Kia Optima Real World MPG

backy

A more accurate test would be to fill the tank until the nozzle clicks off, use the tank, record miles traveled, refill at the same pump and using the same setting on the nozzle (I've found pumps at different stations can differ by 1-2 gallons on when they click off), record gallons used, and repeat for several tanks. Then sum the results.

optimatown

I wrote that my Optima was getting 20 mpgs. With 700 miles or so on it. TODAY, suddenly and inexplicably, the distance to empty meter and odometer actually COINCIDED! With 1,100 miles on the vehicle, I am finally getting 29 mpgs!!!! It's unbelievable!! I'm AGAIN ecstatic with the car, and from best car I've driven, it went briefly to worst car, and now to BEST CAR AGAIN!!! LOL!!! It's as if the engine FINALLY broke in! I didn't do anything different than use 87 Octane instead of 93. I am not sure if that had anything to do with it, because obviously that seems unlikely, unless something to do with the GDI aspect of it how the car comp is set to ignite? I'm guessing, and can not say why. Just all of a sudden, the car jumped in mpgs by 7-9 miles OVERNIGHT! Perhaps I had a spark that wasn't igniting? All of it is a guess. I can only say, I AM DELIGHTED AGAIN WITH MY PURCHASE! I highly recommend this vehicle again! Haha... and I owe Kia an apology for my last review.

genen

For all the talk of the Optima Hybrid getting 20 something MPG - I really have to wonder if the same people would get 35mpg in a prius? Hypermiling Kia got 60+ mpg

http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/wayne-gerdes-hypermiles-2011-kia-optima-hyb- rid-to-guinness-recor/

opthybriduser

I've been using the Optima Hybrid for 3 months and have to say I LOVE IT! Totally love it! However, the mpg is not as expected. Given that, I would still buy it again.

To Genen - no it's not my driving style that is the difference between 28/29 and 60 mpg. I drive friends' Prius cars all the time and maintain mpg in the high 40's and 50's. However, no matter how careful I am to use the energy wisely and avoid needing the brakes, I generally get 28 or 29 in my Optima. That's driving mostly around town (mildly hilly) with some limited highway use (5 to 10 miles a pop, with just a few 30 mile trips). Around town only, I'm lucky to get 25. That said, I know another Optima Hybrid owner who has gotten 35 with mostly hwy, and 39.5 on a long trip. As for the hypermilers, I have to wonder whether they avoided all traffic on their journey, and stayed on flat ground or downhills, since those seem to be the biggest factors affecting my mileage.

Though I wouldn't have thought so when I was shopping, I find that 29 mpg is a sufficient improvement, and I'm looking forward to better when I travel. I feel quite liberated from the gas pump, and love the car itself - always get compliments, and it feels good and sturdy behind the wheel. It's even nimble, with a great turning radius. I like the dash and the trunk. It feels like a luxury car, and overall, I still think it's better than any others in its class.

mikezak1

I just have my 2011 Optima EX w/Premium Package for 2 weeks now, and 700 miles. On my first extended roadtrip to central WI from the Twin Cities I got 35.2 MPG. I used the ECO mode and Cruise Control, and traveled at 65 MPH. I expect it only to get better while it breaks in.

lakerfan24

Glad to hear your mileage has picked up. Just got my 2012 SX and can't wait to zoom around and get some decent mileage.

anyaaah

1999 Accord EPA 21/28 --> I get 27.7 average
2012 Optima EX EPA 24/35 --> I get 27.0 average

About a thousand miles on the Optima and I tracked 10k on the Accord. ECO is always on, I drive very economically. It could be the new engine, but so far, I am very disappointed.

rjorge3

Well I got mine on Dec 23 and I already have 701 miles, the center display indicate an average MPG of 33.2, and it was as high as 34. I drive between 55 MPH to 65 MPH and occasionaly even 80MPH (when passing) but not for a long time, my drive I guess is like 60/40HYW/CITY. For those in the Northeast, I communte from Central Jersey to Brooklyn NY, passing through Staten Island and sometimes travel to Manhattan to visit clients.. Tonight I did a crazy experiment, the display indicated 31 miles to empty, with one bar left (close to Empty) I drove from my office to my house, 29 miles, driving at 50 and reducing to 45 in some parts of Staten Island express way (light traffic), with 15 miles yet to go, the display of "Miles to Empty" went blank, it just indicated dotted lines, I notice the Nav display (hybrid button) was showing the car using the battery a lot, so I guess either the gas was empty and I was just running on electric mode???? All I know is that I made it to the gas station in the corner of my house and I still had one bar left in the gas display. I would like to know if anyone knows, does our hybrid continue to run if the gas is totally out??

