Kia’s all-new stylish, comfortable, safe, technology ladended, and efficient midsize sedan. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Feb. 16, 2016 2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid is available in only one fully loaded trim, the EX, with pricing TBA. The all-new Optima PHEV-27 brings 27-miles of all-electric range and a 40 mpg combine rating on gasoline to the table. At the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, Kia unveiled its all-new and first 2017 Optima Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV-27) at the Chicago Auto Show under the Kia Motors EcoDynamics environmentally friendly sub-brand. The all-new 2017 Optima PHEV-27 is based on the award winning and great looking all-new 4th gen 2016 Optima while loaded with the same luxurious features. It incorporates a Hybrid-centric instrument cluster and unique alloys. The Optima PHEV-27 2017 Kia Optima PHEV-27 Drivetrain Details The all-new 2017 Optima PHEV was engineered with focus on both efficiency and driving dynamics. Utilizing Kia’s 154 hp GDI 2.0L I4 mated to a six-speed AT, total system power output is posted at 202 hp. The transmission-mounted 50 kW motor is 42 percent more powerful the motor in the previous Optima HEV allowing for more efficiency through even more all-electric driving time. Overall engine efficiency is said to be improved with a high voltage Electric Oil Pump, replacing the combination mechanical oil pump and low voltage electric pump found in the outgoing Optima Hybrid HEV. The Transmission cooler is also now liquid cooled. Together these changes improve engine efficiency by more than 20 percent. 2017 Kia Optima PHEV-27 Charge Port The Optima PHEV-27 arrives with a 9.8 kWh Li-Ion polymer battery pack. The new battery pack is hidden behind the rear seat and tire well, providing the Optima PHEV-27 with a smallish 9.9 cu. ft. of cargo volume. An improved Regenerative Braking System maximizes energy recuperation through improved control between the hybrid control unit and the brake actuation unit, resulting in a 10 percent increase in energy recovery. The Optima PHEV-27 is equipped with a single charging port in the driver’s side front fender. A full charge can be achieved in less-than three hours via a 240V Level 2 charger, and just under nine hours from a standard 120V outlet. Once the all-new Optima PHEV-27s pack runs out, a short range all-Electric Mode (EV), Hybrid Mode (HEV) for highway driving, and Charging Mode selection charges the battery while driving at higher speeds. All-new Eco-DAS3 (Driver Assistance System) features Kia’s first application of Coasting Guide. 2017 Kia Optima PHEV-27 Feature Details Although the new Optima PHEV-27 Optima has a coefficient of drag of just 0.24 thanks to an active grille, shutter. Modern LED lighting, chrome side sill molding, and ‘Eco Plug-In’ badging makes it a design standout. For 2017, the all-new Optima PHEV-27s wheelbase and length has been lengthened by 0.4 inches. 2017 Kia Optima PHEV-27 Exterior 2017 Kia Optima PHEV-27 Safety The all-new Optima PHEV-27 includes numerous driver assistance systems, namely Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop to avoid or reduce energy prior to an actual collision. Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Front Collision Warning System (FCWS) is also included. Expect a 5-star on the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating just as the 2016 Hyundai Sonata HEV has achieved. 2017 Kia Optima PHEV-27 Safety The Optima PHEV-27 uses the brands latest UVO infotainment system plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. UVO EV Services includes LTE wireless connectivity that enables direct communication to the vehicle for features such as remote start/stop, remote preconditioning of cabin temperature, and remote lock/unlock via the UVO app. Also included is a full suite of My Car Zone features, which includes curfew and speed alerts and Geofence settings, as well as Local Search powered by Google. Exclusive EV features include the ability to locate charging stations, ability to remotely check your vehicle’s charge status, as well as scheduling charging for TOU lower rates. Adding hands-free connectivity is Google Voice Recognition Local Search. Additionally, within the Kia App Store, apps can be downloaded to the head-unit using the PHEV’s Wi-Fi capability. 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Interior Available at no cost for the first three years of ownership with no subscription necessary, UVO EV Services utilizes an embedded connectivity solution powered by the great coverage Verizon network and the UVO smartphone app to provide Optima Plug-In Hybrid owners with an innovative, real-time, in-vehicle connectivity experience. Drivers are treated to an outstanding audio experience with the available Harman/Kardon QuantumLogic Premium Surround Sound Audio System, which includes 10 speakers, Clari-Fi technology and an upgraded 630-watt digital amplifier. Introduced in the 2016 Sorento, Clari-Fi is a patented music restoration technology that rebuilds audio signals that are lost in the digital compression process. The Optima PHEV-27 is expected to go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year with pricing announced closer to that on-sale date.
The steering wheel will NEVER let you forget what make of car you are driving. Some people may like that. To me , it's tacky. But the exterior styling is clean , even elegant.
This is a great looking car! Well done Kia! Besides the steering wheel, the only thing that has me down is the small trunk. I see that as one of the biggest detractors of vehicle. If you don't often travel with a boat load of luggage, this might be one of the nicest fuel efficient platforms to drive.
