011 debut. The rest of the Optima lineup sees minor changes this year, including the omission of a manual transmission option and the addition of an SX Limited trim, but the first expected tweak for Kia's first hybrid won't happen until 2014, and the extent of that isn't yet known, but is anticipated to be light. Few changes are great for the Hybrid and stand as testament to its perfection since debutâif all the driver praise it's received hadn't told you that already.
Most likely you can expect the 2014 Optima Hybrid drivetrain to follow in lockstep with the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's improvements (on which the Optima is based) and a style refresh to follow suit with the rest of the Optima family, in all improving economy by 1-2 mpg, cargo capacity by a cubic foot or two as well as some seat comfort and materials reconsiderations for the 2014 Optima Hybrid.
Until then the Kia Optima Hybrid continues to flaunt stunning looks, amazing value, thrilling power and fantastic economy with an EPA estimate of 34 mpg city/39 highway and some reporting nearly 50 mpg. The only catches include notoriously hard seats, so-so steering response and just 9.9 cubic feet for cargo before opening up the rear-seat trunk pass-through for longer items. Some drivers don't like the turbo-reminiscent hesitation from its more economical driving modes, but admit 206 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque out of the Hybrid's 2.4-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 40-hp electric motor is nothing short of fun—so much so they even forget Kia may as well have put a wooden park bench beneath its default cloth upholstery.
Running on pure electric power at a complete stop or even light acceleration up to 62 mph, the Optima Hybrid announces itself to pedestrians with the usual electronic whine, but is otherwise remarkably quiet, especially where it counts, like inside the cabin at highway speeds. The Optima Hybrid's 6-speed automatic offers fantastic get-up-and-go for a hybrid, with arrival at 60 mph clocked as taking just over 9 seconds, and aside from that hesitation in "EVO" (electric-only) mode, the Hybrid otherwise handles things like the transition from electric to gas quite admirably.
The Kia Optima Hybrid comes equipped very similarly to the top-shelf Optima EX trim with but a few differences. Instead of 17-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery, the Hybrid offers unique 16-inch alloys and cloth upholstery by default but adds a rear-view camera. Notably featuring LED lights, keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control and wood interior trim all without a single upgrade, the Hybrid can also optionally include features like a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, 17-inch wheels, xenon headlights, driver's-seat memory, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and an 8-speaker Infinity sound system with HD radio and the Uvo voice command system by adding on its Premium Technology package.
Published May 31, 2022 by Patricia Mayo
User reviews for 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Keeley B
Oct 11, 2022
The overall make and model of the vehicle and the way it looks and maneuversOct 11, 2022
by Rich M
Mar 14, 2022
This car has over 143k miles on it and I just had the first mechanical failure I have experienced, minus tires, brakes, and oil.Mar 14, 2022
by Hassan S
Jan 13, 2022
The car is overpriced because the high demand for used car and shortage of chips Jan 13, 2022
User rating:
by Keeley B
Oct 11, 2022
The overall make and model of the vehicle and the way it looks and maneuversOct 11, 2022
by Rich M
Mar 14, 2022
This car has over 143k miles on it and I just had the first mechanical failure I have experienced, minus tires, brakes, and oil.Mar 14, 2022
by Hassan S
Jan 13, 2022
The car is overpriced because the high demand for used car and shortage of chips Jan 13, 2022
by Anonymous
Jul 05, 2021
You get a lot of features on this model. Throw in the excellent mpg on the hybrid model and this vehicle is a great buy.Jul 05, 2021
by Bill B
Nov 18, 2014
Great handling car, good mileage. Batteries take up trunk space and back seats do NOT fold down to make great hauling capacity as in the standard Optima model. Wheels are not that attractive and side mirror warning is part of the LX package with the standard Optima, but not available with the hybrid.Nov 18, 2014
by Derek D
Feb 13, 2014
This car is everything it says it is. Well built and performs great. Its a car that makes the family look good. All together what's not to love about this car!! If you don't believe me check it out for yourself.Feb 13, 2014
What users have asked
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Start issues
Replaced battery and worked fine for a week. Jumped started fine and drives fine but when I shut off it won't start back. Key fob inop and steering wheel light is all that is showing on dash
59 views
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid EX - Hybrid System Warning
My car has over 143k miles on it. This is the first mechanical failure. I've only replaced tires, brakes, and oil. 5 days ago, traveling on the highway about 75 miles per hour. The dreaded "Hybrid System Warning"..."Safely pull over and turn off the engine" message appeared. Was able to pull into a gas station and turn the engine off. Would not restart. Just dead. Only dashboard lights. I called for a tow and was told it would be an hour. After 45 minutes, the engine restarted with the check engine light on. I decided to try to drive the car. I got about 200 yards the "Hybrid Safety Warning" message again. I returned to the gas station. Car was towed to my local Kia dealer. After their review it was determined the following needed repair: Hybrid Belt Tensioner Hybrid Safety Fuse Head Gasket Oil Pan Gasket O2 Sensor Has anyone else had to change the Hybrid Belt Tensioner? Apparently the head gasket began to fail and dripped oil onto the hybrid belt tensioner, causing it to fail. Total cost to repair: $2,951. At least it didn't blow the engine. Still cheaper than buying a used car and I hope this will allow me to drive on to 200k miles.
205 views
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. Got 38-40 city/ 40-42 highway until engine was recalled last March at 55,000 miles. New short block and remanufactured cylinder head. 23 city/28 highway. KIA Customer Service says not a problem. Is it time to file for arbitration? And has anybody had arbitration experiences?
168 views
Car will not start. Any ideas will be appreciated. ?
Car will not start, charged the battery and still nothing. I have no interior lights, nothing. I mean nothing. Any ideas will be appreciated. ?
44 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid?Compare this car
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Pricing
Original MSRP
$25,900 to $31,950Price range
$7,843 to $7,850Average price on CG
$7,850YoY price change
$7,843 to $7,850Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.32
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 47 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 35 · Electric Motor Torque: 151 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 159 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 154 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.32
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 47 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 35 · Electric Motor Torque: 151 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 159 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 154 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 4.2 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent