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LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY

Kia Optima Hybrid: Extended Drive Time

October 19, 2017 by admin 10 Comments

Many miles and smiles with Kia’s Optima Hybrid sedan.

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid
The Kia Optima Hybrid is available in Premium and EX trims.

Hybrid sales peaked in 2013 and have fallen steadily since. Low fuel prices are a significant contributor, falling below $2 per gallon at times with those low prices covering large swathes of America. Another reason is the advent of modern electric cars — some shoppers are opting for pure electric vehicles over hybrids.

Though demand has fallen, manufacturers continue to offer hybrids, which help them achieve EPA fleet averages. Although prices are somewhat higher than their standard gasoline counterparts, incentives typically are strong. Shop carefully and you may find a hybrid costing just hundreds more, while returning excellent fuel economy.

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid is one model among many in the segment. With a base price of $25,995, plus destination, the Optima Hybrid costs $3,495 more than the base Optima S. A second trim, EX, costs $4,995 more than the base hybrid model.

For most weeks I drive a manufacturer’s vehicle for six or seven days and for approximately 250 miles. For the Optima Hybrid, we covered more than 800 miles and had the sedan for two weeks. That’s because Kia allowed me to take the hybrid to the 2017 WAPA Rally on Kent Island, Maryland, where my driver partner (Arsis Fruritch) and I drove 10 of the 55 vehicles available. Thank you, Kia!

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

As for the model at hand, the following are the key points about this hybrid:

Point No. 1 — The styling differences are negligible. Put gas and hybrid variants of the same model together and the differences are usually clear. For some mysterious reason, certain automakers think customers want to scream “this is a hybrid,” when blending in is the best approach from a styling point in my opinion.

Happily, Kia doesn’t make the Optima and Optima Hybrid look much different, other than slight grille differences and badging. What may look avant-garde initially can come across detestable a few years later. I’m not mentioning names, just pointing out the obvious.

Point No. 2 — You’ll find ample room for five. Nearly across the board, today’s midsize models are roomy, offering almost as much space as large sedans. The upsizing we have seen over the past five to 10 years takes an opposite approach from the downsizing of the late 1970s to mid-1980s.

The winner here is the customer who may want no compromise room for five. Midsize sedans are today’s family vehicle or at least the type of car families want when an SUV or a minivan is not an option.

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

Point No. 3 — The base model is relatively well equipped. Compare the base hybrid to the standard gasoline version and you’ll find equipment differences, what demonstrates the hybrid is better equipped, effectively narrowing the $3,495 price difference between the two.

Furthermore, those differences include the following equipment included with the hybrid, but not standard with the base gas model. With this in mind, I did the research for you. Here goes: heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, automatic trunk opener, a 7-inch display screen (it measures 5 inches in the gas model), Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, spill-resistant cloth seats, and an illuminated glove box.

That’s quite a number of features you won’t find in the standard model unless you opt for the EX trim, costing just $555 less than the Optima Hybrid Premium. If you want driver-assist features, consider the one package available — the Hybrid Convenience Package ($1,795) adding rear parking assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross traffic alert along with a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, power-folding side mirrors, a driver’s seat integrated memory system, and sound-absorbing front windows.

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

Point No. 4 — The EX edition offers many premium features. As well equipped as the Premium edition is, the EX lifts the equipment offerings to the next level. Indeed, for about five grand you expect a long list of additional standard amenities and the EX delivers.

LED positioning lights, power-folding side mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels get things started. You’ll also find an 8-inch touchscreen display, satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation, rear console USB ports and a 12-volt outlet, electronic parking brake, mood lighting, front seatback pockets, leather seats, a 12-way power seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a split fold-down rear seat.

For another $5,000 you might consider the Hybrid EX Technology Package ($5,000), what adds such features as a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. You also get Kia’s full suite of driver-assist features as rear parking assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, advanced smart cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking. Add it all up and your price tops $37,000 if you also opt for one of two exterior color choices adding $395 to your cost.

