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2017 Kia Optima Plug-in EX

The 2017 Kia Optima Plug-in EX is a 202-hp 2.0-liter with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $35,210 MSRP and is rated at 40 mpg combined.

It makes 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 276 lb-ft of torque at 2330 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 38 mpg city and 43 mpg highway (40 mpg combined).

The Optima Plug-in measures 191.1 inches long on a 110.4-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainPlug-in Hybrid
Price
MSRP$35,210
MSRP with Destination$36,105
Destination Charge$895
Engine
Engine Type2.0L PHEV I-4, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Displacement1.999 L
Horsepower202 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque276 lb-ft @ 2330 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC CVVT, 4V/cylinder
Bore and Stroke81.0 x 97.0
Compression Ratio13.5:1
Injection TypeGDI (Gasoline Direct Injection)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
3rd Gear1.841
4th Gear1.386
5th Gear1
6th Gear0.772
Reverse3.385
Final Drive3.51
Fuel Economy
City38 MPG
Highway43 MPG
Combined40 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded (87 Octane or higher)
Brakes
Front Brake DiscAHB (Active hydraulic boost) System, ESC, HAC standard
Rear Brake DiscSolid disc
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front7.0J×17
Wheels Rear7.0J×17
Tires FrontP215/55R17 93V
Tires RearP215/55R17 93V
Dimensions & Weight
Length191.1 in
Width73.2 in
Height57.5 in
Wheelbase110.43 in
Ground Clearance5.1 in
Cargo Volume9.89 ft³
Interior
Headroom Front39.76 in
Headroom Rear37.8 in
Legroom Front45.47 in
Legroom Rear35.63 in
Shoulder Room Front58.07 in
Shoulder Room Rear56.38 in
Hip Room Front56.02 in
Hip Room Rear55.98 in

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Tested, but no star ratings were published (2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD).

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Kia OPTIMA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Aug 24, 2023 · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

NHTSA campaign 23V594000

Dec 19, 2018 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

NHTSA campaign 18V907000

Mar 8, 2018 · HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

Consequence: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.

NHTSA campaign 18V161000

23 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2017 Kia OPTIMA PLUG-IN HYBRID

Owner Complaints

23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Kia OPTIMA PLUG-IN HYBRID (1 mention a crash, 2 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine11
Electrical System8
Unknown Or Other4
Air Bags2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Hybrid Propulsion System2
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 2, 2025 · Engine
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the…”
Sep 28, 2025 · Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Engine
“I was driving the vehicle home on the freeway after just buying it. I had only driven it for about 35-40 minutes and after 5 minutes the ev battery was drained completely and the car was running in…”
May 7, 2025 · Engine
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima PHEV. The contact stated that there was an abnormally loud rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was turning…”
Mar 31, 2025 · Steering Crash
“-”
Jul 25, 2024 · Seat Belts
“This car was purchased [XXX] and has been in my possession for 3 years and 4 months. It has sat in a dealership repair facility for 13 of those months to replace the engine and high-voltage hybrid…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2017 KIA OPTIMA PLUG-IN HYBRID. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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