Despite still facing some negative stereotypes, hybrid and electric vehicles have been growing in popularity through recent years. Maybe it’s because drivers are getting tired of paying so much at the pump only to do it all again in a week. Or maybe we’re all just becoming more environmentally conscious and want to leave a positive footprint on the earth.
Whatever your reason for considering a hybrid or electric vehicle, you now have more options than ever. So where should you start? Right here. We present to you the three best electric and hybrid vehicles that Kia has to offer.
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid
Maybe you’ve held off buying a hybrid because you’ve heard that hybrid vehicles just don’t have the power you want in your car. Well, put that worry behind you, because the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid, equipped with a two-liter Gasoline Direct Injection Engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, can generate up to 271 pound-feet of torque. This isn’t like other hybrids. The GDI engine and the electric motor work together or separately depending on your driving conditions. For example, during start-up and at low speeds, the electric motor takes over, but when your foot’s really on the gas, the two work together for maximum fuel efficiency.
The Optima Hybrid isn’t just a hybrid in its engine but also in its design. The aerodynamic shape of the Optima reduces drag and increases fuel efficiency. Active air flaps cut down drag by redirecting airflow for even greater efficiency.
2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid
The Optima Plug-In Hybrid takes everything that’s great about the Optima Hybrid and gives you greater control over your efficiency. Drive in HEV mode, and you’ll be driving with the efficiency and power of the Optima Hybrid, but switch to EV mode, and your vehicle will become fully electric, giving you a range of 29 miles completely gasoline-free.
For charging options, you can pick between a Level 1 charger, which just uses your home’s wall outlet but may take overnight to completely charge, and the Level 2 charger, which requires home installation but will charge the vehicle in three hours.
2017 Kia Niro
The 2017 Kia Niro is really a one-of-a-kind vehicle. It takes everything that works with hybrid vehicles and integrates that with the versatility of a crossover. A 1.6-liter GDI engine works with an electric motor powered by a 1.56 kWh battery to deliver world-record-winning efficiency. That’s right, the 2017 Niro earned a Guinness World Record for driving from Los Angeles to New York (3,715 miles) on just over four tanks of gas. That’s 76.6 miles per gallon, folks. And thanks to the Niro’s regenerative braking system, your battery will stay charged for longer sprints of fuel-efficient driving.
Ready to start saving money and saving the environment while you’re at it? These three Kia vehicles are just what the doctor ordered. If you have more questions about these vehicles, or want to see them for yourself, come down to Gunther Kia today!
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.