“It is important to make a difference for our environment by driving an electric vehicle, which also makes a statement to others.”
2017 Kia Optima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest 2017 change is the expansion of the Kia Optima family with a redesigned Hybrid and the first U.S. Optima Plug-In Hybrid. The regular gas sedan mostly carries over after its 2016 redesign, though several trims receive equipment updates.
About the 2017 Kia Optima
4th-generation Optima family (2016-2020); 2017 is year two for the gas sedan, launch year for the redesigned Hybrid, and first year for the Optima Plug-In Hybrid in the U.S.
Kia positions the Optima as a stylish midsize sedan with a roomy cabin, strong feature value, and several personalities in one model range. The main appeal is choice within the same basic sedan formula: simple gas trims, stronger turbo models, and two electrified versions. Compared with many rivals, Kia leans on design, everyday comfort, and a generous equipment mix rather than one single headline trait.
For 2017, the Optima lineup ranges from the straightforward 185-hp LX to the 245-hp SX Turbo with a sport-tuned suspension. The Limited combines that stronger turbo engine with Nappa leather, premium audio, and a broad driver-assist suite, while the redesigned Hybrid and new Plug-In Hybrid focus on lower fuel use and everyday comfort.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The redesigned Hybrid switches from a 2.4-liter setup to a 192-hp 2.0-liter hybrid system. A 202-hp Plug-In Hybrid EX joins the U.S. lineup with a 9.8-kWh battery and up to 29 miles of electric driving. The Hybrid Premium trim is added, while the former Base trim is dropped.
Structural
The redesigned Hybrid moves its battery beneath the trunk floor. Hybrid EX cargo space increases from 10.8 to 13.4 cubic feet, and rear legroom increases from 34.6 to 35.6 inches.
Tech
The gas EX gains a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The SX Turbo’s heated steering wheel moves from standard to optional.
Safety
The SX Turbo gains standard LED headlights that turn with the steering. The Limited gains those headlights plus automatic high beams as standard equipment.
Styling
The Limited gains standard chrome 18-inch wheels.
2017 Kia Optima specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/H-Matic / Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic / Auto, 6-Spd w/H-Matic | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/H-Matic | Auto, 7-Spd Dual-Clutch | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid / Gas / Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 22 mpg | 39 mpg | 28 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 31 mpg | 46 mpg | 37 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 185 hp | 185 hp | 245 hp | 178 hp | 245 hp | |
| Torque | 140–178 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 140 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9.9–15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 13.4 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| MPGe Combined | 103 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the regular gas 2017 Kia Optima redesigned?
No. The regular gas Optima carries over the redesign introduced for 2016. Its 2017 changes are limited mainly to equipment updates on the EX, SX Turbo, and Limited trims.
Was 2017 the first U.S. year for the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid?
Yes. The 2017 Optima Plug-In Hybrid is the first U.S. version. Its 202-hp powertrain uses a 9.8-kWh battery and provides up to 29 miles of electric driving before operating as a hybrid.
How is the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid different from the 2016 model?
The 2017 Optima Hybrid is redesigned with a 192-hp 2.0-liter hybrid system in place of the previous 2.4-liter setup. Its battery sits beneath the trunk floor, helping increase cargo space from 10.8 to 13.4 cubic feet.
What equipment changed on the gas-powered 2017 Kia Optima?
The gas EX gains a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The SX Turbo gains standard LED headlights that turn with the steering, while the Limited gains standard chrome 18-inch wheels, steering-linked LED headlights, and automatic high beams. The SX Turbo’s heated steering wheel changes from standard to optional.
2017 Kia Optima Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Kia Optima.
4.2
2017 Kia Optima
(282 reviews)
“I really like how I save on gas. I love the seat warmers. My car is comfortable and Apple car play is nice. What I don't like is that there is regularly problems with the internet connection so I can't always voice text or voice call or access my phone navigation”
“this seems to be a very good buy/leas, I would recommend this style and vehicle to any of my friends”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Optima / 2017
- kiamedia.com — Optima / 2017 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Models / Optima Hybrid / 2017
- kiamedia.com — Models / Optima Phev / 2017
- kiamedia.com — Optima / 2017 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Optima / 2017 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Optima / 2018 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Optima Hybrid / 2017 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Optima Hybrid / 2017 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Optima Hybrid / 2018 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Optima / 2016 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Optima Phev / 2017 / Features