2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

Best Kept Secret in Large Plug-In Hybrids!

Thursday, June 06, 2019

After enjoying 3 Honda Accords, I finally switched to a Plug-In Hybrid Kia Optima EX Premium 2020. In the first month, I managed 2,8 litres/100 km in fuel economy. In fact, in my day-to-day commuting (20 km), I only use the EV mode. The gas engine comes on idling as a generator only when the heater/AC or the defrosting is demanding, (or after about 40 km of EV driving) and then it's also silky-smooth with its 6-speed automatic transmission (gladly not a CVT!). Otherwise, I REALLY enjoy the complete silence and the torquey accelerations of the electric motor on green lights. I plug it every night and I wake up to a fresh new battery every morning. I always have about 900 km extra autonomy on gas, but I mainly drive it in electric mode. The ride is extremely smooth and quiet. The interior is very roomy and comfortable. The chassis feels very solid and high-quality. Steering is precise. The equipment is complete, from the panoramic moonroof, heated leather steering wheel, heated and cooled leather seats with 10 electric adjustments, to all the programmable driving aids like intelligent Cruise-Control, Lane-Maintaining Assist, 360⁰ cameras, 2-zone AC, 10-speakers Harman-Kardon sound system, Apple CarPlay, automatic rain-detecting wipers, self-dimming road lights, LED lighting all around including new foglights, etc. The addition of a big battery behind the backseat spreads the weight over the long wheelbase, so they beefed-up the rear suspension and the ride feels very well balanced and composed. It's not a sports car but, thanks to the newly-revised dampers and links, it rides like an expensive european sedan on any type of pavement. The only fault is the size of the trunk, which will not allow many big suitcases like regular sedans do. Built in South Korea, the Plug-In Hybrid Kia shows perfect fit and finish. I'm really impressed!

good gas mileage but loose trunk space

Friday, December 28, 2018

car is ok the electric is fun to drive. wish it charged faster also you loose a lot of gas mileage when you use the heat. it is relatively comfortable to drive the heated seats are great but trunk is very small and you can't drop the back seat because of the battery is there I have been getting over 1000 miles on a tank of gas because I make a lot of trip less than 50 miles. does not do well in snow.

Everything on the car works perfectly!

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

I love this car and would recommend it to anyone looking to buy a 2018 Optima Hybrid EX without the tech package. I have a pearly white car with the white "leather" interior and its absolutely beautiful! I'm a big interior guy; the interior better be comfortable, dependable, and functional since that is where my behind will be. I feel the interior is beautiful and wonderful to sit inside of with the color scheme I chose. There are many soft-touch materials and everything is well laid out. Of all the vehicle's I've owned, this is the best car I've ever had...EVER. Everything works great in this vehicle. I live in Arizona and the A/C blows hard and cold each and every time I drive the car (I LOVE THIS btw!!!!). The Android Auto has worked flawlessly and the car has never given me one problem EVER! I obtain an average of 45 MPG on the highway and I drive about 20K miles a year in some of the most extreme climates. I use only full-synthetic oil and change my air filters regularly (by my own doing, not by the stealership's high cost). I have not had a single warranty repair to my car yet. Despite my love for this vehicle, there are three improvements I can suggest. First, the driving position could be more comfortable. I'm 6'00" tall and find that I cannot position the steering wheel and my seating position in a way where I can drive the car with only one hand. The sculpting on the door is either too deep, or the steering wheel has limited adjustment which prevents me from being able to comfortably rest my elbow on a soft surface while holding onto the steering wheel with one hand. I have fixed this by planting my left foot on the ground, thereby flexing my left knee at a 90 degree position where I can rest my arm on my leg and hold the wheel comfortably. Overall, it's not a huge problem but it can get annoying for long drives. Second, I wish there was more sound-proofing added to the vehicle. It's a hybrid car and not a sports car or luxury sedan. Instead of trying to land in the middle of the two, I wish KIA would flex more toward a luxury vehicle with the sound dampening material. I do have the upgraded Harmon-Kardon sound-system and it's GREAT! However, I wish the road noise was less pronounced. My third, and last complaint, has to do with the headlights. KIA, PLEASE MAKE HID OR LED HEADLIGHTS STANDARD to your vehicles. I drive about 53 miles round trip each day. 26 of those miles are done at night, on baron desert roads with with wildlife crossing the road at random points. Standard HID or LED lights alone would make this vehicle the perfect car. Fuel economy is pretty spectacular in my opinion; I average 45 MPG combined hwy/city driving. My worst fuel economy numbers are at extreme temperatures which is below 35 degrees or above 105 degrees (highest so far was 120 degrees at 38 mpg). Overall, I'd recommend this car to any one of my friends or family who want a semi-luxury vehicle with great fuel economy at a solid price point. Good Job Kia!