I would have never tried to do that gas experiment with me previous 07 Acura TL Type-S, that thing was a gas gustler. I just love that this car has such great MPG and it does not look so boring as Prius or Camry hybrids. I think I will be a KIA man for life if they keep bringing out machines like this. Imagine if they built a 4Wheel drive KIA optimas jajaja, that will be the ultimate

In short, I freaking love this car, it has exceded my expectations in more ways than one; looks, finish, attention to detail, and of course most importantly the so far great MPG. They really threw this one out of the ballpark, this is one fine car, I highly recommend it.

lakerfan24

Just hit about 1100 miles on my 2012 SX. Averaged about 26 mpg hwy/city combined. On my trip to San Diego and back, I averaged 29.5 mpg speeding, some city driving, and got stuck in traffic. :mad:

I love this car...

[Deleted User]

I just bought the non-turbo. I have the EX non-turbo. It has 502 miles on it. I'm getting 16.9mpg. I just bought it on 23 December. This is my 3rd tank. I am also not happy with the economy. My driving can be described as typical suburban. Does it get better with age? I traded my Jeep Grand Cherokee so I could escape the fuel economy problem there. I really like need some advice Here! -Chris

eddiefast

I have a 2011 Optima SX.I have 8,000 miles. Most trips I get 33 to 35 mpg at a average speed of 76mph. Love my car, my only issue is with the headlights. There bright but beam is narrow and to low. No other real issues.

Still seems very tight after 8,000 miles.

Ed

johnjj

For comparative purposes, it would be helpful to know which engine you have.

mx2live

I have had my Optima Hybrid for a little over a month now and have just over 2800 miles. I have averaged about 34 MPG for all those miles. I check my car at every fill up. The computer has not always been accurate, Probably because my fuel sensor failed after only 2 1/2 weeks Kia took care of me under warranty and even rented me a car because it was going to take more than a few hours to drop my tank and change the sensor. As easy as I drive, mostly freeway, I expected to get better gas mileage, but I knew when I purchased this car that Hyundai/Kia has always misled regarding gas mileage and horsepower. I am very happy with the car. I figured I saved about $800 last month over what I was paying with my truck just in fuel and that includes my car payment. As time passes I will keep everyone informed of the mileage. The car drives great and I love the A/C - Heated seats as it could be 85 degrees during the day but 40 at night here in CA.

mdraperva

I just purchased a used 2011 Kia Optima LX with 13,000 miles on it. I've only had this vehicle for 2 weeks and I am experiencing 22 mpg. I drive 50 miles a day to and from work....all highway. I've contacted my local Kia dealership (brought car from a Nissan dealer) and the service manager told me that 22 mpg is about what everyone is getting. I've sent and email to KIA corporat, KIA VP and even to the press. I'm so pissed that I traded in my SUV that I loved so I could get better gas mileage and it's not happening.

I've been reading these forums for a few days and want to know if anyone has gotten any results from KIA based on your complaint of the gas.

mikezak3473

I live in suburb of St. Paul and also purchased my 2011 Optima EX at a Nissan / Kia dealer. Are you driving with in the Econ mode? I do and are averaging 27 - 29 in confined Freeway/Local driving,...strictly Hwy travel I have been avg 34 - 36....and both are with snow tires on...

sully11740

I drive on LI; mixed highway/local. My car is rated 36 mpg or so on the highway. In my opinion, if I filled the car up and drove purely on the hwy, I could possibly get 36 mpg. However, the best I have ever gotten (based on the car's computer) was about 33 mpg driving from the Jersey Shore home to Huntington NY. However, I regularly get in the low 20s for typical use; disappointed, but I guess that's how it is.

