At the Chicago Auto Show, Kia’s main focus was their expanding line of hybrid vehicles. And in addition to their Niro hybrid crossover, they introduced both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid version of their popular Optima sedan for 2017.
Looking much identical to their new for 2016 Kia Optima sedan, the new Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Optima do get a few styling touches to set them apart, but very subtle ones. Of note it achieves a slick .24 drag coefficient with a number of aerodynamic enhancements.
It has an active shutter grille which is all the rage now, enabling better air flow at speed in an addition to is own unique front fascia. At the rear it has a slightly reshaped rear bumper and fascia too.
The obvious styling elements to set it apart include unique LED lighting front and rear, satin finish accent trim with a lot of blue highlights and special ‘Eco Hybrid’ badging. Alloy wheel designs are unique as well, offering a different look and better aerodynamics.
As the interior of the Kia Optima was all-new for 2016, there is much to like over the previous generation. In the Hybrid, you get a unique instrument cluster with readouts and gauges specific to its hybrid powertrain.
A new Coasting Guide helps you maximize your fuel economy when you chose to use it. It can coach you with a light up icon on the instrument cluster on when it’s best to coast and brake. It also has a chime in that regard, but that might become an annoyance for some. You can turn it off.
The new 2017 Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid both come this year with a smaller 2.0 liter gasoline engine instead of the previous generation’s 2.4 liter mill. Offering 154 horsepower, it’s coupled with an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and its six-speed automatic transmission.
This offers up a total of 193 horsepower when both power sources are summoned together. Both the Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid can motor along in electric-only mode when the battery has enough charge, though the Plug-In will have greater range and speed capabilities in that regard.
The Plug-In Hybrid will be able to drive up to 27 miles on electric power alone with a full charge. A full charge takes less-than three hours with a 240V Level 2 charger and about nine hours plugged into a standard 120V wall outlet.
With the Plug-In Hybrid you have the option of reserving your electric power for times when its best to use like in city driving, choosing hybrid or gasoline only operation for highway stints where it’s a better use of that energy.
Fuel economy for the Optima Hybrid is expected to come in at 42 mpg combined city and highway, and slightly less for the Plug-In Hybrid at 40 mpg combined due to its weight. But with the Plug-In you factor in the extra charge and electric range which brings you to a 99 MPGe rating.
When it comes to batteries we don’t have pictures, but the standard Hybrid model uses a 1.62 kWh high-density lithium-polymer pack located under the trunk floor which takes away a spare tire but allows for a normal trunk space and folding rear seats.
Stepping up to the Plug-In Hybrid, it has a much larger 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. Thus you do pay a price in trunk space, which is reduced to 9.9 cubic feet. That battery uses space behind the rear seats and wheel wells.
Both the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid arrive late this year, with pricing to be announced closer to that time. But if you are curious about the uptick over standard Optima, compare the Hyundai Sonata Hybrids over their gasoline counterparts.
