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2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

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Make
Kia
Model
Optima Plug-In Hybrid
Year
2018
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2018 EX 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $35,210

Overview

Those shopping for a Kia Optima sedan are spoiled for choice. In addition to the gasoline-only model, the line also features the gasoline-electric Hybrid (each covered elsewhere) and the Plug-In Hybrid (or PHEV). Available only in the well-equipped EX trim, the 2018 Optima PHEV’s base MSRP of $36,105 (including the $895 destination charge) makes it the most expensive Optima available. It’s also the only Optima that can run on electricity alone, however, so the added expense is worth it for many.

What's New for 2018

The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid enters its sophomore year unchanged.

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

Choosing Your Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

Pairing a 2.0-liter direct-injection gasoline engine with 154 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque to a 50-kilowatt electric motor mated to its a six-speed automatic transmission provides the Optima PHEV with a combined 202 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque to power its front wheels. The gasoline engine’s EPA mileage rating of 38 mpg city, 43 highway, and 40 combined, plus the 9.8-kilowatt-hour lithium polymer battery pack’s 29 electric-only miles, produces a combined range rating of 610 miles.

While that’s a big improvement over all three gasoline engine options in the standard Optima, unless it’s operating on its batteries alone, the $10,000 cheaper Optima Hybrid’s EPA ratings of 39 mpg city, 46 highway, and 42 combined beat the PHEV’s. Its true worth, however, is found in its lower annual fuel cost, with the Hybrid burning through $950 per year and the PHEV just $800 in gasoline and electricity combined.

But where it really shines is when it’s operating on electricity alone, and Kia has given PHEV buyers the opportunity to do so as often as possible by giving the option to select from three modes: All-Electric, Hybrid, and Charging. Once all 29 miles of electric-only range are expended, drivers can switch to running on the gasoline engine with electric assistance or gasoline-only with the electric motor being used to recharge the battery.

The other way to charge the Optima Plug-In Hybrid is in its name and behind a door in the left front fender. Those using a Level 2 (240-volt) charger can top off its battery in 2.7 hours, while those using a standard household Level 1 outlet (120-volt) are in for a nine hour wait. Either way, thanks to an included LTE 4G HotSpot and Kia’s numerous UVO EV Services apps, owners can – among other things, like enjoying an Automated Reality Owner’s Manual – monitor and control their Optima PHEV from a variety of devices.

Thanks to a combination of active and passive aero features – like automatic grille shutters and a rear diffuser – and electronic aids like its Active Eco System that controls the powertrain and air conditioning operation, the PHEV does all it can to lower range-sapping drag. It also assists drivers to do their part with its Eco-Driver Assistance System, which offers suggestions about when it’s best to coast or apply the brakes for maximum range-extension.

The Optima PHEV EX’s standard equipment roster is impressive, as it includes leather upholstery, heated front seats and a 12-way power driver’s seat with four-way lumbar support and memory, a leather-wrapped shift knob and heated steering wheel with audio, phone, and cruise controls on a tilting and telescoping column, dual-zone automatic climate controls, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, power-folding heated mirrors, perimeter entry with push-button start, rear console-mounted USB and 12-volt outlets, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

Also standard is Kia’s latest voice-command UVO infotainment and navigation system with an eight-inch color touchscreen, integrated rearview camera, SiriusXM Traffic and HD Radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Harmon Kardon Premium Surround Sound 630-watt, 10-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB and AUX input jacks. Perhaps the most entertaining feature that’s PHEV-only is the aptly-named Virtual Engine Sound System that, while running on the battery alone, generates the noise its gasoline-only siblings make to warn passers-by of its presence.

The Optima PHEV comes painted in silver or blue for free, and black or white pearl for $395. Blue comes with white leather while the rest get black. Apart from that, the Optima PHEV has only one option, but its ingredients are legion.

The $5,250 EX Technology Package comes with a massive electronic safety suite, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane changing assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking assist.

Also included are auto-leveling dynamic beam LED projector headlights with high-beam assist, a panoramic moonroof with power sunshade, rear side-window sunshades, LED interior lighting, 10-way power front passenger’s seat with two-way lumbar support, ventilation for the front seats, and heating for the rears.

CarsDirect Tip

By putting many of the best goodies the model has to offer in the expensive Technology Package, Kia may have pot-committed many buyers to opt into it or opt out of the 2018 Optima Plug-In Hybrid altogether. Others will enjoy the well-equipped base PHEV as is and put the savings toward buying future fuel. Either way, it speaks well for Kia that they'd develop a forward-thinking Optima variant like the PHEV.

Get your price on a Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 154 HP / 140 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd Sportmatic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
Not Available
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 154 HP / 140 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
Not Available
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
14.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$55
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
9.9 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
105 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
191.1 "
Exterior Width
73.2 "
Exterior Height
57.5 "
Front Headroom
39.8 "
Rear Headroom
37.8 "
Front Legroom
45.5 "
Rear Legroom
35.6 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
56.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,788 Lbs.
Wheel Base
110 "
Turning Radius
17.9 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Leather
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way / (8-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
10 Harman/kardon
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Autonomous Emergency Braking (aeb) Forward Collision Mitigation / Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot Detection (bsd) Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning System (ldws) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
High Beam Assist (hba) Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Dynamic Bending Light (dbl) Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors
Park Assist Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Major Components Months
120 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles

Used 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid for Sale

1 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Kia
EX
Color: Silver
Price

$13,350

Mileage

86,951 mi

Map location icon

Car Lux (3 mi)

Phone: (310) 818-5868

Other Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid years that you might be interested in.

Kia
EX Sedan 4D
Color: White
Price

$10,995

Mileage

131,116 mi

Map location icon

All Star Motors (71 mi)

Phone: (760) 552-4280
See All Used Car Listings