2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX: Review & Features
Let's dive into the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX, a car that blends efficiency with practicality. If you're in the market for a reliable, eco-friendly vehicle, this might just be the one for you. We’ll cover everything from its performance and interior features to its fuel efficiency and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!
Overview of the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX
The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX stands out as a compelling option in the hybrid vehicle market, offering a blend of fuel efficiency, modern features, and a comfortable driving experience. This car is designed for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing the conveniences and technologies found in traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. With its plug-in hybrid capability, drivers can enjoy all-electric driving for shorter commutes and then switch to hybrid mode for longer trips, maximizing fuel economy. The Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 202 horsepower. This powertrain provides sufficient power for daily driving needs while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency. One of the key highlights of the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX is its ability to travel a significant distance on electric power alone, making it ideal for urban environments and short commutes. The car's battery can be fully charged in just a few hours using a standard household outlet or a Level 2 charger, adding to the convenience for owners. Inside, the Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX offers a well-appointed cabin with comfortable seating and a range of advanced technology features. These include an 8-inch touchscreen display, navigation system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system. Safety features are also abundant, with standard equipment such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX offers a compelling combination of efficiency, features, and value, making it a strong contender in the plug-in hybrid segment. Its ability to operate in all-electric mode for shorter distances and its comprehensive suite of technology and safety features make it an attractive option for environmentally conscious drivers.
Performance and Powertrain
When it comes to performance, the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX doesn't disappoint. It combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 50 kW electric motor. Together, they deliver a combined output of 202 horsepower. This setup provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, whether you're cruising around town or hitting the highway. The electric motor delivers instant torque, which enhances acceleration and makes the car feel peppy. The transition between electric and gasoline power is seamless, ensuring a comfortable and efficient ride. One of the standout features of the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX is its electric-only range. On a full charge, you can drive up to 29 miles on electric power alone, which is perfect for daily commutes or running errands without using any gasoline. This can significantly reduce your fuel costs and emissions, especially if you primarily drive short distances. The car also offers different driving modes, including EV (Electric Vehicle) mode, which prioritizes electric power, and Hybrid mode, which balances electric and gasoline power for optimal efficiency. The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and precise gear changes. The transmission is tuned to maximize fuel efficiency, ensuring that the car operates in the most efficient gear possible. Overall, the powertrain of the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX is well-engineered and provides a good balance of power and efficiency. Whether you're looking to save money on fuel or reduce your environmental impact, this car delivers on both fronts.
Interior and Technology
Stepping inside the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX, you'll find a well-designed and comfortable interior. The cabin is spacious, with plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making it a great car for long road trips. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, giving the car a premium feel. One of the highlights of the interior is the 8-inch touchscreen display, which is easy to use and responsive. The infotainment system includes features like navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The car also comes with a premium sound system, which delivers excellent sound quality. The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX is equipped with a range of advanced technology features that enhance the driving experience. These include a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. These features help to keep you safe on the road and provide added peace of mind. The car also has a smart key system with push-button start, making it easy to get in and go. The dual-zone automatic climate control ensures that everyone stays comfortable, no matter where they're sitting. The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX also offers a variety of storage options, including a spacious trunk and plenty of small storage compartments throughout the cabin. This makes it a practical car for families and anyone who needs to haul cargo. Overall, the interior and technology of the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX are impressive. The car offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin with a range of advanced features that enhance the driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency and Charging
Let’s talk fuel efficiency – a major selling point for the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX. This car is designed to save you money at the pump, and it does a pretty good job. The EPA estimates that the Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX gets around 103 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in electric mode and 40 MPG in hybrid mode. This means you can drive up to 29 miles on electric power alone, which is great for daily commutes or short trips. When the battery runs out, the car switches to hybrid mode, using both the gasoline engine and the electric motor to maximize fuel efficiency. One of the best things about the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX is how easy it is to charge. You can plug it into a standard 120V household outlet, but it will take around nine hours to fully charge the battery. For a quicker charge, you can use a 240V Level 2 charger, which will fully charge the battery in about three hours. Many public charging stations use Level 2 chargers, so you can easily top up your battery while you're out and about. The car also has a regenerative braking system, which captures energy during braking and uses it to recharge the battery. This helps to extend your electric range and improve overall fuel efficiency. The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX also comes with a smartphone app that allows you to monitor your car's charging status, set charging schedules, and even pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin. This is a convenient feature that can help you save energy and stay comfortable. Overall, the fuel efficiency and charging capabilities of the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX are excellent. Whether you're looking to save money on fuel or reduce your carbon footprint, this car delivers on both fronts.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority in the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX. This car is equipped with a range of advanced safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full suite of airbags. The car also has a rearview camera, which helps you see what's behind you when you're backing up. One of the standout safety features of the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX is its blind-spot monitoring system. This system uses sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and alerts you with a visual warning in the side mirrors. This can help you avoid accidents when changing lanes. The car also has a rear cross-traffic alert system, which warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space. This is especially helpful in crowded parking lots. The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX also comes with lane departure warning, which alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. This can help you stay focused on the road and avoid accidents caused by distracted driving. The car also has forward collision warning, which alerts you if it detects a potential collision with the vehicle in front of you. If you don't react in time, the car can automatically apply the brakes to help you avoid or mitigate the collision. The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is a testament to the car's strong safety performance. Overall, the safety features of the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX are comprehensive and provide added peace of mind.
Pricing and Value
When considering the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX, pricing and value are crucial factors. The original MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) for this model was around $35,000. However, prices can vary depending on the condition, mileage, and location of the vehicle. Used models can often be found at a significantly lower price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. One of the key aspects of the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX is its value proposition. It offers a compelling combination of fuel efficiency, features, and reliability at a reasonable price. The plug-in hybrid capability allows you to save money on fuel by driving on electric power for shorter trips. The car also comes with a range of advanced technology and safety features, which enhance the driving experience and provide added peace of mind. The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX also holds its value well over time, which is an important consideration when buying a car. Kia has a reputation for producing reliable vehicles, and the Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX is no exception. The car is backed by a strong warranty, which provides added protection against potential repairs. When comparing the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX to other plug-in hybrid vehicles in its class, it stands out as a strong contender. It offers a similar level of fuel efficiency and features at a more affordable price. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to save money on fuel and reduce their carbon footprint without breaking the bank. Overall, the pricing and value of the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX are excellent. It offers a compelling combination of features, reliability, and fuel efficiency at a reasonable price, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