gq637

I have had my Optima Hybrid for about 2 months and have about 4k miles on it. City driving at best I get around 28-30 MPG and highway at best I get around 32 MPG. I live in California and do not have many hills, my usual commute is flat driving, some city, mostly highway. I try to ease on the gas pedal while I drive to maximize fuel economy but that does not help. I am very dissapointed in this hybrid. For the price I could of bought a different cheaper vehicle and get the same gas mileage. I will probably not purchase another KIA based solely on mileage. The vehicle itself is great and runs wells, but the main reason I bought this car was for the MPG's and I am very very dissapointed, it is nowhere close to what they advertise. If I decide to do regular driving without easing on to the gas pedal my MPG's drop to around 26 MPG's, and this is by no means driving fast. Has anyone contacted KIA about this, and do they have a solution???

smed35

2011 Kia Hybrid - Dealer (Renton Kia) promised it would get the 35 - 40, I double checked and asked again about the mileage - just be real. They said they have all kinds of people driving the car normally and getting 40 on the FWY. I asked again - So driving from Seattle to Portland, I can dirve the speed limit (70mph) and get this mileage? They said yes.
My disappointment is really based on the above premise
I average 29mpg to 33mpg much like many of the Hybrid owners on this post. For the people getting less than that, I would be over the top upset - and trust me I am upset. The Prius does what it says it will - 50mpg and you dont have to baby it. The Dodge charger 8speed gets 38 frekin mpg on the FWY and is way more car and you can go fast ( I just rented one )
I think that if KIA does not make this right - there should be a Class Action.
If there are people getting 40mpg then there is something wrong with our cars as we all drive in the Green and keep the ECO on - I dont know if it is the battery or something else but it needs to get fixed.
If the car had been advertised this way 29 -33 I probably would not have purchased it but if I had -- overall I would be ok with the car.

lakerfan24

Wow, that really sucks man. I can avg 26 in my 2012 SX easily with econ on. I've yet to drive a full tank with a lead foot though. I'm thinking i would prolly get about 23-24 mpg.

johnjj

The Dodge charger 8speed gets 38 frekin mpg on the FWY and is way more car and you can go fast ( I just rented one )
I test drove this car with the 8 speed auto transmission and am thinking of buying one. It is rated at 31mpg hwy. How sure are you about the 38mpg?
John

smed35

I have rented both Chargers and really like them both. I am talking strictly HWY Mileage here. The car tends to take a mileage dump in city driving. But Gas station to Gas station 180 miles in the 6speed I got almost 30, and in the 8 speed just last week Seattle to Portland, ( flat ) just under 38 with an average speed of about 76 mph. It all goes away however with adding in some City driving.
Which in the end is why I went with the Hybrid - while I am disappointed with advertised mileage vs. real world I still average over 30mpg with the KIA, its supposed to be 36-37 --- The charger would probably be closer to 21 -22
If I didnt care about the price of gas and have to shuttle kids for sports all of the time, I would have bought the Charger.

smed35

Trust me - no one wants my car to get the mileage it is supposed to more than me. I have tried babying this thing on flat country roads liket the Hypermilers - the mileage over time just keeps going down down down until it rests at around 33mpg. Mind you this is going like 35- 40mph the whole way.
No disrespect - but who cares what the hyper milers get - we need real world mileage - and the dealer and KIA keep saying "oh no everyone gets 40hwy, bull. MotorTrend, Edmunds, and Cars.com all had the same reviews - I dont mind the car so much, but based on the advertised mileage, the car sucks.

mx2live

I've almost reached the 7k mile mark and I am still averaging around 34 miles per gallon for my hybrid, it is still paying for itself. I did some simple mathematics before I purchased the car. I figured that all the Hybrid numbers for EPA are off anyhow as are the rest of Kia's cars. So I figured that over 31 mpg at only 700 miles per week, than the car is free over driving my last vehicle.

johnjj

What percentage of drivers drive 700 miles/week?

Can you show us the math that makes this car "free" for you?

