The 2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid gets 40 MPG combined, making it an efficient choice in the mid-size sedan class. This number is attractive to commuters, urban residents, and drivers who want a practical sedan and to visit gas stations less often. Prioritizing fuel savings makes it an attractive car.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid are 38 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway. This difference reflects how hybrid powertrains work. The electric motor helps more in stop-and-go traffic than it does at constant highway speeds. Drivers in cities will likely see fuel economy near or above 40 MPG combined, especially if they regularly plug in the car and drive short distances on electric power alone. Those who take long highway trips will likely see numbers closer to 43 MPG highway, but without electric-only range to improve efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says that the 2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid will cost about $1,100 per year to fuel. This is based on 15,000 miles driven annually, using national average fuel prices when the calculation was done. Your fuel costs will vary depending on local fuel prices, driving habits, and how often you drive only on electric power. Still, the $1,100 figure gives you an idea of how much you might save on fuel compared to regular gasoline cars. This estimate assumes some gasoline use, and it’s hard to predict residential electricity prices, so consistent charging could make your real cost much lower.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings are useful, but real-world fuel economy varies. Driving style, terrain, weather, and using accessories like air conditioning all affect fuel consumption. The Optima Plug-in Hybrid works best with gentle driving. Smooth acceleration and braking make the most of the regenerative braking system, which recharges the battery. If you drive aggressively, the battery drains faster and the gasoline engine works harder, lowering MPG. This is not a sports car. Drivers who treat it like one will not like the fuel economy. It’s designed to use as little fuel as possible, and when driven with that in mind, it succeeds.

How it compares

The 2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid competed with other hybrid and plug-in hybrid sedans. The Toyota Prius Prime, a dedicated plug-in hybrid, had better electric range and slightly better overall MPG, often above 50 MPG combined, but the Prius Prime has less interior space and a less comfortable ride. The Ford Fusion Energi was a similar plug-in hybrid mid-size sedan, but generally got slightly lower MPG, around 42 MPG combined in some years. Many gasoline-only cars couldn’t match the Optima PHEV’s fuel efficiency. The Toyota Camry, known for its reliability, typically got around 33 MPG combined. The Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid shares the Optima’s powertrain and gets similar fuel economy. Compare both to decide which styling you prefer.

For all all Kia fuel economy data, consult this website. And if you are interested in OPTIMA MPG across all years, this is the right place to look.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Use “EV” mode when you can, especially for short trips and city driving. This uses only the electric motor, using less gasoline.

Pre-condition the cabin while the car is plugged in. Heating or cooling the interior using grid power before you drive reduces the demand on the engine and battery.

Gentle acceleration and braking are important. Avoid sudden speed increases and watch traffic to reduce hard braking. Let the regenerative braking system recapture energy and recharge the battery. Use cruise control on flat roads to keep speed constant and improve fuel efficiency, but it might not work as well on hills where it can cause unnecessary acceleration and deceleration.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the level on the doorjamb sticker.

Reduce weight and drag by removing unneeded items and avoiding roof racks or cargo carriers, because they increase aerodynamic drag and lower fuel efficiency. Plan routes to avoid traffic. Longer, smoother routes often give better fuel economy than shorter routes with frequent stops.