Wow the Kia Optima Plugin Hybrid electric Car. What a Plugin Hybrid. Sleek, smartly packaged, and now updated to be more fuel efficient than ever before. And with the same Parallel Hybrid System as the Plug-In, the 2017 Optima Hybrid offers a fun driving experience that sets it apart from other hybrids.
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 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 in all electric mode while in stop and go traffic. Just reporting the truth folks! Nothing more!
As I wrote back in 2014 of the hybrid version:
This Kia Optima plugin hybrid electric car is less expensive, sturdy and a luxurious version of the 2014 Kia Optima hybrid electric car. The car tested an average 35-40 miles per gallon and at certain times got 50 miles per gallon. Yet, Kia does report the same relative MPG of around 40 miles yet in ECO mode expect around 50. Point being, the last time I reported about this car regarding the hybrid is about the same for the 2017 version. No efficiency or other breakthroughs per se. So I was somewhat excited to see what the electric pack would do with it reporting 29 miles all electric on the sticker and website. Meaning in ECO mode it was doing to give me more range. It did. Can you say close to 40 miles all electric in ECO mode in traffic!! Yes!
That means it’s about a 75 Mile per gallon car on average trips.
Now I could go on about the specs and comparisons from the sticker. Yet here’s a new thing. One of the reasons I wanted to compare the hybrid MPG and the hybrid MPG on the Plugin hybrid. Sometimes I’ve noticed telling them apart besides the all electric range is how well it can hold that electric mode. The Prius Prime can hold a charge pretty darn good. So can the 2017 Kia Optima Plugin? Well this is an impressive beast. With the combined electric motor/generator, it delivers an of 202 horsepower with a six-speed automatic transmission. The coolest thing is when you’re driving at high speeds and you can tell the electric motor is basically running the car in all electric mode. Yes! At high speeds!
It also has a great Harman Kardon sound system and totally connected with my iPhone. As Kia added:
Intuitive technologies make it easy to stay connected. Kia’s free UVO eco App lets you check charging status, schedule charge times, and even lock or unlock your doors—all from the comfort of your couch. And when you’re in your Optima Plug-In Hybrid, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ allow you to access your compatible smartphone features right from your Kia’s touch-screen display.
I was able to simply plug in my iPhone and got immediate access to my phone features. “Whether you’re sending a text or talking to Siri®, Apple CarPlay™ is the smarter way to use your phone in the car.”
So while this more luxury plug in hybrid electic car starts at around $35,000 it does NOT disappoInt 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 reports in relation to the hybrid (same for plugin versions too).
The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid is a great choice. Only the Ford Fusion 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 competitors.
Space is better in the Kia Optima Plugin Hybrid Electric Car too. Its battery placement gives it good cargo room compared with competitors like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid. Front-row legroom favors the Optima Hybrid, but the Camry Hybrid offers more rear legroom.
To continue in this comparison to the hybrid, Car and Driver adds (see I’m not the only one who felt it’s been since 2014 and what’s new?!
At lower speeds, the Kia Optima Plugin Hybrid Electric Car 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. Drivability issues that we noted when we tested the 2014 Kia Optima hybrid seem to have been addressed; the electric and gasoline sides of the powertrain now work together seamlessly.
I mean Kia added more batteries and made it have a plug; yet did not add more upgraded efficiency. Maybe add some carbon fibers or something. However, let’s not kid ourselves. This is a great car for someone that doesn’t want all electric and a price of around $35,000. No used Tesla does that yet and this is brand new. Yet a Tesla is a Tesla. Kia doesn’t disappoint on it’s Optima line and is a decent Plugin hybrid electric car. It just could get more EV range. Then with a 70 to 80 mile all EV range, it’s beyond going to be worth the cost! Think about it Kia. Go for more Plugin range. Go for it! Until then, Dude! Sweet car!!
