Editors’ List Names Cars “Stellar on Fuel Economy at Affordable Prices” 

• Kia Niro and Kia Optima Hybrid ranked among 10 best hybrid cars under $40,000; Optima PHEV makes list of best plug-in hybrid cars
• Kia Soul EV named one of the five best electric cars under $40,000

IRVINE, Calif., April 19, 2017 – As Earth Day 2017 approaches, four vehicles from Kia Motors America’s (KMA) EcoDynamics line-up have been recognized by editors of Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com as top picks among “eco-friendly” cars under $40,000.  The trusted consumer website highlights vehicles with a variety of alternative-fuel powertrain configurations that can still accommodate the lifestyle and budget of many new car shoppers.

The 2017 Niro, offering an EPA estimated 52 mpg city/49 highway/50 combined for the FE trim¹, and 2017 Optima Hybrid were named on the list of the 10 best hybrid cars under $40,000, while the 2017 Optima PHEV, with an EPA-estimated 0 to 29 miles of electric range², ranked among the top plug-in hybrids under $40,000.  The 2017 Kia Soul EV made the list of five best electric cars under $40,000.

“We’re very proud of the strides the Kia brand has been making to achieve its goal of increasing electrification and improving overall fuel economy by 2020,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, Product Planning, KMA.  “Having four of our vehicles recognized by Kelley Blue Book as top ‘eco-friendly’ choices validates our priorities to the environment as well as our efforts to maximize affordability.” 

Kelley Blue Book’s “eco-friendly” cars lists can be viewed at the following links: 10 Best Hybrid Cars Under $40,000, 5 Best Electric Cars Under $40,000 and 5 Best Plug-In Hybrid Cars Under $40,000.