Kia unveils the 2017 Optima PHEV, its first plug-in hybrid

Kia is really serious about reaching its 25% fuel efficiency milestone by 2020. How serious, you ask? Serious enough to unveil three hybrids at this week's Chicago Auto Show, two of which come from the car maker's popular Optima lineage. While the 2017 Optima Hybrid already exemplifies Kia's vision of fuel economy, the 2017 Optima Plug-in Hybrid Elecric Vehicle, or PHEV, takes things even further, not only with a more powerful hybrid engine but also by adding an all-electric range, allowing drivers to enjoy as much as 27 miles on the electric motor alone.

The 2017 Kia Optima PHEV is still a hybrid EV, so naturally it also has a gasoline powered part. Here, it shares the same new "Nu" 2.0-liter four cylinder GDI engine with six-speed automatic transition that 2017 Optima Hybrid also has. This replaces the previous Optima Hybrid's 2.4-liter engine to deliver 154 hp at 6,000 rpm.

One of the things that easily sets apart Kia's PHEV from its HEV (Hybrid EV) sibling is the electric motor, here a transmission mounted 50 kW motor that is noted to be 42% more powerful than the previous Hybrid. By comparison, the 2017 Optima Hybrid's electric motor maxes out at 38 kW. To keep things cool, Kia has changed natural air cooling to water cooling. With the addition of a High Voltage Electric Oil Pump to replace both the mechanical oil pump and low voltage electric oil pump of the earlier model, the 2017 Optima PHEV achieves a fuel efficiency marked to be 20% better than before.

To power such a monster of an electric motor, Kia has installed a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, right behind the rear seat and tire well. That strategic position gives the Optima PHEV one of the largest cargo spaces among its kind. The battery can be charged to full in just under three hours when connected to a 240 V charger, or under 9 hours from a 120 V power source.

The Optima PHEV features an exclusive mode select system that swiftly and seamlessly switches the car from EV to gasoline to hybrid mode and back. In full EV mode, the car can reach up to 27 miles in short-city driving. Hybrid EV mode is more ideal for highways while Charging mode directs energy to the battery when driving at higher speeds. The PHEV also features an improved Regenerative Braking System for some extra battery juice.

In terms of design, the 2017 Optima PHEV borrows a few cues from the Optima sedan and injects its own distinct personality. Active grilles automatically open and close depending on speed to improve aerodynamics and engine bay cooling. An alloy wheel design also contributes to better air flow. The PHEV is also a bit larger and longer than the older Optima with a 110 inch wheelbase, up by 0.4 inches, and an overall length of 191.1 inches, amusingly also increased by 0.4 inches.

Kia's first ever PHEV also boasts of the car maker's latest intelligent systems and technological amenities, including charging stations and an embedded connectivity solution on Verizon's network. An all new Eco-DAS or Driver Assistance System features Coasting Guide that cues drivers when it's best to coast and break using flashing icons and an audible alert. This joins Kia's Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, and Front Collision Warning System in providing both convenience and safety. The latest UVO telematics adds support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the latter with voice-free Google Voice Recognition, to provide additional entertainment and navigation capabilities. Harman Kardon QuantumLogic Premium Surround Sound, 10 speakers, Clari-Fi technology, and a 630-watt digital amplifier enhance the PHEV's audio experience.

The 2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid will be available in a single EX trim and is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of this year. Pricing will be announced near the on-sale date. The Verizon-powered LTE connection comes free for the first three years of ownership.