42 MPG combined makes the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl a good choice, especially since the Optima is a comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped mid-size sedan. It’s a family-friendly vehicle that prioritizes good gas mileage without giving up the features and space that buyers want.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Optima Hybrid are 39 MPG in the city and 46 MPG on the highway. This difference shows the hybrid powertrain’s strength in urban environments, where regenerative braking captures energy when slowing down, for better fuel economy. Stop-and-go traffic uses less gas, as the electric motor helps the gasoline engine. The 46 MPG highway rating is also good, allowing for economical long trips. Drivers who spend a lot of time on the open road will like saving gas.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid at $1,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may be different depending on how you drive, local fuel prices, and the conditions. $1,050 gives you an idea of how much money the Optima Hybrid could save you. Compared to a similar non-hybrid sedan, this could save you a lot of money over time.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a standard way to measure fuel economy, but real-world results will differ. Some drivers get numbers close to the EPA estimates, especially in mixed driving. Aggressive driving, bad weather, and carrying heavy loads can hurt fuel economy. Driving carefully, keeping tires inflated, and doing regular maintenance can help you match or beat the EPA estimates. The Optima Hybrid’s efficiency also comes from its design that reduces drag and its light weight construction, to help save gas.

How it compares

The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid competes with other hybrid sedans. The Toyota Prius Prime gets a combined 54 MPG and has plug-in capability, for even more gas savings if you have a short commute and can charge it. The Prius Prime focuses on fuel efficiency above all else. It’s not as roomy or conventionally styled as the Optima. The Ford Fusion Energi, another plug-in hybrid competitor, had similar electric range and a combined 42 MPG as a standard hybrid. It’s no longer being made. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, with similar parts to the Optima Hybrid, gets a similar combined MPG of 42. Someone who chooses the Optima Hybrid probably wants good fuel efficiency, traditional sedan looks, and has a comfortable interior with many features. You can see all Kia fuel economy data on our site. You can also see OPTIMA MPG across all years to compare different models.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Gently accelerating and braking helps the Optima Hybrid save gas. Don’t speed up quickly and watch traffic to avoid hard braking. The hybrid system uses regenerative braking to get energy back, so smoother driving saves fuel and recharges the battery.

Use the Optima Hybrid’s Eco mode. This mode changes the settings to save gas, reducing throttle response and changing when gears shift. Eco mode may make performance a little worse, but it can really help fuel economy, especially when driving in the city.

Keeping your tires inflated helps fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and keep it at the recommended pressure in the owner’s manual or on the doorjamb. Low tire pressure makes it harder to roll, which uses more fuel.

Don’t use accessories that use a lot of energy, like air conditioning and heated seats, very often. They make you more comfortable, but they also put a load on the engine, using more fuel. Only use them when you need them, especially when driving hard.

Plan your trips to avoid traffic jams. Stop-and-go traffic really hurts fuel economy, since the engine is always starting and stopping. By using less busy routes and avoiding rush hour, you can use less gas and save money.