Kia Optima Hybrid
 

Does anyone know what the real world mileage is for Optima hybrids?
We're trying to decide whether to go with the hybrid or buy another
Subaru.

It depends how important fuel economy is for you. Hybrids in the US seem to be hybrids for the sake of being hybrids, and are used more as a marketing toy than a true economy vehicle. The extra cost for the hybrid wouldn't really save you much money unless you keep it a long time.

If it were me, I'd go for a modern TDI engine, they have great performance, refinement and economy to match any hybrid.

Yes they do have great performance and economy but they also have DPF's turbo's dual mass flywheels and EGR valves that will go pop at relatively low mileages if the car is used for short journeys in the city. Emissions regs are killing diesels. I bought an auris hybrid this year. Its the first time I haven't had a diesel vehicle since 1986!! They are now much less reliable than petrol vehicles touch wood the Auris has been fine for the first 6k since March.

My new Sonata Hybrid got 6.2 litres per hundred or 38 miles per US gallon. Should improve from there. Actual mileage was almost exactly what onboard computer predicted. 85% city driving. What little highway driving I did was better than 6.2 l/100km. Lots of fun to drive.

According to fuelly https://www.fuelly.com/car/kia/optima...d=&submodel_id= about 34 mpg real world. Kia has an incredible 10 year/100000 mile warranty also. Kia's have decent reliability ratings https://autos.jdpower.com/research/Ki...ityStudyRating desc

TDI's do get better mileage, around 40mpg, but are very expensive to repair in the U.S. and Volkswagon has horrible reliability ratings https://autos.jdpower.com/research/Volkswagen/index.htm

Hmmm interesting there are no diesel Optima users on Fuelly, strange because that's the only engine available here in the UK rated at 64 MPG.

Bought a Sonata Hybrid Ltd last month. 6.2 litres per hundred combined city/highway (about 50%) so far with great range (1000 km and lots of fuel to spare). Great power compared to other hybrids. 2014 had excellent price reductions - over 20%. Very luxurious. Lots of back seat room. I am happy so far.

The Sonata is my absolute favorite Hybrid made, beautiful all around car, and a plus that it is a hybrid to boot! If my 15 yr old Honda Insight ever permanently dies I may get one of those too!