Kia says they designed the all-new Optima Plug-In Hybrid to focus on both efficiency and driving dynamics. They definitely took a solid shot at the former, as this hybrid can achieve up to 103 MPGe under electric power with a range of up to 29 miles. Under normal hybrid conditions using the gas engine, it's rated at 43 MPG.
The Kia Optima plug-in hybrid is the best reminder yet that one day we won’t call hybrids “hybrids” because that will just be the way cars are. Its greatest triumph is it ubiquity, and the way which it demystifies that “hybrid” badge. If that makes it sound like I’m damning it with faint praise, I’m not. I’m praising it loudly because it deserves it. The regular Optima is a great sedan—attractive, responsive, well appointed—and the ability to run nearly 30 miles without ever having to fire up the combustion motor makes an already good thing even better.
The previous-generation Kia Optima really sucked me in: great looks, great interior and great manners. We recently got an all-new Optima, with the model range now including a plug-in hybrid.
I didn’t spend a ton of time with this one, so I’ll keep my thoughts brief: This is the plug-in hybrid for me. It drives like a normal car, looks like a normal car, and acts like a normal car. It’s not a sports car, but I could totally daily driver this.
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