Point No. 5 — Kia’s technology is not difficult to comprehend….or embrace. Kudos to Kia for making a telematics system that is fairly easy to use. The UVO system is a Microsoft product, but far better than what some competitors offered early on (Ford SYNC, for example).

The navigation system worked fine, but I prefer using my iPhone, as Apple CarPlay is my preferred method for obtaining directions. Likewise, Android Auto is also included, giving the majority of smartphone users compatibility they crave.

As for the Harman/Kardon QuantumLogic Premium Surround Sound with ClarifFi (standard in the EX), this 630-watt, 10-speaker unit delivers excellent sound. I like what automakers have done in the sound department over the past few years, by offering top-shelf audio systems on top-trim models.

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

Point No. 6 — Safety is hardly an afterthought. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2017 Optima with its highest crash-testing rating — Top Safety Pick+. This score applies to the hybrid and underscores the attention to safety taken by Kia.

Both trims come with a full suite of airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. Check out point no. 4 for the various driver-assist features available as they will match what equipment today’s models offer.

Point No. 7 — You have the upper hand when negotiating. Rarely do I discuss incentives when reviewing a vehicle. The reason? They change so often. It is always my hope that my reviews will supply value years later too…why add new car incentives when they no longer apply?

In fact, there are incentives on new cars — on hybrids, they’re typically the best you’ll find. When buying a new hybrid, you should have more leverage than the standard version, so keep this in mind. Either way, expect deals that exceed the average new car, using those incentives to your advantage.

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

Point No. 8 — There are two kinds of performance attributes to consider. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powering the Optima Hybrid is about as mild as they come with just 154 horsepower under its belt. Thus, this model makes an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway. Notably, we averaged about 40 mpg and that’s a fantastic number for two people and a trunk full of gear.

The engine joins with an electric motor to send power to the front wheels. At times, the motor delivers its own power alone (typically while crawling), but also joins with the engine to combine for 192 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Consequently, this means when you need to “floor it” the hybrid responds in kind by delivering copious amounts of power. Furthermore, you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride and light-to-the-touch steering in a sedan offering a premium feel. Yes, the brakes are squishy when first applied, but I soon became comfortable with the sensation — what creates kinetic energy that’s sent to the lithium polymer battery pack for distribution later.

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

Parting Thoughts

Optima Hybrid prices can climb quickly if you opt for the EX with the technology package. Personally, I like the base model with the available Hybrid Convenience Package, what delivers a well-equipped hybrid for $29,000. Work hard on extracting your full incentives and your out-the-door price should come in around $25,000. That’s excellent for any midsize sedan, yet especially so for one topping 40 mpg.

As for owning a hybrid in the first place, if you plan to keep it for the long haul, you stand a much better chance of getting your money’s worth. You also have Kia’s excellent warranty plan backing your Optima Hybrid, providing yet another compelling reason to go green.

Finally, as for the Optima Hybrid’s competitive set, you’ll find the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid offered.

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

  • Premium Trim: $26,890 (including $895 destination fee)
  • EX Trim: $31,885 (including destination)
  • Seats five
  • Engine: 2.0-liter I4 gas, Atkinson cycle
  • 154 horsepower @ 5,000 RPM
  • 140 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,000 RPM
  • Electric motor: 50 hp; 151.2 foot-pounds of torque
  • 192 total system horsepower
  • 271 total system torque
  • 6-speed automatic transmission/li>
  • Wheelbase: 110.43 inches
  • Length: 191.10 inches
  • Width: 73.20 inches
  • Height: 57.50 inches
  • Passenger volume: NR
  • Storage volume: 13.42 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 39/46 mpg city/highway
  • Regular gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 15.85 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,486 to 3,538 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
  • Electric battery warranty: 12 years/100,000 miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Hwaseong, South Korea

See Also — Swanky SUV: 2016 Kia Sorento EX AWD-

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 cars, Arsis Fruritch, four-cylinder engine, hybrid, Kent Island, KIA OPTIMA HYBRID, LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY, Maryland, sedan

Kia Trail’ster Concept Teases Chicago

February 16, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

The Kia Trail’ster Concept is for the hip hamster crowd and their human friends.

