Vehicle Review: 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid

Every driven a hybrid? Well, I got to drive my first hybrid this past week. What did I think of it and is a hybrid right for you? Well, read on!

The non-hybrid Kia Optima is already my favorite vehicle review ever. Such a beautiful vehicle! Smooth European styling makes this car look better and better each time I see it! Peter Schreyer is the guy in charge of design and he came from Audi so you can see the influence.

Aggressive features make this a total standout car!

Powerful HID headlights cut through the night with ease!

Well thought out cockpit. Everything is easily within reach!The navigation center is angled slightly towards the driver than the previous model I tested. I like the subtle change as it keeps the information closer to the drivers peripheral vision.

The navigation system is spot on and makes driving from destination to destination a breeze! Calculation of your destination as well as any recalculation is quick. Plus, the Sirius XM is one of the best things to keep you company on any length drive. And I love the rear view camera! I hope one day that the Optima will also get the side mirror blind spot detection system that the Sorento has. Nothing like making it easier for the driver to spot other vehicles or people.

The bluetooth connectivity is easy to set up and making phone calls is a breeze. Speaker quality is top notch and had no problem hearing the person on the other side and they had no problem hearing me.

 Easy to read dash even in daylight! I love that the gauges are simple to read and are nice and bright!

You can see where the vehicle gets its power from as it switches back and forth from engine to battery. The change from one to the other is pretty much flawless. The car is super quiet and when you start it up, it's so weird to not hear a thing.

The gas engine cranks out 159 HP which is great for heading for long distances, over the grapevine or just driving around town. The tank is a huge 17.5 gallon tank and with an average of 37 miles per gallon for both city and highway makes for one long road trip!

 Lil Oishi loves being environmentally friendly!

The EX model is fully loaded! HID headlights, a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch aluminum wheels, an Infinity audio system, an eight-way power driver’s seat, Kia’s UVO infotainment system, heated front and rear seats, and a cooled driver’s seat are all standard on this model!

You never realize how nice it would be to have air cooling seat backs until you have a hot, humid summer day!

Memory drivers seat that slides back when you turn the car off to allow you an easier exit. The seats are very comfortable and almost feel like they were built just for you.

These outlets are on the center console and are easy to reach and give you a variety of charging options.

With the Optima having push to start, this is also the space that I leave my keys and key fob. I don't like having the keys in my pocket. This was a problem with the Mazda 3i Grand Touring as it didn't have a convenient place for me to toss my keys.

The drivers side door has all the typical control options.

Infinity speakers offer crystal clear sound throughout the entire vehicle.

Lots of leg room in the back. These seats are just as comfortable as the front seats.

Powerful air conditioning vents for the rear passengers.

Pulldown cup holders and additional arm rest for the back.

Each rear door has an additional space for another drink if you need it.

 One of my favorite features, the double panoramic sunroof! It is just a beautiful as the rest of the car!

Look at that view! So great to look at the stars or watch the rain fall down.

Lots of trunk space is perfect for grocery shopping or going on vacation!

No spare tire but a tire repair kit is supplied.

One last look at the beautiful Kia Optima Hybrid!

The model that I test drove came fully equipped a $32, 725.00 with all the features discussed above. 

An impressive vehicle that handles fantastically! I loved driving my first hybrid and did not notice any real difference in power or handling from its regular gas engine version. The biggest difference is obviously the quietness of the vehicle. One of the best I have driven still and hope one day someone like Oprah will buy it for me!

Stylish good looks, a well equipped car, and great power and gas mileage make this Kia Optima Hybrid EX a winner! A must buy in my book!

Car Review: 2014 Kia Sorento

Here is my review of the all-new 2014 Kia Sorento. It has been significantly redesigned with an all-new chassis, a new Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) V6 engine, a substantially redesigned interior and a next-generation infotainment system.

The engine is a 3.3-liter GDI V6 that produces 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm. It’s available optionally on the LX and EX, while residing as standard equipment in the LX V6, EX V6, SX and SX Limited. There is no lag when you step on the pedal. Moving through traffic on surface streets or on the freeway is smooth. I only wish that I had a longer distance to drive rather than from just Orange County to Carlsbad, a distance of about 60 miles. This was a pure joy to drive.

My absolute favorite feature is the Blind Spot Detection System. The 2014 Sorento is also the first of many Kia vehicles to begin offering this system. The system continually monitors traffic around the Sorento and if another vehicle is detected within a set distance, you will get an audio alert as well as this indicator lighting up on your side mirrors. More vehicles need to have this feature.

Taking a look into the cabin, you can see there is ample leg room.

Here are the controls for the sliding panoramic sunroof. You won't believe how far back this stretches.

I would love to be a passenger in the back while looking through the panoramic sunroof on a clear day, or at night to see the stars or on a rainy day and watch the rain hit the sunroof. Photo courtesy of Kia.

The drivers console is nicely laid out. Everything is easily within reach.

I also love that the Kia's are all becoming push to start.

The center stack has been redesigned for a more user-friendly experience. There is also a new larger screen that displays such things as navigation, SiriusXM Traffic™³ with real-time road information updates, a premium Infinity^®4 audio system, SiruisXM™ Satellite Radio⁵, Bluetooth^® hands-free connectivity⁶, vehicle settings and UVO eServices, Kia’s next generation of infotainment and telematics.

I'm a big fan of classic radio dramas.

The screen is nice and bright even in direct sunlight.

Another much appreciated change is the addition of the USB port instead of the proprietary Kia wire port to connect your smart devices.

Plenty of room for the rear passengers.

I love these integrated 2^nd row sliding sunshades that were a design borrow from parent company Hyundai.

I also love that there is a 115-volt power inverter in the back to plug in and charge smart devices like my iPad. It is great to either do work or keep the kids entertained.

The 2014 Kia Sorento also features Kia’s first-ever programmable power liftgate. Such a great convenience while carrying groceries or luggage.

There is ample room in the back for luggage for a trip.

The rear seats fold down easily if you need more storage space.

The seats do not fold down flat into the floor like on the Hyundai Santa Fe however.

As the center gauge says goodbye, it is time to say goodbye to all of you so I can get back on the road to drive this 2014 Kia Sorento around town some more!

Lots of power provided by the 3,3 liter GDI V6 engine makes driving around town and on the freeways of Southern California that much more enjoyable. The gauges and panels are smartly laid out. The TFT screen for the center gauge and the center stack are user-friendly and bright enough in direct sunlight. I love the addition of the blind spot detection system. Just a fun vehicle to drive while out by yourself or with family or friends.

*Disclaimer: Transportation, lodging and meals were provided by Kia but the opinions expressed are strictly my own.*

Photos by Brian, Jason and Kia