| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Gorgeous exteriors | Storage spaces are not really useful per se | Noticeable upgrades in the front fascia |
Luxurious interior on higher trims | Constrained headroom for rear-seat passengers | 4.3-inch LCD instrument cluster display |
Value for money | New designs for seats | |
Available hybrid engine | Blind Spot Monitor & Rear cross-traffic available | |
New driving modes available | ||
Rear parking sensors are available |
$21,500
price192 hp @ 6300 rpm
horsepower181 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm
torque6-Speed Shiftable Automatic
transmission2.4L 4cyl FWD 6A
engine-
basic warrantyWe are quite familiar with the bland styling family sedans used to have but things are changing at a steady pace. Automakers like Kia have made it their primary duty, providing us buyers with striking designs. You know someone is very serious about looks when they hire professional help from Audi. But the Optima is much more than just its looks, it’s a story of luxury, reliability, and feature-richness.
The 2014 Kia Optima comes quite loaded with features even on the base trim why not get some convenience features and better upholstery while you are at it. We pretty confidently recommend the EX-trim which already has most of the comfort features like leather upholstery and automatic climate control. Safety features on the Optima are optional on all the trims so getting the technology package will be a wise decision.
The 2014 Optima is one of those cars that have better handling than what you generally expect on a non-performance sedan. However, smallish storage spaces on the inside are an evident drawback. As we spoke about things changing, rivals like the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, and Mazda 6 are all trying to compete with equally desirable designs of their own.
Kia has always provided more value for money than any automaker out there. Even though the 2014 Kia Optima comes in 5 trim, the base trim isn’t stripped of features like it usually is. The LX trim comes with alloy wheels, cruise control, and convenience features like keyless entry. The EX trim bumps up the features list with additions like leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seats, and keyless entry/ignition. We generally see these features on mid-level trims but Kia is doing what they do best.
The SX trim is where things start getting sporty with a more capable suspension setup, automatic headlights, and an option to have the turbocharged engine. The SX Turbo trim gets that engine as standard with some aggressive exterior treatments. The SXL Turbo gets all the SX Turbo’s features plus gets funky red brake calipers and premium Nappa leather upholstery. Overall the features list on the Optima has covered all the bases. For added luxury, across the trims, you find three optional packages to upgrade the feature load. These include the Convenience Plus, Premium, and Technology packages and though they carry additional costs, they are worth every dollar you spend on them.
|
Trim |
LX |
EX |
SX |
SX Turbo |
SXL Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (FWD) |
$21,500 |
$23,950 |
$25,500 |
$27,500 |
$35,300 |
|
Key Features |
16-inch alloy wheels |
In addition to LX trim features with: |
In addition to EX trim features with: |
In addition to SX trim features with: |
In addition to SX Turbo features with: |
|
fog lights |
8-way power driver seat |
18-inch alloy wheels |
Turbocharged engine |
LED fog lamps |
|
|
Heated power mirrors |
Laminated windows, auto-dimming rearview mirror |
Sport-tuned suspension, automatic HID headlights |
Sport-tuned suspension |
RED brake calipers |
|
|
Keyless entry, tilt-telescopic steering |
17-inch alloy wheels |
Turbocharged engine available |
Aggressive styling |
Electronic parking brake |
|
|
Cruise control, air conditioning |
Keyless entry & ignition |
Steering mounted paddle shifters |
Black grille with chrome trim |
Nappa leather upholstery |
|
|
Height adjustable driver seat |
Leather upholstery, dual-zone auto climate control |
LED taillights |
Chrome door handles and window sills |
Heated and cooled front seats |
|
|
6-speaker sound system with CD player and iPod interface |
Rear A/C vents |
4.5-inch LCD drivers display and better gauges |
Two 12V DC power outlets |
Heated rear seats |
We Recommend
The 2014 Kia Optima comes quite loaded with features even on the base trim why not get some convenience features and better upholstery while you are at it. We pretty confidently recommend the EX-trim which already has most of the comfort features like leather upholstery and automatic climate control. Safety features on the Optima are optional on all the trims so getting the technology package will be a wise decision.
The 2014 Kia Optima comes with two engine options and with an FWD drivetrain only. The base trim comes with a 2.4L inline-4 gasoline engine that produces 192 horses & 181 lb-ft of torque and is mated to the exclusive 6-speed automatic transmission option. The 2.0L turbo engine is the real champion here as it produces some serious power at 274 hp & 269 lb-ft of torque. For efficiency-conscious people, Kia also offers a hybrid motor coupled with a 2.4L engine. This engine has a good balance of power and economy as it produces almost a similar 199 hp but better torque than the base engine.
