2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Expert Review
Reviewed by Michael Cantu
The Optima plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is an all-new model from Kia that features an electrified powertrain that can run on all-electric power or as a hybrid. The battery can regenerate energy while driving or can be recharged using the Optima's charging port.
Vehicle Summary
The Kia Optima PHEV slots above the Rio and Forte but below the Cadenza and K900 in size. The Optima Plug-In has the highest starting price in the Optima lineup, starts above the larger Cadenza.
Overview
The 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In is powered by a 154-hp, 140-lb-ft of torque 2.0-liter I-4 engine paired to a 50 kWh electric motor. The sedan's six-speed automatic routes power to the front wheels resulting in an EPA-rated 40 mpg combined city/highway and a total driving range of 610 miles. The 50-kWh electric motor is 42 percent more powerful than in the previous Optima Hybrid, allowing the plug-in to run on up to 29 miles on all-electric energy. Kia claims a full charge takes less than three hours using a 240-volt (Level 2) charger and less than nine hours using a 120-volt (Level 1) charger.
The Kia Optima Plug-In comes standard with a generous list of features that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, power folding heated outside mirrors, 2 USB chargers, navigation system with 8-inch touchscreen with rearview camera, 10-speaker Harman/Kardon premium surround sound system, leather seat trim, 12-way power adjustable front driver's seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, UVO eServices infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and rear A/C vents. Dual-projector LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, LED front and rear reading lights, rear side-door sunshade screens, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats are optional.
Safety
The standard 2017 Kia Optima and 2017 Kia Optima hybrid both received the highest safety rating from the NHTSA of five stars for the sedan's overall rating, and five stars for each of the individual evaluations: front crash, side crash, and rollover. The IIHS named the standard 2017 Kia Optima as a 2017 Top Safety Pick because the sedan received the highest rating of Good in all crash evaluations (small overlap, moderate overlap, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats) and the highest rating of Superior for the front crash prevention system. The Superior rating was given because the Optima avoided a low-speed collision of 12 mph and a high-speed collision of 25 mph with its automatic braking feature. To get the safety technology that helps with those frontal collision tests, opt for the Technology package to get Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system, forward collision warning system, and LED projector headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (moves the headlight beam into turns).
What We Think
We tested the Kia Optima Plug-In's sister vehicle, the Hyundai Sonata Plug-In in a First Test review and said, "The Sonata PHEV offers a great blend of fuel efficiency, power, generous EV-only range, and user-friendly technology." The Optima Plug-In's starting price may be high, but like the Sonata Plug-In, factor in the availability of federal incentives and it becomes a stronger value proposition. In a First Test review of the non-plug-in 2016 Kia Optima 2.0T we said, "It's a fine-looking (but less adventurous) family sedan with a great interior and utterly unremarkable steering, braking feel, ride quality, and overall response."
Cool Fact
Kia mounted the battery pack behind the rear seats and tire well in order not to decrease the truck's cargo capacity, a problem some PHEV's have.
