Kia has a steady lineup of fuel-efficient models for 2018. All are equally equipped to handle the demands of the road while getting you to and from your destination without a hitch. So if you’re on the hunt for reliable performance, here are five Kias that set the standard for fuel efficiency.
Niro
The 2018 Kia Niro kicks things off with a total driving range of 583 miles. Additionally, its base FE trim gets the best estimate out of the group: 52 mpg city and 49 mpg highway.
The secret? A hybrid-tuned, lightweight 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, permanent-magnet electric motor, and dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission. You also get regenerative braking, which helps recharge the Niro’s 1.56-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery using restored kinetic energy. This results in better fuel efficiency for a longer drive.
Niro Plug-In Hybrid
The Niro Plug-In Hybrid has the same engine, transmission, and motor as its counterpart, but its battery output increases to 8.9 kWh. It’s available in the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims, and all are capable of reaching an all-electric range of 26 miles, a gas-only range of 46 mpg combined, and an MPGe range of 105. Overall, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid reaches a total driving range of 560 miles.
You can use a 120-volt (Level 1) power port for overnight charging or a 240-volt (Level 2) port for a full charge in less than three hours. Best of all, Kia’s handy UVO eco feature lets you remotely set a charging schedule, check your plug-in hybrid’s charging status, and locate nearby charging stations straight from your smartphone.
Optima Hybrid
Running with a 2.0-liter 16-valve GDI engine and full parallel hybrid system is the 2018 Optima Hybrid. This vehicle packs an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission, an interior permanent-magnet motor, and a 1.76-kWh lithium polymer battery.
Both the Premium and EX trims get up to 39 mpg city and 46 mpg highway. What’s more, it gets a total driving range of 668 miles. This is thanks to a lightweight battery with better power and energy performance, a regenerative braking system, and an aerodynamic-tuned active air flap system, all designed to push fuel efficiency to new heights.
Optima Plug-In Hybrid
The Optima Plug-In Hybrid has almost everything its counterpart carries. A 9.8-kWh lithium polymer battery makes a difference, though, and gives this model EPA estimates to rival the Niro Plug-In Hybrid. Its only trim, the EX, gets an all-electric range of 29 miles, a gas-only range of 40 mpg combined, and an MPGe of 103, as well as a total driving range of 610 miles.
Soul EV
The fifth entry on this list is the fuel-efficient Soul EV. It runs solely on electricity and is powered using an onboard 6.6-kW charger or a CHAdeMO-type DC Fast Charge port. The latter gets you a 90-percent charge in just under 50 minutes! The Soul EV is powered by a permanent-magnet electric motor and 30-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Together these components allow the Soul’s EV and EV+ trims to reach a combined MPGe of 108 and a total driving range of 111 miles.
If you’re searching for a fuel efficient ride, the 2018 Kia lineup has plenty in store for you. Which model will you choose?
Image via Flickr by JayUny, used under CC BY-SA 2.0
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.