Active Eco, standard on all Optima models, can increase fuel economy up to 7%, according to Kia.
Engaging Active Eco with a steering-wheel switch restricts engine torque so you get more-gradual acceleration, and the transmission tends to shift to higher gears sooner and isn't as quick to downshift for passing. A dashboard light illuminates when the system is on.
Hyundai — Kia's sibling — also offers Active Eco on several other models, and both manufacturers note that fuel-efficiency also depends on how a car is driven, so the maximum fuel-saving estimate of 7% is just that — an estimate. For example, Kia says the benefit of Active Eco will be limited when the engine is cold or if the accelerator pedal is mashed to the floor.
Learn more
See if your question has already been asked and answered
Your question has been successfully submitted to Ask.cars.com. It will now be reviewed by our editors and we'll answer it soon if we think it's a useful question. You will be notified via e-mail when the answer is posted. Ask.cars.com tackles your questions about new cars and the car-buying process. Unfortunately we can't answer questions regarding:
Have our experts answer any of your questions about new cars.
Don't worry — we won't publish your last name or email.
