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
2024 BMW X2 1

2024 BMW X2

The X1’s Dynamic Alter Ego Gets Bigger and Better

Episode 4406
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

It seems like everyone in the SUV world is trying to out-rugged one another. But over at BMW, they just keep doing what they do: Making stylish, high-performance sports activity vehicles, and even making them more attainable. This latest BMW X2 is proof of that.

At first glance, the 2024 BMW X2 Compact Sports Activity Coupe looks like the more dynamic platform-mate to the BMW X1. Afterall, the X1 utility is just so boring it needed the help. Weel, that’s not at all true, of course, but BMW is the brand that spearheaded the whole coupe-like SUV movement and continues to spread that theme throughout their lineup. So, hence this fast roof X2.

For its second generation, the X2 has gotten a lot bigger, a full 7.6-inches longer, which means it can now call the X1 its little brother. The roof slopes more drastically than before too, with even bigger changes in back, with the SUV-like liftgate and minimal back glass replaced with more glass set in a hatchback-style lid. Some might say the exaggerated fenders and sharp creases are a bit much, but we’re not among them. It looks great, especially with the optional M Sport Package’s 19-inch wheels, unique bumpers, and black trim.

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Still, like many stylish small utilities, it is still a little hard to see out of. But that’s what cameras and a myriad of sensors are for. The X2 is clearly more upscale than before with xDrive all-wheel-drive now standard. So, no more front-wheel-drive X2s for now, though that never was a big deal to us, or to the owners of the new MINI Countryman who share this chassis.

BMW’s curved display is easily the highlight of the interior; operating with the ninth generation of iDrive technology, it blends the LED driver display into the central touchscreen. Front seats are both sporty and comfortable, and while many stylish sloped roof SUVs often sacrifice the utility part, rear seat space in the X2 is plentiful. With 25.3 cubic-feet of space, rear cargo capacity is barely less than the X1, and max capacity, at 51.7 cubic-feet, is actually more than the X1 due to the longer body.

Once it got rolling though, power did pour on pretty effectively.

This xDrive28i is the base offering, powered by a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4 with 295 lb-ft of torque. For an upgrade, that same engine gets cranked up to deliver 312 horsepower in the M35i; both get a seven-speed DCT. We stuck with the standard 2.0-liter for testing, dialed in Sport mode, and hit the track. And while it does feel very quick on the street, whether it was turbo lag or engine tuning, there just wasn’t a real sense of urgency off the line.

Once it got rolling though, power did pour on pretty effectively, getting us to 60 in 6.2 seconds, and then stayed very consistent down the track. There was even a nice little kick of additional oomph with every gear change. So clearly not the most invigorating BMW experience we’ve had recently, but the 14.9-second quarter-mile, finished at 96 mph, is plenty quick for an entry-level ute, and there’s always the M35i.

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We’d also put handling in the “upscale” category. Even with the M Sport Adaptive suspension, softer tuning produced more body roll than expected. Steering was a bit too vague and light for our taste; without the tenacious grip we expected through our handling course. On the other hand, this X2 was very stable and safe, with a more substantial feel than before. In our panic braking test, the X2’s pedal was soft until the very end of travel when it firmed up quickly. But with an average stopping distance of a scant 96 feet, they clearly did their job.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the xDrive28i are 24 City, 33 Highway, and 28 Combined. We averaged a quite good 31.1 mpg of Premium. That rates slightly better than average for the Energy Impact Score, 10.6 barrels of annual oil use with 5.3 tons of CO2 emissions.

Pricing starts at $42,995, which is $1,500 more than a base X1. Then a healthy step up to the M35i which starts at $52,395.

While we did appreciate the original X2 for its more stylish take on the X1, there’s a lot more to love this time. The 2024 edition of the BMW X2 is more than just a better looking X1, it’s bigger and better all around. Now, one could argue if any brand really needs three coupe-like SUVs in their portfolio. But when you’ve got the formula for success like no one else, you might as well deploy it in as many ways as you can.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Engine: 2.0-liter turbo-4
  • Transmission: 7-speed DCT
  • Horsepower: 241
  • Torque: 295 lb-ft.
  • EPA: 24 City | 33 Highway | 28 Combined
  • 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 14.9 seconds at 96 mph
  • Braking, 60-0 (avg): 96 feet
  • MW Fuel Economy: 31.1 mpg