2017 Kia Optima Hybrid EX - Review 2022

Similar its 2022 gas-powered sibling, the 2022 Kia Optima Hybrid recently received a full redesign. The biggest change is a new, more than fuel-efficient powertrain that delivers a bit less horsepower simply slightly higher torque than the outgoing model. The interior feels more than upscale, while the exterior retains the sharp styling that's been a differentiator for the Optima over the past two generations. The auto doesn't offer the same level of robust connectivity as some rivals, but adds Apple CarPlay and Google Android Motorcar in addition to several new commuter aid features. The 2022 Optima Hybrid's proficient looks, solid functioning, and overall value brand information technology an excellent choice among midsize hybrid sedans.

Pricing and Design

The 2022 Kia Optima Hybrid is available in two trims levels: Premium and EX. Both come up with a 2.0-liter, iv-cylinder 154-horsepower gasoline engine coupled with a 38kW electrical motor, for a combined 192 horsepower. The electric motor is powered by a lithium-polymer battery pack, while a six-speed automatic manual drives the front wheels.

The Premium trim starts at $25,995 and comes with 16-inch wheels, projector axle headlights, LED taillamps, heated and powered outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, keyless entry and ignition, and a hands-gratuitous smart trunk opener. On the inside in that location's a tilting and telescopic steering wheel, cloth seats, an viii-way powered driver seat with three-style ability lumbar, a six-mode transmission front passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering cycle and shift knob, a rearview photographic camera, and dual-zone automated climate control. Tech includes an LCD instrument console brandish, Bluetooth for phone and audio, a half-dozen-speaker AM/FM/CD/satellite radio audio organisation with USB and aux inputs, and Kia's UVO infotainment organisation with a 7-inch touch on screen. You lot likewise go Android Machine, Apple CarPlay, and the UVO telematics arrangement.

The EX trim we tested starts at $30,990 and adds 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, an electronic parking brake, ability-folding mirrors, a 12-way power driver seat with four-way lumbar, driver retentivity settings, black high-gloss interior accents, carpeted floormats, a heated steering wheel and front seats, leather upholstery, and threescore/twoscore-split folding rear seats. On the tech side y'all get dual USB ports and a 12-volt power outlet on the rear of the center panel, navigation with SiriusXM Traffic, an 8-inch touch on screen, and a ten-speaker/630-watt Harman Kardon audio system with HD radio.

Our test car likewise had the $395 Snow White Pearl paint selection and the $v,000 Technology package. It includes adaptive headlights with automated high beams, a panoramic sunroof, a power passenger seat with power lumbar, ventilated front end seats, heated rear seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear side-window sunshades, and adaptive cruise control. Driver assists include lane departure warning, forrad collision alert with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. With an $850 freight and handling fee, the total sticker price for our tester came to $37,235.

The outside styling 2022 Optima Hybrid hasn't inverse dramatically from the previous model, but gets several exterior elements that differentiate information technology from the gas-powered culling. These include EcoHybrid badging, a beveled rear bumper and rear diffuser to streamline airflow, an aerodynamic wheel design, and agile grille shutters that meliorate fuel economy.

The passenger compartment is slightly larger and includes model-specific gauges and real stitching along the dash and doors. Improved packaging of the hybrid battery under the trunk floor means information technology doesn't encroach into your cargo space and allows the use of lx/40 split up-folding rear seats in the EX trim.

Interface and Connectivity

The Optima Hybrid's touch-screen infotainment interface is easy to operate due to its eight-inch size and intuitive control layout. We also like the My Menu feature that allows quick admission to your most used functions. You only get 2 in-dash apps, withal (Pandora and Soundhound), and limited connectivity. While Pandora connects through a tethered Android or iOS device, Soundhound can only exist used when the Optima'southward onboard Wi-Fi is linked to an external hotspot—and simply while in park.

Thankfully, this is less of an issue than it used to be cheers to Android Auto and CarPlay. We tested with CarPlay, which adds streaming music via iHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn, along with apps for audiobooks, maps, music, messaging, telephone calls, and podcasts. The CarPlay messaging app, for instance, is far better than the Optima's native feature.

Certain UVO services, such as roadside assistance and vehicle diagnostics, are bachelor for free for the outset 5 years of ownership. And a remote app tin can be used to command functions such every bit door lock/unlock, vehicle location, geofencing, and more than.

The 8-inch in-dash display is used for sure hybrid-specific features, such as energy period betwixt the engine, electrical motor, and the battery, as well equally to testify an Eco Driving score and boilerplate fuel economic system. An analog guess in the instrument panel as well lets you lot know whether battery is being charged and what mode the car is operating in. Further data tin be shown in the instrument panel'south brandish.

Performance and Conclusions

The Optima Hybrid has 3 different driving modes that can be toggled via a button near the gear shift: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Eco helps improve fuel efficiency by controlling engine and drivetrain operating parameters, while Sport automatically adjusts the steering wheel likewise as the engine and drivetrain for more dynamic driving. Normal means neither setting is turned on. While we could experience the change in going from Normal to Eco, the switch from Normal to Sport didn't produce a very noticeable difference.

In all three modes, acceleration is decent if not impressive, and the hybrid system switches smoothly between electric motor and gas engine. The car uses electric ability only during starting time-up and low-speed driving, while gas kicks in at full acceleration. Kia rates it at 42mpg combined, and we accomplished an boilerplate of nigh 30mpg without really trying—that'll definitely help y'all save some coin at the pump.

The 2022 Optima Hybrid's fuel economy doesn't pinnacle competitors like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Honda Accordance Hybrid, merely it costs a bit less. And the EX trim we tested offers more than features per dollar than most rivals. The Fusion remains our Editors' Pick for slightly better operation all around, merely the Optima is a strong alternative if y'all're looking to salve some money.

Source: https://sea.pcmag.com/consumer-electronics-reviews-ratings-comparisons/14429/2017-kia-optima-hybrid-ex

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