The 2014 Kia Optima has been redesigned to be the best of the mid-sized sedans and has delivered in abundance. As both a great car at a very affordable price offering a long list of features for drivers to enjoy no matter which model they choose as well as being an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for mid-sized cars, the Optima comes in as a great redesign.
As a very roomy family sedan, most would expect it to be a boring ride, but the Optima is anything but boring. Offering a great driving experience every time an owner steps into the car with a nicely powerful engine, as well as good fuel economy to please anyone, along with a highly engaging suspension, and steering response this is really a fun car to drive. The Optima answers quickly to steering inputs making it easy to maneuver on any road; adding the power from the engine this car can handle any traffic situation thrown its way.
Providing the substantial power starts with a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine offering 200 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. of torque. When partnered with the six-speed automatic transmission, which is the only transmission offered for all of the Optimas, the fuel economy is 24 city/35 hwy mpg, allowing for good power and fuel economy together in one vehicle.
Second on the list, according to Kia Indianapolis is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine bringing in a very powerful 274 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. This powerful engine when paired with the transmission offers a very nice fuel economy of 22 city/34 hwy mpg. This powertrain is the one many may choose to enjoy the excellent power with only a slight loss in the mileage of the vehicle.
The hybrid engine offered for the Optima consists of a 2.4-liter hybrid inline four-cylinder engine plus a 40 horsepower electric motor. This engine set up brings in 166 horsepower for the engine and the stated 40 for the electric motor as well as 154 lb.-ft. for the engine and 152 lb.-ft. of torque for the electric motor. When mated with the transmission this powertrain comes in with a 35 city/40 hwy mpg offering the best fuel efficiency of the Optima lineup.
On the inside the Optima offers a great look and feel. With excellent materials throughout the car, all controls intuitively positioned for ease of use, and plenty of room for all passengers this car appears from the cabin as more than just a plain old sedan but more of a luxury style car. When moving up to the EX or SX trims the car can be equipped with a long list of great features to add to the comfort and technology of the car to fit anyone’s tastes.
The outside of the Optima offers a bold and fast look that is unique and beautiful. With its one of a kind grill and wrap around headlights the front end shows off with a speedy and angry look, ready to eat up some blacktop and spit it back out. Even though this is supposed to be a mid-range sedan, the car offers a truly luxury feel to it. Adding to the boldness is the five point fan blade shaped wheels that are both bold with size as well as giving a great look when flying down the road. To finish off the look of luxury the Optima is adorned with well positioned chrome accents, a truly beautiful and well appreciated touch.
Adding to the luxury feel, even though this is just a mid-priced family sedan, or at least that’s what Kia wants thought of it, the Optima offers a nice list of standard features. Starting out with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB audio port, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, heated side mirrors, fog lights, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a six-way power driver seat, 16-inch steel wheels, and even a cooled glove box to turn the glove box into a drink cooler. Included in all the standard features is a nice list of safety attributes, which helped win the IIHS award to include six airbags and electronic stability control.
Allowing any owner to turn the Optima into a car that matches their needs and personality, the optional list of features is very extensive. These features include a panoramic moon roof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system, HID headlights, LED fog lights, a touch-screen navigation system, push-button start, a UVO infotainment system, blind spot detection, and a rearview camera. If the Hybrid model is chosen lighter wheels are offered in 16 or 17-inch sizes as well as the EcoMinder LCD panel showing the actual fuel economy of the car. With such a long list, anyone can make their own Optima that fits their style.
The Optima has a starting price for the base model around $23,000 making it very affordable for just about any budget while when the car is fully loaded at the top end the price can reach as high as $35,000, which is still a great price for a car that not only offers a ton of safety, but adds many features only found in luxury models. When the Hybrid model is chosen the starting price comes in just under $30,000 and overall the Optima offers much more value per feature than any model in its class.
The 2014 Kia Optima offers owners a fantastic mid-sized sedan at a great price that almost feels like a steal of a luxury vehicle. Coming with the status of winning the IIHS award the Optima offers a long list of features that can be added at an easy to live with price and has a powerful engine under the hood regardless of model chosen. Anyone looking for a great family car or daily commuter needs to take a long look at the Kia Optima as a great choice.
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