Driving the Optima is overall a comfortable experience but the handling part isn’t particularly great, all because of the numb steering. The optional sporty suspension hampers with the ride quality so steer clear of those trims. Acceleration on the Optima feels slightly underwhelming. Summing it all up, the Optima doesn’t feel underpowered and the transmission is smooth for daily driving.
|
Models |
2014 Kia Optima |
2014 Ford Fusion |
2014 Mazda MAZDA6 |
2014 Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$21,500 |
$21,970 |
$20,990 |
$22,170 |
|
Engine |
2.4L inline-4 |
2.5L inline-4 |
2.5L inline-4 |
2.5L inline-4 |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
|
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
6-speed Automatic |
6-Speed manual |
CVT |
|
Power (hp @ rpm) |
192 @ 6,300 |
175 @ 6,000 |
184 @ 5,700 |
182 @ 6,000 |
|
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) |
181 @ 4,250 |
175 @ 4,500 |
185 @ 3,250 |
180 @ 4,000 |
|
0-60 MPH (seconds) |
8.4 |
8.8 |
7.8 |
8.4 |
|
Quarter-Mile (seconds) |
16.5 |
16.5 |
15.9 |
16.0 |
|
Top-Speed (MPH) |
150 |
130 |
125 |
130 |
The Kia Optima produces the most power but it's not the quickest. The MAZDA6 and Nissan Altima both come with similar performance figures and distinguish themselves from the competitors with unique 6-speed manual and CVT setups, respectively. But the Mazda is the quickest car among the rivals clocking 7.8 seconds to the 60mph mark and is closely followed by the Nissan and Kia that take 8.4 seconds. The Ford Fusion produces the lowest outputs in the segment and lurks at the bottom of the table with the slowest acceleration out of all the cars here.
The fuel economy is the most important concern for anyone in this segment. The Optima is right in the middle ground when compared to its competition. The base engine returns decent efficiency of 27 MPG but the turbocharged engine takes a significant hit in its fuel economy. That engine provides 20 MPG in the city and 31 MPG highway. The hybrid engine, as expected returns a great economy of 35 MPG city and 39 MPG highway. The big 18.5 gallons fuel tank that comes equipped in the Optima offers a better-combined driving range than most of the competitors, managing nearly 500 miles with the base engine.
|
Models |
2014 Kia Optima |
2014 Ford Fusion |
2014 Mazda MAZDA6 |
2014 Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
23 |
22 |
25 |
27 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
34 |
34 |
37 |
38 |
|
NPG (Combined) |
27 |
26 |
29 |
31 |
|
Fuel Capacity (Gallons) |
18.5 |
16.5 |
16.4 |
18 |
|
Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles) |
425.5/630/499.5 |
363/561/429 |
410/607/475.6 |
486/684/558 |
The Nissan Altima isn’t only the most economical car in the group that averages 31 MPG, it also gets a decently sized fuel tank allowing it a massive 558 miles of combined range. Surprisingly the Ford Fusion is the least economical sedan in comparison and also sports the least voluminous tank causing it to fall short on range. The Mazda 6 continues its affable performance in this aspect as well and remains a fierce competitor altogether.
The 2014 Kia Optima comes with a good overall interior, it feels modern and upmarket. Though the base trims only get soft-touch plastic panels, in the higher trim you are greeted with high-quality Nappa leather upholstery. Most of the dashboard is busy with all the climate control switches and the infotainment system. The overall interior theme might look similar to what we get on Dodge cars, like the Dodge Dart. Not a bad thing as it could be Kia’s attempt to blend in with the crowd. The standard front seats are pretty flat but the passenger space is in abundance on the front row. The higher trim seats are plush with proper bolstering and ventilation.
The Optima has a slightly sloping roofline and that makes things bitter for taller guys at the back but they scoped out the seat bottoms to make you sit lower than usual. This solves the issue in most cases. The knee room and legroom are insanely good on this car. Your knees won’t touch the front seats even if you slouch down fully in your seats. The car is advertised as a 5-seater but the second row won’t fit the third passenger well as the cushioning in the middle is way too protruded. Overall, the interior of the Optima can get as plush as you want it to be as you climb up the trims and the passenger space isn’t causing any trouble either.
|
Models |
2014 Kia Optima |
2014 Ford Fusion |
2014 Mazda MAZDA6 |
2014 Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
40/55.7/34.7 |
39.2/57.8/44.3 |
38.4/57.1/42.2 |
40/56.4/45 |
|
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.6/55.7/34.7 |
37.8/56.9/38.3 |
37.1/55.5/38.7 |
37.1/56.4/36.1 |
|
Cargo Capacity (cubic feet) |
15.4 |
16 |
14.8 |
15.4 |
The cargo-carrying capacity of the Optima is great if you are concerned about the trunk volume. The opening is nice and wide, which makes loading/unloading cargo easier. There are folding seats but the pass-through space is quite frankly poor, to say the least, and most of the storage spaces inside the cabin are small. Space for all passengers is paramount in the 2014 Ford Fusion and even its cargo capacity of 16 cu.-ft is also class-leading. The Nissan and Kia have similar capacities of 15.4 cu.-ft, while the Mazda 6 ranks last.
