Used 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Optima Plug-In Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Optima Plug-In Hybrid since its last redesign.
2018 With all the Bells and Whistles
THOMAS, 02/16/2018
updated 08/21/2018
2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I had own a Kia Forte before and I enjoyed the car, it was the EX with four doors and it's was pretty simple and good mileage, the Kia Optima Plug In hybrid-Everything is pretty simple to use, it is alot heavier than the Forte, better gas mileage because of hybrid and plugin, the inside interior (I have the technology package) everything is good, from the sunroof, leather, the 10 speaker sound system is really good-dont believe me just go to a dealership and test out the sound, I had a after market speakers in my forte, I do miss my subwoofer extra kick but the optima sound makes it pretty good overall, smaller trunk space is little disheartening but everything else with the car is amazing, my friend has a Camry and I can definitely say this kia feels alot more luxorious and I like the handling better the one thing about the camry is that you can sit in the middle in the backseat more naturally but I don't usually have five people riding with me Update 8 months later: the biggest gripe I can find with this car is the trunk space, if you are someone who likes to use the trunk it's going to be really handicapped
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Fixable problems, but a little tricky.
Keven Jackson, 11/02/2022
updated 05/09/2025
2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We bought this in March 2021 with 37000 miles on it, now in October of 2022, we have 77,000 miles on it. It's a great car, but the hybrid system check light came on soon after we bought it. We took care of that problem by replacing the 12 volt battery, which unfortunately has to be done at the dealership for $300. We had another problem with the check engine light coming on caused by a misfiring cylinder. Over about a six month period they replaced the mass air sensor, the spark plugs- they said the oil level was too high, and finally replaced the ignition coil in the offending cylinder which fixed the problem. One thing we found is that if the oil is changed to specifications, it is half a quart too much! So you have to ask them to put in a half quart less than the specifications require. Despite the problems, the car has never stranded us, even out in the middle of nowhere in southern Utah, though I was worried. We have had no problems for about 5000 miles now. There are other minor things that others have mentioned such as the usb port is sometimes slow to kick in, trunk space in small but overall I am very happy with this car. Update (May 2 2024): Now at 104000 miles, no problems, everything is working great. Have lost one mile (out of 29) of electric range. I ran over a grapefruit size rock on I-5 going 60 miles per hour that blew the right front tire and bent the wheel, but the car kept going straight as an arrow. Had to get it towed since there is no spare tire. Update November 2024- 117000 miles. Running great, no problems. Down to 26 miles of electric range from 29. Update May 2025- 124000 miles. Currently on a 3200 mile road trip. Runs fine, but a message came up about system overheating (not the engine) so it would remain in hybrid mode. Didn't affect performance or gas mileage, and we are not plugging it in on the trip.
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A Sexy Entry into the EV World
Christopher D, 09/28/2019
2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My Kia Optima PHev is a Sexy Beauty. It drives smoothly and the range from a full tank is music to my wallet. The interior cabin looks like new (reminds me of a BMW 3 Series) and has a bright 8in LCD screen to play with. I'm delighted I bought this car over the Hyundai Ionic and Ford Fusion. I highly recommend to vehicle to anyone looking to dip their toes in the EV World. PS - Look into a Home Charger pronto.
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Let Down by Poor Technology
SeikoD, 01/22/2018
2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I am an automotive enthusiast used to driving more sports-oriented cars but wanted something better for the environment as I live in a city with terrible air quality. To that end, the car is working exactly as advertised: for my frequent around town trips, I use almost no gas (I think 7 gallons over my first 1,000 miles of driving). So, while I love the car for its electric range, appearance, and comfort, the infotainment system is driving me absolutely crazy. I wouldn't have thought a poor touchscreen experience would be a big deal before I bought the car, but just imagine having to wait 15 - 30 seconds for it to boot up before you can adjust the climate control, use the backup camera, or listen to the music you want. Infuriating! Also, you have to plug in your iphone to use apple car play (no bluetooth capability in 2017? give me a break). Also, the app is a joke, it takes FOREVER to connect to the car for monitoring battery charge, security, and turning on climate control (so long that I usually sign in and walk away from my phone because I know it will take an eternity to connect, and even then it still fails quite often). On top of that, the Kia financing website where I pay for my lease is a joke as well, always seeming to have some excuse as to why I can't set up auto payments (again, unacceptable in this day and age). So overall I am enjoying the car for what it is, heck, even the acceleration and handling aren't too bad, but all of Kia's tech issues are going to scare me away to another manufacturer for my next car.
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Fantastic Choice/vehicle
Paul G, 04/22/2018
2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Car gets great gas mileage, plenty of room and comfort, and all the bells and whistles you need. Averaging nearly 80mph!! The only minor flaw with this vehicle is the undersized trunk space. Other than that great choice with nearly $13,000 in rebates!