2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid Review

A wealth of standard features, user-friendly tech and a comfortable, spacious interior make the Kia Optima a solid pick for a midsize sedan. But if you're looking for maximum fuel savings, consider the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid. Its hybrid powertrain features a rechargeable battery that means short trips can be driven on electric power alone.

With an estimated range of 28 miles on electric power, the plug-in Optima can ferry short-range commuters one, or possibly both, directions of their daily drive on electric miles alone. When the electric miles are used up, the powertrain switches over to the four-cylinder gas engine rated at 40 mpg, so there are no range anxiety issues to deal with as with a full EV (battery electric vehicle). And if you're near a charging station or even at home, the Optima Plug-In Hybrid can fully charge in about three hours from a 240-volt source, or about nine hours from a standard 120-volt household-style outlet. That's a longer charge time than for a typical EV but not unreasonable for a plug-in hybrid.

By necessity, the rechargeable Optima carries a larger battery pack, which leaves it with less than 10 cubic feet of cargo space. Rival plug-in hatchbacks such as the Honda Clarity and the Toyota Prius offer much more, although the Optima measures up about equal to other sedans. On the other hand, the Kia is dynamic and entertaining to drive, more so than some other plug-in hybrid alternatives. Overall, we think it's worth checking out.