Some are calling it the Prius Killer. We doubt that, but we like the numbers anyway. The Kia Optima Hybrid will feature a 2.4-liter engine, good for 206hp with an electric motor capable of 40hp. It has a 6 speed automatic transmission, a mpg rating of 40mpg and is due to hit showrooms in early 2011.

The biggest bonus of course, in comparison to the Prius, is price. Kia generally price their cars quite competitively and it’s widely expected that the Kia Optima Hybrid will sell for around $22,000, slightly lower than the basic entry level Prius. The Kia will have more room and more extras included as standard and Kia hopes that it will be a direct competitor with the higher priced $26,575 Toyota Camry Hybrid.

This is a green step up for Kia, who have tried to make their non-hybrid vehicles more efficient for a while. Fuel economy on the Kia Sorento is EPA rated at 20 mpg city/26 mpg hwy on front-wheel-drive models, and drops just one mpg on both figures with all-wheel-drive. As long as you have the Sorento set to ECO mode, which changes the shift pattern and makes the throttle less responsive to increase efficiency.