Segment:
Mid-size sedan, Hybrid segment.
Differentiation:
Offered a blend of fuel efficiency, modern styling, and Kia's improving value proposition in the competitive hybrid market.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
Powertrain:
Combined output from 2.4L GDI engine and electric motor for efficient urban and highway driving.
Fuel Economy:
Designed to achieve significantly higher MPG compared to non-hybrid Optima models.
Design:
Sporty and distinctive styling, often praised for its modern European-influenced aesthetics.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, diagnostics, and maintenance for the Kia Optima Hybrid (2011-2012).
Specific Topics:
Engine, hybrid powertrain system, transmission, chassis, body, electrical systems, HVAC, safety systems, troubleshooting, and specifications.
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Powertrain Engine:
2.4L Theta II GDI Engine (MPI variant for Hybrid), Hybrid System components (electric motor, battery pack, power control unit).
Powertrain Transmission:
6-speed automatic transmission with integrated electric motor (Hybrid specific), Hybrid drive clutch system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system (electric power steering), braking system (including regenerative braking), wheels, and tires.
Electrical:
Battery management system, charging system, starter motor (if applicable), lighting, instruments and controls, infotainment, body control modules (BCM), and hybrid control modules.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, seats, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts).
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heating system, climate control module, components, and refrigerant handling.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, ABS, ESC, traction control, and specific hybrid safety protocols.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), component inspection, and lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for engine, transmission, hybrid components, suspension, brakes, electrical faults, and bodywork.
Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, and hybrid component replacement/service.
Component Replacement:
Replacement procedures for common wear items and major components, including hybrid battery pack, electric motor, and hybrid control units.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, alignment data, clearances, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic fluid checks and filter changes to in-depth hybrid system diagnostics and major component overhauls. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Engine Code:
G4KC (2.4L Theta II MPI Hybrid variant)
Displacement:
2359 cc (2.4 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves, Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engine, paired with electric motor.
Hybrid Motor Type:
Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Hybrid Motor Power:
Approx. 47 hp (30 kW)
Hybrid Motor Torque:
Approx. 205 Nm (151 lb-ft)
Hybrid Battery Type:
Lithium Polymer (Li-Polymer)
Hybrid Battery Voltage:
Approx. 270V DC
Combined Horsepower:
209 hp (156 kW) (net)
Combined Torque:
317 Nm (234 lb-ft) (net, estimated)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 17.7 gallons (67 Liters)
Type:
6-Speed Automatic with Hybrid Drive System
Type:
N/A (Hybrid only offered with automatic)
Hybrid Integration:
Clutch system integrating engine and electric motor power.
Modes:
Electric-only driving, hybrid drive, gasoline-only driving, regenerative braking.
Fluid Type:
Kia ATF SP-IV (or equivalent approved for Kia hybrid transmissions).
Capacity:
Refer to manual for specific capacity; often around 7-9 liters for full refill.
Length:
Approx. 191.7 inches (4869 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.1 inches (1831 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.9 inches (1471 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 110.0 inches (2794 mm)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 40.0 inches (1016 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 45.5 inches (1156 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 37.8 inches (960 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 37.4 inches (950 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 10.1 cubic feet (286 Liters) (due to hybrid battery placement)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500-3600 lbs (1588-1633 kg) depending on trim.
NHTSA Overall:
Likely 5-Star (for comparable non-hybrid models of the era, specific hybrid ratings may vary; refer to NHTSA for exact data).
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Potential Top Safety Pick designation for the Optima platform.
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS).
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Regenerative Braking.
Tire Pressure:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning seatbelts with load limiters.
Display:
Available touch screen displays (e.g., 8-inch) for audio, navigation, and vehicle settings.
Audio System:
Premium audio systems, auxiliary audio input, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and hands-free calling.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Camera:
Optional rearview camera.
Bluetooth:
Standard or optional Bluetooth for phone and audio.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Check manual for severe driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically recommended replacement every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months. Specific to hybrid coolant specifications.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended inspection at 60,000 miles (96,000 km); replacement interval is often considered 'lifetime' or at high mileage (e.g., 100,000+ miles) based on driving conditions, but service manual is definitive.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 Full Synthetic (API SN or higher).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.8 quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Paraflu (or equivalent HOAT coolant, typically blue or green color specific to Kia).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Hybrid Battery Degradation:
Like most hybrids, potential for battery capacity degradation over extended periods/mileage, though less common in early years. Service manual covers battery diagnostics.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some Theta II engines have been known for oil consumption issues; adherence to maintenance schedule is critical.
Evap System Faults:
Occasional check engine lights related to the evaporative emissions control system.
Kia Focus:
Kia's commitment to improving quality, design, and technology in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Jf Optima Introduction:
The Kia Optima received a complete redesign for the 2011 model year, built on the new YF platform, which also underpinned the Hyundai Sonata. The hybrid variant debuted shortly after the conventional models.
Hybrid Powertrain Development:
Represents Kia's early significant entry into the mainstream hybrid vehicle market.
Manufacturing Location:
Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.