2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid MPG & Specs — Real Fuel Cost
Quick answer
The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 38/43 MPG (city/highway) and 40 MPG combined, with an estimated $1,550/year fuel cost and 97 g/mi CO₂. Engine: 2 L 4-cyl.
The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid with the 2-liter 4-cylinder regular gasoline engine returns an EPA-estimated 38 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway, for a combined 40 MPG. This page summarizes the official EPA fuel-economy and emissions data for this configuration.
| Engine | 2 L 4-cyl |
| Transmission | Automatic (AM6) |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel type | Regular Gasoline |
| Vehicle class | Midsize Cars |
| MPG — city | 38 |
| MPG — highway | 43 |
| MPG — combined | 40 |
| Annual fuel cost* | $1,550 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 97 g/mi |
| EPA GHG score | 10/10 |
| Electric range | 610 mi |
How efficient is it?
With a combined 40 MPG, the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid sits in the very good range for fuel economy. That is about 57% better than the typical Midsize Cars of its era (26 MPG class average), making it one of the more efficient choices in its class.
Fuel economy and running costs
At about $1,550 per year in fuel (EPA estimate, 15,000 mi/yr), fuel is a major part of the cost of owning the 2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid. Over five years that is roughly $7,750 at today's prices — before insurance, maintenance, and depreciation.
Emissions
The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid emits approximately 97 grams of CO₂ per mile at the tailpipe, earning an EPA greenhouse-gas score of 10 out of 10. Lower emissions generally track higher fuel economy.
How to read these numbers
EPA figures come from standardized laboratory test cycles and are the same estimates shown on the vehicle's window sticker. Your real-world mileage depends on driving style, conditions, fuel grade, and maintenance. Use combined MPG and annual fuel cost to compare vehicles fairly.