Thanks.
John

ennui5000

I have had my car for about 600 miles and recently filled up. I averaged 37.6 mpg. I use ECO mode.

I commute 380 miles per week (38 miles one way). The beginning and end of the commute is city. The middle is highway or non-stop. 2/3 non-stop and 1/3 stop and go.

The reason I chose this car is because it had the horsepower, midsize, and it did well on the highway mpg. Most hybrids tend to focus on city only. I think I have a commute that makes this car work well. I traded in my sportscar, so I gave up the desire for fast acceleration (although at 200 HP, this car does really well but drains the gas). I was ready to put the lead foot away. I am not gunning but instead I just relax. We have enough stoplights to equalize the race anyway.

I notice that it takes about 5-10 minutes of the gas engine running to get the battery charged and for the system to work for you. That might explain some of the poorer gas mileage in some of these posts. Once it gets going, the remainder of my trip is 35-50 MPG (according to the console).

I agree with another poster in here...compared to my old car and my long commute, I am saving at least $200 in gas per month. I am not driving free, but half way there!

ijennings1

I picked up my Optima Ex 2.4 on Feb 28. Have done about 1500 miles in and around Kansas City - Mixed driving - Lead footed as I'm a Brit and we drive faster than you guys over here, be it wrong or right! On the freeway at the limit, I get around 33. Around town with lots of stops and starts, about 23. So mixed is around 26-27. Will be good for a long road trip. My wife drives more sedately than I do. She will get about 3 more mpg than me.
I think it depends how carefully you drive. The ECO button blunts too much power for me, but if others like it, good for them! The trip computer is optimistic by about 1.5 mpg by the way.

This is a very good car and I'm pleased with it. The only thing I don't like is no spare wheel and the blessed touchscreen. The 'short' version of the touchscreen manual is 56 pages long. Next door's 6 year old is currently teaching me how to use it.

From a rapidly aging English rocker!

fenderbass

I've read with interest the postings about this car. I took delivery of my new 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid last Saturday afternoon. I traded a 2009 Chrysler 300 Touring. I've only driven 135 km, playing with the eco button and still at the bottom of the learning curve as to how to properly and economically drive this spaceship. At this point next to good BBQ, this is the best car I've ever owned. It's unbelievable how it performs visa vis handling, comfortability, roominess and best of all I can see it'll be cheap to operate. The gas gauge has not moved, to the point where I stopped to put gas in to see if it was working and it immediately overflowed all down my nice shiny black fender. The six cylinder Chrysler would have used a half a tank over the weekend with the same mileage. I have all the confidence in the world that this will be an amazing car moving forward, even if the gas mileage drops to the same as the moaners' and groaners' who have written their comments on this page. My Korean Cadillac rocks!

[Deleted User]

If you are getting 33mpg with 1500 miles on it then you have the best built Hyundai 2.4 engine I have ever seen.

With a lead foot? Wow. Good for you. I barely broke 17 until 2300 miles.

I know she will get those numbers, but it's been my experience that this engine needs to break in. -C

rick2456

I finally got a chance to take my new 2012 Optima EX on a long trip to FL from Atlanta. On the highway, I average 32 mpg at ~77 mph with the AC on. I did note that the steering seems to be a bit over assisted, thus I wonder just how variable, the variable assist power steering really is. As the car still has less than 2000 miles on it, I expect the mileage to be a bit better as the engine gets broken in. All in all, not bad.

rick2456

If the money you save in gas (over your previous car) is higher than your car payment, that would make it free...or close to it. At least in my humble opinion.

fenderbass

I have an Optima Hybrid (2012) with 3200 km on it, the longest trip I've done so far is Toronto to Ottawa which is 450 km. With the combined highway and city driving I got close to 950 km out of the tank. This car rocks on gas mileage.

[Deleted User]

Yeah us United States backward folk still use miles, but 950km does sound like a lot. I am soooo tired of googling. Please post how many MPG it got. Very curious. -Chris

outbackfrog

Thanks for posting your info... I am a new 2012 Optima EX owner, and after 350 miles on the car, I am averaging about 19 MPG (doing stop and go, side street driving back and forth to work, with the ECO button on).

