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2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Unveiled with More Compact Battery and 2-Liter Engine

Kia is making the 2016 Chicago Auto Show into a big deal, a hybrid big deal. The all-new Niro crossover was preceded on stage by the 2017 Optima Hybrid. It looks just like a regular Optima, yet its green parts are 10% more efficient than the outgoing model.
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid 8 photos
Photo: Kia
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid2017 Kia Optima Hybrid2017 Kia Optima Hybrid2017 Kia Optima Hybrid2017 Kia Optima Hybrid2017 Kia Optima Hybrid2017 Kia Optima Hybrid
The enhanced Hybrid Electric Vehicle has replaced the previous generation's 2.4-liter engine with a more compact 2.0-liter GDI generating 154 horsepower. Like its sister car, the Sonata Hybrid, it uses a six-speed automatic transmission for a smoother drive. The 38 kW electric motor and clutch replaces the traditional torque converter to fill in the gaps when shifting, and they can also run the car in pure EV mode. Combined output is 193 hp at 6,000 rpm, so it's not going to be sluggish.

But in our opinion, the battery shows the biggest improvements. It stores 1.62 kWh of energy, a 13% capacity increase. However, it's been made smaller and lighter, so it fits under the trunk floor without compromising cargo space and allowing a typical 60/40 split folding bench to be installed.

The new Optima Hybrid features the automaker’s new Eco-DAS (Driver Assistance System) with Coasting Guide. It's supposed to teach the driver when to coast and brake for maximum economy. Compared to the old model, the regenerative braking system now gathers 10% more juice.

Several cosmetic changes have also been made. Compared to a regular 2016 Optima, the Hybrid has a different front bumper, an upper grille that's been partially blocked and a big badge on the front fender. Around the back, we see that there's no diffuser and the exhaust system doesn't show its tips. All these features, along with an active grille shutter, combine to give the new Optima Hybrid an aerodynamic coefficient of just 0.24 Cd, the lowest in the midsize segment.

“Kia is pursuing a bold initiative to increase fuel efficiency by 25 percent across our entire model line-up by 2020, and new models like the Optima HEV and PHEV will be critical to realizing that vision,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “The brand’s commitment to sustainability, coupled with our history of delivering premium amenities and value, has never been more evident than in these all-new hybrid vehicles, which are world-class examples of green engineering, advanced technology and design.”

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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