2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

Episode 3714
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

The euro-styled kia optima mid-size sedan has been quite a hit for the brand, and a favorite of ours here at Motorweek as well. But what most people may not realize is that the optima lineup includes a gasoline-electric hybrid. And for 2017, it gets a full redesign, encompassing all of the benefits of the optima’s new 4th generation chassis.

Kia has actually had a high mileage hybrid in the Optima lineup since 2011. And with the 4th generation of Kia’s midsizer kicking off last year, 2017 sees an all-new powertrain for this gasoline-electric. The new hybrid system consists of 2.0-liter I4, downsized from the previous gen’s 2.4-liter. But, there’s a bigger electric motor in place to aid it, 38-kW compared to last year’s 30-kW motor. Combined, horsepower is actually down from 206 to 192; but torque is much torquier, climbing from 195 lb-ft. to 271.  

Battery size increases from 1.4 to 1.6-kWh; and as before, it’s placed under the rear trunk floor, robbing a bit of storage space, though keeping the split/folding seatbacks in play. Capacity is 13.4 cubic-ft., compared to the base sedan’s 15.9. Thankfully, the transmission is still a 6-speed auto; and there’s been no change to a CVT. Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 39-City, 46-Highway, and 42-Combined; so our average of 41.7 miles-per-gallon on Regular was just about spot on. That makes for a very good Energy Impact Score, with use of just 7.8-barrels of oil per year while emitting just 3.5-tons of CO2. 

That’s a significant improvement over last gen for sure, but still short of many other hybrids out there. For those looking for more, a plug-in version with a larger battery and up to 27 miles of EV-only driving is on the way. As for daily use, the Optima hybrid makes some noises you wouldn’t hear in a typical petrol Optima, but otherwise operates with the same smooth, Euro-like demeanor. After an hour or two behind the wheel, it’s easy to forget you’re even in a hybrid. If you wish to be reminded, a new Eco-Driver Assistance System will coach you on how to get the most efficiency as possible, with prompts in the IP, as well as with audible alerts. With very good steering feel, this gen’s stiffer chassis, and the aforementioned transmission; this is one hybrid we truly enjoyed driving.

There’s good comfort in all seating positions and plenty of nice soft touch materials. EX trim comes with heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, surround sound, and navigation. Adding the Technology package will get you a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a host of safety systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking. The exterior differs little from base Optima. That’s a good thing as far as we’re concerned, as we feel the Optima is one of the best looking rides in the family sedan segment.

But, nothing is for free, as there’s always a price to pay. Here, it starts at $26,890 in Premium trim, or about a grand less than the stingier Toyota Camry Hybrid. Optima Hybrid in EX trim, at $31,885, is about 5-grand over a standard non-hybrid Optima. 

The 2017 Kia Optima may come up short when it comes to absolute fuel economy. But, much like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, it offers handsome styling, and a traditional sedan feel, that many other modestly priced hybrids can’t match, plus, it adds a unique driving experience that’s clearly European in flavor. So, don’t look at the Optima Hybrid as the ultimate hyper-miler’s choice, but a more efficient option for those looking for a roomy, great looking, fine driving car.  

Specifications

  • Engine: 2.0-liter I4
  • Horsepower: 192
  • Torque: 271 lb-ft.
  • EPA: 39 mpg city / 46 mpg highway
  • Energy Impact: 7.8 barrels of oil/yr
  • CO2 Emissions: 3.5 tons/yr
2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe 1

2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe

Genesis GV80 SUV Upstaged By Stylish New Sidekick

Episode 4419
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

These days if you don’t have a coupe version of your luxury SUV, you’re not trying hard enough. And that’s something that Hyundai and their luxury division Genesis could never be accused of. So, let’s go for a spin in the latest oh so stylish GV utility from Genesis.

The 2025 model year brings an updated midsize Genesis GV80 utility, which we recently put to the test. It also brings this sloped roof Coupe cousin along with it, which adds much more than just some athletic proportions to the luxury crossover party.

But, let’s start with the GV80’s already gorgeous styling, which received a new 2-line crest grille and updated lighting for ’25. Naturally this Coupe has a more severely sloped roofline that leads to a hatchback-like tail with an integrated kick-up spoiler.

Adding the final bit of garnish are 20 and 22-inch wheel options that are not available on the standard SUV. It looks fantastic overall; sportier, but still very luxurious, fitting right in with the Bentley’s and Benz’s at the valet line of whatever latest “it” restaurant or hotel you drive up to.

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Even more appealing to us is what’s under the GV80 Coupe’s long hood, a new optional twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with an e-Supercharger.

This 48-volt power booster is in place to fill in any gaps in power delivery from the turbos as well as feed in a little additional boost, increasing the standard V6 output from 375-horsepower and 391 lb-ft. of torque to 409-horsepower and 405 lb-ft. E-supercharged models come with black painted brake calipers and quad exhaust tips. Power is distributed through an 8-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel-drive.

While it mostly shares the GV80’s updated interior, there are a few exclusive details that come with the Coupe. The Nappa leather seats get a unique stitching pattern, and just to emphasis the sporty mission, there’s available carbon-fiber trim to replace the usual wood appliques, a 2-tone flat-bottom steering wheel, and added metal accents on the pedals. Cargo capacity does take a hit, falling nearly 20% from 36.5 to 30.3 cubic-ft., expanding to 62.1 with the rear seatbacks down.

Understeer was minor and well-controllable, allowing us to keep up a good pace through the cones.

To go along with the sportier details and boost in power, GV80 Coupes with the e-supercharger also get an added Sport+ drive mode that dials back stability control intrusion, provides a more aggressive transmission tune, and tightens up steering. Through the handling course at our Mason Dixon Dragway proving grounds, the GV80 Coupe did still exhibit a lot of body roll, but understeer was minor and well-controllable, allowing us to keep up a good pace through the cones.

Checking out that new powertrain was next on the list, and we could indeed feel a little something extra off the line, but then just as quickly, it settled down and we reached 60 in the exact same 5.6-seconds we achieved in the 3.5 twin-turbo GV80 SUV without the e-supercharger.

There was no drop off in power throughout the ¼-mile run however, and shifts were quick but still very smooth. All in all, it was a swift and luxurious 14.2-second trip to the end of the track, at which point we were travelling 100 miles-per-hour and the GV80 Coupe felt like it was just getting started.

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In braking runs, that soft suspension did lend itself to some significant nosedive, but there was a surprising amount of feedback through the vehicle, and stops from 60 were stable and steady, averaging a very short 98-feet.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are slightly improved compared to the GV80 SUV’s V6 at 18-City, 22-Highway, and 20-Combined. But that’s still a slightly below average Energy Impact Score; consuming 14.9-barrels of oil yearly while emitting 7.5-tons of CO2.

Pricing starts at $81,300, which is only $150 more than the top GV80 SUV, opting for the e-supercharged turbo-6, which for now is exclusive to the Coupe, takes it to $87,100.

Genesis continues to stake their claim in the luxury vehicle landscape. Coupe-style SUVs may have limited practicality compared to the SUVs they’re based on, but for better or worse, they’ve not only become an important part of almost all luxury carmaker’s portfolios but are quickly becoming the status symbols of their brands. The Genesis GV80 Coupe is well equipped to be just that for Genesis.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Horsepower: 409
  • Torque: 405 lb-ft.
  • EPA: 18 City | 22 Highway | 20 Combined
  • 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 14.2 seconds at 100 mph
  • Braking, 60-0 (avg.): 98 feet
  • MW Fuel Economy: 22.9 MPG (Premium)