Looking forward to my first 3-hour-freeway-drive road trip in a couple weeks, hopefully will see the MPG go up a little. I did hear it takes a while to get the MPG as advertised, need to wait for the engine to break in a little.

[Deleted User]

After my last post, I have a new job downtown, and have been running at steady 60-65 mph in moderate to heavy traffic for 24 miles each way. (but not stop and go unless there is a pile up or a lovely car-b-que).

I am now getting 22 to 24.8mpg after driving this route (395 into Wash DC from Burke VA) for the past 2 months.

It took 4000 miles to break 20mpg. I now have 6,600, and I have also noticed that the transmission has "learned" my driving style. The car is just a pleasure to drive at cruising speeds, with great pickup between 50 and 80mph for passing...if I can get around the thousands of Prius' during the morning grind. Still no problems at all with the car.

mtnman1

Wondering if you ghat your tomaters planted yet? I check back after ah use this here outhouse over yonder.

rahota71

The family and I took our first road trip today, 600 miles round trip 95 degrees no wind. With cruise control and eco on 65mph. sustained 36.4 mpg. 75mph cruise and eco on 33.3. 85mph
and cruise, eco on 30.7. We started with 875 mile on the car. What a pleasure to drive, we hit some heavy rain and wind for about 30 miles near the end on the return trip..handled flawlessly.
By far the best vehilcle we have ever owned. We are in our 50's and have owned well over 100
cars and trucks.

rhinofiber

I drive in LA, 70% city and 30% highway. Gas mileage is terrible at 18mpg. This is my ONLY gripe about the car. The city gas mileage is way off from sticker. With ECO enabled (which destroys driving fun IMHO), i get 19mpg. The car has 2200 miles on it...looks like I am screwed.

[Deleted User]

Wait! Dont give up on getting good mileage on your SX. Your engine has not broken in enough yet. There are hundreds of similar complaints online. I drive the same way you do, and I am now getting 23 on my EX, up from 17mpg that I was getting before about 5k miles. It should get better for you.

Go to www.optimaforums.com for more feedback on this issue.

[Deleted User]

I actually had an opportunity to get real world MPG on my 2012 EX during my commute. I got 26.5 MPG round trip. (36.2 miles).

My commute is from West Springfield, VA to 23rd St NW Washington DC. It is 18 miles each way. 4 miles of it is suburban stop and go, then higher speed driving on 395 for 14 miles.

I never use the econ button. It slows up throttle response, and I need to be on my toes during this commute. It is dense, fast, and just plain dangerous at 6 am. (I went in and right back home this morning, just had to get my cell). I work from home on Fridays

I have 10,200 miles on the car, purchased last December 28th. My fuel economy has steadily improved from horrible; to as-advertised. Folks with brand new Optima's should be just a little patient.

There have been no problems or issues with my EX 2.4. Great car.

stever

A reporter would like to speak to Hyundai and Kia owners who agree or disagree with the latest controversy over MPG. If you own a Hyundai or a Kia and would like to speak to a reporter about your experience with your car's fuel economy, please send your daytime and evening contact info to [email protected] no later than Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 8 a.m. PT/11 a.m. ET.

bgkob

Steve, I am about 4K miles in on my 2013 Optima EX and my MPG ratings are absolutely horrible! And...when I heard Kia owners were going to get reimbursed for the MPG rating errors, I was excited, BUT the basic Optima is not included in the wrong MPG ratings.

I drive a mix of hwy/city to work and get about 19 mpg, my wife drives the car on the weekends to her job, 30 miles one way at a steady 65 mph and has yet to get over 29 mpg. That is at least 5-6 MPG off of Kia's stock 2013 EX MPG ratings of 24/35. We are getting 18/27 to be precise.

We always have Eco on, and after the first week of the driving the car, we have both been coasting to lights, and driving economically to see if we can boost the MPG on our ends...no luck. This is really frustrating, especially since we budgeted for decent MPG out of this car and actually went with the Optima over other competitors because of it's solid MPG rating....now we are getting hosed on the road!