Some of the key interior features are:
Only the base trim Optima is ill-equipped in terms of infotainment system with just a 6-speaker stereo system. All the rest of the trims get the 8-inch screen with the UVO system. Bluetooth and USB ports are optional equipment and that will also get you the 8-speaker Infinity sound system with navigation and real-time traffic information.
Some of the key infotainment features are:
After 2011’s redesign, it is only now that the car is getting some serious upgrades on the cosmetic side of things. As we spoke about Kia seeking help from Audi, they appointed the guy behind the Audi TT’s design and it has paid off. The Kia Optima is one of the best-looking sedans out there. For the most part, the design is more European-like, subtle but with just enough aggression. The front fascia is where all the anger is being displayed with the integrated grille and headlights design.
There are no body lines except for the one on the beltline. Although there are some fake vents on the front fenders. The chrome trim that runs along the roofline of the car adds to the panache of the overall soothing design. Overall, the 2014 Kia Optima is one gorgeous car that looks much expensive than it actually is.
|
Models |
2014 Kia Optima |
2014 Ford Fusion |
2014 Mazda MAZDA6 |
2014 Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3237 |
3431 |
3183 |
3108 |
|
Length (inches) |
190.7 |
191.7 |
191.5 |
191.5 |
|
Width (inches) |
72.1 |
72.9 |
72.4 |
72 |
|
Height (inches) |
57.1 |
58.1 |
57.1 |
57.9 |
|
Ground Clearance (inches) |
5.1 |
5.3 |
6.4 |
5.4 |
|
Wheelbase (inches) |
110 |
112.2 |
111.4 |
109.3 |
The Ford Fusion is relying on the muscular design language of the automaker. The MAZDA6 is a step ahead of the competition as far as the design is concerned. The 2014 Nissan Altima as well looks fine if not bad, but we must say this- No car here comes even close to the Kia Optima. Though it has the shortest measuring 110 inches, its ground clearance of 5.1 inches gives it a rather planted look.
Some of the key exterior features are:
The Kia Optima has been on the top of the safety game in previous years and this year isn’t anything different. It has got the best safety rating from the NHTSA & IIHS both, becoming one of the best performing mid-size sedans in the segment. While most of the ratings in NHTSA tests are 5-stars, the side barrier front seat has got only 3-stars. It also has scored Good in all the IIHS crash tests except for that newly introduced small front overlap, it has got an Acceptable mark here. But still, the car has managed to get the Top Safety Pick+ rating and that’s what matters to most people.
Some of the standout safety features on offer are:
The 2014 Kia Optima is arguably better than most of the cars in its segment. The engine on this car has enough grunt for almost everyone. You can still opt for the power-hungry engine or just get the hybrid for the best of both worlds. The interior space is impressive in the Optima and the higher trims just make it luxurious with high-end leather and convenience features. The fuel efficiency is good, however, some of the rivals are better. But what the rivals don’t do is give you a feature-packed car that looks gorgeous and drives great as well. It is now a great time to migrate from the usual Japanese cars and get this South Korean masterpiece.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 Kia Optima Ranked #8 | 7.8 sec | 16.1 sec | 130 mph | |||
2014 Hyundai Genesis Ranked #1 | 5.7 sec | - | - | |||
2014 Hyundai Azera Ranked #2 | 6.2 sec | - | - | |||
2014 Kia Cadenza Ranked #2 | 6.2 sec | 14.7 sec | 154 mph | |||
2014 Chrysler 200 Ranked #3 | 6.3 sec | - | 127 mph | |||
2014 Buick LaCrosse Ranked #4 | 6.4 sec | 14.9 sec | - |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 Kia Optima Ranked #4 | 23 mpg | 34 mpg | 27 mpg | 18.5 gal. | 425.5/629 mi. | |||
