2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid Review

The 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid comes in just one flavor: an EX trim level with an optional Technology package. Kia loads the EX with a raft of daily comfort and conveniences, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, navigation, Bluetooth, Apple and Android smartphone control, and a prem...

Both the regular Optima sedan and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid deliver a smooth ride on all manner of pavement, and the cabin is quiet at highway speeds. We're not as thrilled with the seats, though.

Heated front seats are standard; ventilated seats (and heated rears) are options. The front seats are roomy but lack lateral side bolstering. The rear seats are also spacious, but the low-mounted cushion may lack support for average-size adults.

The regular Optima sedan absorbs small, high-frequency bumps pretty well for an overall smooth ride. Larger undulations cause some jostling, but not significantly more compared to rivals in this class. The Plug-In Hybrid's ride quality should not be that different despite the different powertrain.

The Optima's interior, regardless of model or trim, isn't an especially exciting visual feast. That said, it serves function well. The feature set makes you feel as if you're getting a lot more for your money, although the quality of materials feels a bit mediocre.

We give the Optima high marks for its easy-to-use infotainment system and readable physical buttons that are logically placed. The primary controls are all within reach, and there's no guesswork with buttons that are a bit out of the way.

Tall door openings free from obstructions allow passengers to access their seats with little difficulty. Doors are adequately short in length to provide access in tight parking spots.

The front seats have plenty of space for larger passengers, and the range of adjustments will cover short and tall occupants. The rear outboard seats benefit from an abundance of legroom, but headroom is only adequate for adults of average height.

The Optima's cabin feels big and airy thanks to large windows and narrow roof pillars, but the high rear decklid and rear seat headrests obscure the rearward view. The standard rearview camera and optional parking sensors help reduce the blind spot.

Plenty of plastic is used throughout the interior, but it's sturdy and the texture is visually appealing. The car feels as solid as any other sedan in the class.

The Optima Plug-In Hybrid's trunk is smaller than the regular hybrid's trunk due to a larger battery pack. At just 9.9 cubic feet of cargo room, it's a bit limited. The Toyota Prius Prime's hatchback design, for example, offers far more versatility.

The 8-inch touchscreen has crisp graphics and an intuitive menu structure, although some drivers might find it a bit of a stretch to reach comfortably. A unique gauge cluster displaying various hybrid functions is one of the few indicators that you're driving a gas-electric car.

A navigation system comes standard, as does a premium Harman Kardon sound system.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with the infotainment system's offerings.

Most of the latest driver safety and collision avoidance aids come with the optional Technology package. A rearview camera is standard, however.

To learn more about the 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid, read our updates from a full year of living with a 2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy. Please note that the 2017 Optima Plug-In Hybrid differs from our long-term Optima in the source of its...