[Deleted User]

Next time you fill up; reset the MPG indicator while you are clearing the trip computer. Some folks don't know they can do that. I was not happy with MPG when I had 4000 miles too.
I have a '12 EX; and I drive hwy/city too. Traffic is thick all the time here in the DC area. My average speed struggles to get above 26 mph.

On a recent road trip I got 31 mpg (89 miles). I was happy with that.

landresen

I have a 2013 Optima, base model. 3100 Miles, ,mostly city. Eco on. avg 18mpg.
one serious rd trip of 400 miles I avg 33mpg.
I took it to KIA dealer and they told me to be patient because of break in period. I thought those were things of the past.
I am a conservative driver basically less than 10k per year and this MPG is frustrating and disheartening.
Lane

[Deleted User]

Your 33 mpg is great on the highway. It's only 2 off of the not-easily attainable EPA figure of 35 mpg.

You really have to drive like grandma to get that 24 mpg city, and most of us can't; due to clogged suburban streets. There is a stoplight every 1/2 mile here in Northern VA.

I usually get from 20 to 21.5 mpg. It is just too densely populated and all of the fun back roads are clogged with cars. Stop and go = bad MPG.

Maybe a hybrid would have been better for your needs.

leesburg_va

I drive Leesburg, VA to Alexandria, VA, about 38 miles, eco mode and am getting 37 MPG.

I try and drive 60 - 65 mph and am in lite to moderate highway traffic most of the way.

Any ideas on how to get closer to 40 mpg?

backy

To get 40 I suspect you'd have to have ideal conditions: non-stop 55-65 mph speed, flat terrain, little to no headwind, moderate weather (for peak engine efficiency + no a/c), properly inflated tires (maybe a bit over spec), and a very light foot on the gas if not using cruise. Using hyper-miler techniques would help, too, but I'm not a fan of some of them e.g. drafting.

Under those conditions I've been able to get low-40s mpg in my 2010 Sentra which is rated 34 highway, just under the Optima's 35. I've noticed on my wife's 2013 Sonata that at 65-70, the rpms are about where they are on my Sentra. So I think 40 mpg on the Optima is possible... but not easily obtainable.

myllertime

So I leased a 2011 base model optima (automatic) and I drove 80% freeway and avg about 27mpg. I really liked it but when it was time to buy a car I could not pass the Mazda6 deal. Got it for only 18k on the base manual model. The mazda6 supposed to get 21-30mpg, but I am averaging 30mpg. It does not matter if I drive 100% city or freeway. It always stays between 28-31mpg avg. I am not sure why its much higher than the tag says but I think it's amazing. I not got so used to getting 30mpg that I just purchased a Kizashi SLS and it averages 25-26 with 80-90% freeway and to me it sucks. But like I said, I got super spoiled with 30mpg. Now doing researches on real world mpg I am satisfied with my 25-26mpg on a sweet sport sedan. My Mazda was the smartest purchase I've ever made in a car. The Kizashi is just for fun

[Deleted User]

Backy, I think your post is absolutely true and well written. It seems that low 40's is about the limit of what the state of the art is on a late model gas, direct injected 4 cyl sedan. It doesn't seem to matter how the engine is configured: 1.6 EcoBoost Ford vs 2.4 Hyundai/Kia vs 2.0/1.8 Sentra and on and on....

In the end it depends on gearing, weight, aerodynamics, and driving as if in early stage of a coma.

miller time (post 202) seems to confirm the range. I can't drive anywhere west without going through the mountains, so 40 mpg is never going to happen. Also, I didn't buy my car for it's MPG figures. I bought it because it is beautiful. Everything else came 2nd. It is a fantastic consolation prize though to get a consistent 24.5 mpg here in the city, and even with my lead foot.
Happy holidays. -Chris

myllertime

#203, yeah there is no way 40 is going to happen in this car. Not even 30mpg unless you're driving a lot of freeway (Im talking about the 2012 SLS awd). But I am super happy with the car. I just filled up yesterday and avg was 26mpg with a lot of driving in heavy snow here in Utah. about 75% freeway

[Deleted User]

Please tell us all about your new Mazda6. We all would love to hear about it. Models, price, specs, etc.

This is a real contender and you are the first to own the new model! Awesome.

Hope u r happy w/ it!