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2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

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Make
Kia
Model
Optima Hybrid
Year
2017
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Kia Optima Hybrid OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
Interior Profile
Photos Colors
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2017 Base 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $25,995
2017 EX 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $30,990

Overview

Kia’s midsize Optima has earned a growing number of kudos for its European-style good looks, as well as its value compared to other family sedans. The Optima Hybrid ties those laudable virtues to a gasoline/electric powertrain, resulting in some of the best fuel economy figures for a car of this size.

What's new for 2017

When Kia redesigned its regular gasoline-engine Optima for 2016, the Hybrid edition carried over from the previous generation. Now, the Hybrid has been re-engineered to keep pace with the gas-engine model. Seeking to improve efficiency by 10 percent, Kia has installed a new 2-liter gasoline engine to work with the hybrid powertrain.

Kia Optima Hybrid

Choosing Your Kia Optima Hybrid

Each Optima Hybrid comes with the same new powertrain. A 2-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, rated at 154 horsepower, works with a 38-kW, 50-horsepower electric motor and a 1.62 kWh lithium-polymer battery. Combined output is 192 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, along with 271 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain mates with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel economy is now estimated by the EPA at 39 mpg in city driving and 46 mpg on the highway, or 42 mpg combined. That compares to 36/40 mpg (city/highway) for the prior powertrain.

Several unique exterior elements enhance the Hybrid’s aerodynamics, as well as its appearance. The body’s coefficient of drag is a low 0.24. An active grille opens and closes automatically at high and low speeds. A rear diffuser streamlines airflow, and the back bumper is beveled. Low-rolling-resistance tires ride on 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels.

A “virtual engine sound” system is standard, and the Drive Mode selector offers Normal, Sport, and Eco modes. A new Driver Assistance System features a Coasting Guide, which tells the driver when to coast and brake for maximum fuel economy.

Buyers choose from two trim levels, Base and EX, with significantly different equipment levels:

Kia Optima Hybrid

Base

Priced at $26,845 (destination charge included), the base Optima Hybrid comes standard with features such as LED taillights and fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless start, and USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Also included are a 7-inch touchscreen, UVO eServices infotainment, satellite radio, and power front seats. Outside mirrors contain turn signal indicators. Cloth seat trim is standard, as are a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and six-speaker audio.

For $1,795, an optional Convenience package includes a 12-way power driver seat, power-folding mirrors, rear parking assist, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, a USB charger, and laminated front side windows.

Kia Optima Hybrid

EX

The uplevel EX adds a bit more luxury, but raises the retail price by $4,995. Standard features include 17-inch wheels, leather seat upholstery, automatic HID headlights, power heated front seats with driver memory, an eight-inch touchscreen, and s heated steering wheel. A Harman Kardon 10-speaker surround-sound system is standard.

An optional Technology package for the EX, priced at $5,000, includes a panoramic sunroof, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup warning system. Active safety features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, as well as LED headlights with dynamic bending, a power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, rear side sunshades, and an auto-dimming mirror.

CarsDirect Tip

If fuel economy is your foremost goal, you may as well stick with the base model. The EX offers some pleasant and noteworthy features, including additional safety technology, but isn't the best value given its price. Note that contents of the optional Technology package have changed this year, more than doubling its price.

Get your price on a Kia Optima Hybrid »

author image
Contributing Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Kia initiated a complete redesign of the Optima Hybrid for 2017, giving it new, albeit very lightly changed, body and a new powertrain that pushes fuel economy to a more competitive range. While these are all great changes, there are a few flaws in the new Optima that could drive buyers away.

Can the new Optima keep up with the growing hybrid midsize sedan class? Continue reading to find out.

Pricing and Equipment

The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid comes in just a pair of trim levels, Premium and EX, which retail from $26,890 to $31,880 (including $895 destination fee), respectively. The base Premium trim is well equipped, so we're betting it represents the bulk of Optima Hybrids sold. Its standard equipment includes:

  • Six-speaker audio system with a seven-inch display
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Rearview camera
  • Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming
  • Power accessories with one-touch driver and passenger windows
  • Dual-zone auto climate control
  • Heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals
  • Automatic-opening trunk
  • Projector-beam headlights
  • LED taillights
  • Sixteen-inch alloy wheels

Buyers looking for additional features can opt for the Hybrid Convenience Package, which runs $1,795, and add a 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory, blind-spot detection, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, sound-absorbing front side windows, and power-folding mirrors.

Under the Optima Hybrid’s hood is a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. Combined, this hybrid unit delivers 192 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Unlike a lot of hybrids, Kia and its corporate big brother, Hyundai, use six-speed automatic transmissions for the Optima Hybrid and its fraternal twin, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Both trims of the Optima Hybrid return 39 miles per gallon in the city, 46 mpg on the highway, and 42 combined.

Performance Pros

Kia Optima Hybrid
  • Fuel economy is solid, while the EPA's estimated numbers aren't too difficult to hit.
  • The six-speed automatic works really beautifully, effectively allowing the Optima Hybrid to coast on pure electric power.
  • Good ride quality for a non-luxury sedan.
  • Regenerative brakes are easy to modulate.

Performance Cons

  • Overall performance is lackluster.
  • Fuel economy falls far short of the Honda Accord Hybrid's fuel economy figures (49 mpg city and 47 mpg highway).

Interior Pros

  • Finely crafted cabin makes the Optima Hybrid feel more upscale.
  • Surprisingly quiet and comfortable.
  • Lots of desirable features, even in the base Premium trim.
  • Plenty of luggage space for a hybrid at 13.4 cubic feet.

Interior Cons

Kia Optima Hybrid
  • Rear-seat head room is a little tight at just 37.8 inches.
  • Interior design is just an evolution from the previous generation.
  • Rear-seat leg room is a little cramped for a midsize at 35.6 inches.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The Optima’s construction, features, and build quality give it a more premium look and feel than its price tag might indicate. What’s more, its array options make it more desirable. Moving upscale has been one of Kia’s focuses, and the Optima delivers the goods.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

While the 2017 Optima is all-new, the visual updates are only an evolution of the previous generation. Sure, the previous Optima was attractive, but it would have been nice to see Kia take a little more of a risk with the new generation.

The Bottom Line

The Optima Hybrid is a great option in the growing hybrid midsize sedan market, thanks to its comfortable ride, better-than-expected quality and features, and impressively roomy trunk. But while this new model is attractive, it has too much in common with a design whose roots are from 2010. That makes the Optima Hybrid a hard sell for image-conscious consumers that want the latest and greatest.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 154 HP / 140 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd Sportmatic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
39 / 46 / 42 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 154 HP / 140 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
39 / 46 / 42 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
15.9 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$61
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
13.4 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
191.1 "
Exterior Width
73.2 "
Exterior Height
57.5 "
Front Headroom
39.8 "
Rear Headroom
37.8 "
Front Legroom
45.5 "
Rear Legroom
35.6 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
56.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,486 Lbs.
Wheel Base
110 "
Turning Radius
17.9 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote / Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Yes Essentials Premium Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way / (8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Armrests
6-way / (8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan / Clock
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2 / 3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Major Components Months
120 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles

Used 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid for Sale

2 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Kia
Base
Color: Black
Price

$11,995

Mileage

97,292 mi

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AutoSpeed Inc (23 mi)

Phone: (818) 249-4888
Kia
Base
Color: Black
Price

$12,995

Mileage

86,276 mi

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Car Fluent Inc of Sunland (24 mi)

Phone: (818) 293-3225

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Phone: (818) 455-5588
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