What's New
- Kia Drive Wise, which includes nine driver assistance and convenience features, is now standard
- Wireless smartphone charging is now standard
- The Technology Package adds multi-color ambient lighting and LED fog lights
Pros & Cons
- 28-mile electric range is perfect for around-town chores
- Drives and feels like the non-hybrid model
- Spacious interior
- PHEV design cuts into cargo space
- Niro PHEV offers more versatility
- Hefty price increase for slim efficiency gains over the gas model
Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid Overview
Kia expanded the Optima range in 2017 when it introduced a new plug-in hybrid variant with a fully electric drive mode. The updated 2020 model combines a 154-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four, a 67-horsepower electric motor, and a 9.8-kWh battery pack to create a total of 202 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque. It can drive on pure electricity for 28 miles and has a total range of about 630 miles. It is EPA-rated at 41 mpg highway and city combined or 101 MPGe. It has 104.8 cu ft of passenger space and a small 9.9 cu ft of cargo space.
Although it’s smaller, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid crossover offers more versatility, better cargo space, and better efficiency at a lower price point, so it should be cross-shopped with the Optima PHEV.
Trim Specifications
True to Kia’s reputation of offering plenty of standard features at any price point, leather upholstery, heated front seats are all included in the base MSRP. An EX Technology Package adds LED headlamps and fog lamps, high- and low-beam assist, a panoramic sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, ventilated front seats and LED interior lighting.
Warranty
5 Years/60,000 Miles
10 Years/100,000 Miles
5 Years/100,000 Miles
10 Years/100,000 Miles
5 Years/60,000 Miles
Specs & Safety
Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid Specification
Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid Safety
NHTSA: Not Rated