2017

The Kia Optima is More than just a pretty face that delivers a great value with its refined chassis and luxury cabin. Five powertrains are available: a 2.4-liter turbo engine with 185 hp and a 2.0-liter turbocharger with six-speed automatic transmission; a 178-hp 1.6-liter turbo in the fourth row with a seven-speed automatic transmission; a hybrid; and a plug-in hybrid that combines up to 103 MPGe. There's also plenty of technology, from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, to optional adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

The 2017 Kia Optima PHEV adds additional functionality and EV control to the rounded attributes and pleasing personality of the Optima Hybrid.

Things go similarly under the skin, the Optima PHEV shares its 154-hp automatic transmission with 2.0-liter direct injection and four-speed six-speed with the conventional hybrid. However, in order to maximize the efficiency of the gasoline engine in the present application, Kia has replaced the high voltage electric oil pump to replace both (a mechanical pump and a low voltage electric drive pump) used in the process. Hybrid. The cooling of the plug-in transmission is effected by a liquid-air heat exchanger.

An integrated 67 hp geared motor / generator and a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that can produce 68 kilowatts (91 hp) has the 51-horsepower engine and 56-kW combos more tapped battery, the regular Optima hybrid. In terms of combined production, this means 202 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque for the plug-in versus 192 and 271 in hybrid.

We appreciate how cleverly the hybrid powertrain classifies the details of the combination of internal combustion with an AC motor. Part of this credit is due to Kia's decision to use a six-speed automatic transmission in combination with an electric motor that replaces a conventional torque converter.

In addition to selecting hybrid modes or EV only, drivers can choose the charging mode, which increases the amount of juice that is supplied to the batteries at higher speeds. This charges the battery as much as possible and stores the electrons when the single VE mode is desired for the last miles of a journey. Other energy-saving measures include the Kia Coasting Guide, which uses a flashing dashboard icon and a single audible alarm to alert the driver when to lift and when to brake for maximum efficiency. There is an HVAC configuration only for the driver, who cuts off the ventilation and seat heating in all areas of the car, with the exception of the driver. Both work as advertised, but the warm, wet weather that we experienced during the test made it virtually unstable.

Additional Features Can Be Bought