Kia Trail'ster Concept

This Kia Trail’ster is all set to visit your favorite ski lodge.

Kia Motors picked the perfect venue for unveiling its hybrid Trail’ster Concept. Folks in the winter-socked Chicago Auto Show are seeing first hand what this hybrid all-wheel-drive variant of the Kia Soul can offer, the latest iteration on its urban utility vehicle frame.

Indeed, if the Kia Trail’ster is built, it would offer a unique approach to light-duty off-roading. Also, it would take on the soon-to-be-released Jeep Renegade, itself geared toward 20-something urban dwellers. The Windy City may be piled with snow, but the Kia concept could offer a practical reality if it is ever produced.

So, let’s examine some of the preeminent features of this model before we theorize whether it will go into production or not.

First, it harnesses the Kia Soul platform. The Kia Trail’ster is the Kia Soul, but amplified. Everything about the current Soul is used, right down to the platform. The distinguishing features are also evident, but utilizing the Soul is an efficient use of this product’s space. There are some important distinctions here too, including its cloth roll-top roof, integrated roof rack fittings with aluminum cross rails, and special LED lighting treatments.

Kia Trail'ster Concept

Second, you get lifted. The trend toward higher profile vehicles continues, but with a twist. The Kia Trail’ster rides 2.5 inches higher to enjoy improved ground clearance. That’s exactly what is needed if this vehicle is to have any chance of performing light-duty off-roading. The upcoming Volvo S60 Cross Country is a contemporary example of an elevated model. The Jeep Eagle is an earlier example.

Third, all-wheel drive is standard. The Kia Soul is front-wheel drive with no all-wheel-drive variant. However, Kia has taken a different approach in the Trail’ster by going with all-wheel drive. AWD combined with the lifted profile will take this model to places where no other Kia has gone before.

Fourth, you are looking at a hybrid drivetrain. Under the hood is a potent 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, making an even 185 horsepower and 185 foot-pounds of torque. That alone gives this model some kick. However, Kia did not stop there. Indeed, they have added an electric propulsion system, what draws energy from a 1.2 kilowatt per hour lithium-ion polymer battery. Moreover, it adds 35 horsepower and 100 foot-pounds of torque to the mix, and improves fuel economy by 25 to 30 percent and highway economy by 5 to 10 percent over the normally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine used in the Soul. Further, Kia says that it has the ability to run on electric-only power for two to three miles at times. Together, that brings combined fuel economy to just above 30 mpg or well above what any Jeep Renegade model will deliver.

Kia Trail'ster Concept

A weatherproof, retractable top could be in the offing.


See Also — Merry Hamsters and the All-New 2020 Kia Soul


Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Naturally, a model such as the Kia Trail’ster concept whets the appetites of the very audience that would be best attracted to this type of vehicle. And that would be young urbanites who may like to make a dash to the country and slop and glop their way through the mud. When not in the country, the Kia Trail’ster would serve as an efficient city car. That makes for a rare fusion of two distinct model types in one body.

The Kia Trail’ster along with the earlier Kia Soul’ster concept, demonstrates that Kia is serious about pushing boundaries. Both models could very well go into production as Soul variants, harnessing a valuable moniker well known for its hip anthropomorphic hamsters as well as for its excellent value and vivacity.


See Also — Stunning: Kia Cross GT Concept

Photos courtesy of Kia Motors.

Filed Under: Concept Vehicles Tagged With: all-wheel drive, Chicago Auto Show, CONCEPT VEHICLE, hybrid, KIA SOUL, KIA SOUL'STER, KIA TRAIL'STER, LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY

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