# Kia Optima Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle 2017: Test Drive Results

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/07/kia-optima-plugin-hybrid-electric-vehicle-2017-test-drive-results/
- Published: 2017-07-18T23:41:34-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Kia Optima Plugin Hybrid

Let’s talk about this amazing Kia Optima plugin hybrid.  For it’s sleek, smartly
packaged, and now updated. Especially to be more fuel efficient than ever before._

And with the same Kia Parallel Optima plugin Hybrid [System](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/04/hybrid-vs-plug-in-hybrid-whats-the-difference/)
as the Plug-In. For the 2017 [Kia Optima Plugin](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/jordanian-government-plans-solar-upgrade-for-its-mosques/)
Hybrid offers a fun driving experience.

### One that sets it apart from other hybrids: Kia Optima Plugin Hybrid

One of the reasons I wanted to compare the MPG on the hybrid versus the plugin hybrid.
Sometimes I’ve noticed telling them apart besides the all electric range is how 
well it can hold that mode. The Prius Prime can hold a charge pretty darn good. 
So can the 2017 Kia Optima Plugin? Well this is an impressive beast. It starts with
the conservative 29 miles all electric until you actually use the car! It easily
got 35 miles all electric in ECO mode. Finally and toward certain times got close
to 40 miles all EV.

People ask how could that be? An electric car loves slow traffic In part due to 
regenerative braking. Yet this drive system was strong and got 40 miles once. Yes,
I mean in all electric mode. All the while in stop and go traffic.

Just reporting the truth folks!

Nothing more!

⌊And with the same Kia Parallel Optima Hybrid System as the Plug-In. For the 2017
Optima Hybrid offers a fun driving experience.⌉⌊And with the same Kia Parallel Optima
Hybrid System as the Plug-In. For the 2017 Optima Hybrid offers a fun driving experience.⌉

So while this more luxury plug in hybrid electic car starts at around $35,000 it
[does NOT disappoInt](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/kia-optima-hybrid-next-generation-steps-it-up/)
at all folks! It’s a great car except that it one day should have more range all
electric. Some things to consider!! As [US News and World](https://web.archive.org/web/20170707061459/https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/kia/optima-hybrid)
reports in relation to the [hybrid](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/kia-optima-hybrid-next-generation-steps-it-up/)(
same for plugin versions too).

⌊Kia Optima Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle Test Drive⌉⌊Kia Optima Plugin Hybrid 
Electric Vehicle Test Drive⌉_The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid is a great choice. Only 
the Ford [Fusion](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/fusion-energi-fusion-hybrid-impressive-la-sales-numbers/)
Hybrid costs less (by a couple hundred dollars), but the Kia packs more standard
features into its cabin than the Ford does. The Optima Hybrid’s 7-inch touch screen
is a nice touch – and it’s better than what you’ll find in Space is better in the
Optima Hybrid, too. Its battery placement gives it good cargo room compared with
competitors like the Toyota [Camry Hybrid](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/visible-lighting-express-the-benefits-of-switching-to-led-lighting/)
and Fusion Hybrid. Front-row legroom favors the Optima Hybrid, but the Camry Hybrid
offers more rear legroom._

### Interior Concerns

However as Edmunds reports (not in my Huffington Post piece about the interior; 
it’s not the best out there. There was something left to be desired in the interior.
To wow me. I mean applause to keeping people accustomed to the brand but add some
two tones, more real wood or even bamboo. Now we are talking!

To continue in this comparison to the hybrid, [Car and Driver](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2017-kia-optima-plug-in-hybrid-first-drive-review)
adds (see I’m not the only one who felt it’s been since 2014) and what’s new mentioned
about the Drivetrain:

Finally, at lower speeds, the Optima PHEV disguises its mass well. The electric 
side of the powertrain gives it the usual instant EV response, and even when left
in its default hybrid mode, the majority of low-speed urban operation relies on 
pure electric power as long as the battery has charge. The driveline doesn’t manage
the magic-carpet impression that hybrids with variable-ratio planetary gears convey
under gentle use, but the automatic’s stepped ratios mean it doesn’t suffer from
slurred transmission response when the driver orders quicker, gasoline-propelled
progress.

Finally, drivability issues that we noted when we tested the 2014 Optima hybrid 
seem to have been addressed.  Because the electric and gasoline sides of the powertrain
now work together seamlessly.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)