2014 Honda Civic Ranked #1 | 30 mpg | 36 mpg | 31 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 369.6/475.2 mi. | |||
2014 Nissan Altima Ranked #1 | 27 mpg | 38 mpg | 31 mpg | 18 gal. | 486/684 mi. | |||
2014 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #1 | 28 mpg | 37 mpg | 31 mpg | 12.8 gal. | 345.6/473.6 mi. | |||
2014 Mazda 6 Ranked #2 | 25 mpg | 37 mpg | 29 mpg | 16.4 gal. | - | |||
2014 Hyundai Sonata Ranked #3 | 24 mpg | 35 mpg | 28 mpg | 18.5 gal. | 444/647.5 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 Kia Optima Ranked #10 | 190.7 in. | 72.1 in. | 57.1 in. | 5.1 in. | 110 in. | |||
2014 Buick LaCrosse Ranked #1 | 196.9 in. | 73.1 in. | 59.2 in. | 7 in. | 111.7 in. | |||
2014 Hyundai Genesis Ranked #2 | 196.3 in. | 74.4 in. | 58.3 in. | 5.2 in. | 115.6 in. | |||
2014 Acura RLX Ranked #3 | 196.1 in. | 74.4 in. | 57.7 in. | 3.8 in. | 112.2 in. | |||
2014 Kia Cadenza Ranked #4 | 195.5 in. | 72.8 in. | 58.1 in. | 5.4 in. | 112 in. | |||
2014 Hyundai Azera Ranked #5 | 193.3 in. | 73.2 in. | 57.9 in. | 5.4 in. | 112 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 Kia Optima Ranked #14 | 15.4 cu.ft. | 102.2 cu.ft. | - | |||
2014 Mazda 6 Ranked #1 | - | 99.7 cu.ft. | 128.1 cu.ft. | |||
2014 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #2 | 14.8 cu.ft. | 95.6 cu.ft. | 95.4 cu.ft. | |||
2014 Buick LaCrosse Ranked #2 | 13.3 cu.ft. | 145.7 cu.ft. | 95.4 cu.ft. | |||
2014 Subaru Legacy Ranked #3 | 14.7 cu.ft. | 103 cu.ft. | 90 cu.ft. | |||
2014 Nissan Maxima Ranked #4 | 14.2 cu.ft. | 95.8 cu.ft. | 85.4 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Bed Length | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 Kia Optima Ranked #1 | - | 15.4 cu.ft. | - | - | |||
2014 Hyundai Sonata Ranked #2 | 8.5 cu.ft. | 16.4 cu.ft. | 8.5 cu.ft. | 76 ft. | |||
2014 Chrysler 200 Ranked #3 | 67 cu.ft. | 13.6 cu.ft. | 67 cu.ft. | - | |||
2014 Toyota Camry Ranked #4 | 22 cu.ft. | 15.4 cu.ft. | 22 cu.ft. | - | |||
2014 Dodge Avenger Ranked #5 | 83.1 cu.ft. | 13.5 cu.ft. | 72.2 cu.ft. | 76 ft. | |||
2014 Kia Cadenza Ranked #6 | - | 15.9 cu.ft. | - | - |
Car Name | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 Kia Optima Ranked #2 | - | - | 3237 lbs. | |||
2014 Dodge Avenger Ranked #1 | 1000 lbs. | - | 3400 lbs. | |||
2014 Buick LaCrosse Ranked #1 | 1000 lbs. | - | 4162 lbs. | |||
2014 Chrysler 200 Ranked #1 | 1000 lbs. | - | 3402 lbs. | |||
2014 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #2 | - | 1058 lbs. | 2773 lbs. | |||
2014 Nissan Altima Ranked #2 | - | 1116 lbs. | 3108 lbs. |
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POPULAR TAGS
User Overall Rating
Posted On: July 23, 2024
My car overall is a pretty good all around car.. it has a 4 cylinder engine but has pretty good power and speed. It gets 24 mpg on the highway. The interior is nice with lots of room so u feel pretty comfortable.. the gdi motor will be a great motor once they get little bugs fixed in it but overall I can't complain about the car
User Overall Rating
Posted On: July 6, 2024
My 2014 kia optima is great. I bought it brand new. I haven't had anything too major happen yet. *knock on wood* I have named her Betsy. We have gone to Florida, Nashville and many trips to Mayo clinic in Minnesota. She gets great gas mileage one tank got me to Minnesota and back. I always use my Bluetooth to jam out and never have issues. She's drove very well for 10 years and hopefully much mor...
User Overall Rating
Posted On: June 12, 2024
My car overall is a pretty good all around car.. it has a 4 cylinder engine but has pretty good power and speed. It gets 24 mpg on the highway. The interior is nice with lots of room so u feel pretty comfortable.. the gdi motor will be a great motor once they get little bugs fixed in it but overall I can't complain about the car
