2014 Kia Optima

The second generation Kia Optima gets a exterior and interior refresh for the 2014 model year.

Exterior styling changes include new front and rear fascias and on the inside there's new seating

and features available. There are also changes to Optima's trim line-up. The gas engine editions

have been reduced to five and there's an extra (EX) hybrid edition.

Here's an extract from Autos.ca writer Gerry Frechette's review of a 2013 Kia Optima EX Turbo:

"At the outset, it must be said that the platform and technology of the Optima mirrors that of its

cousin, the Hyundai Sonata, and that is no bad thing, because it means that the Optima can be

had in the same three versions – regular, turbo and hybrid. Beyond that, this car goes its own

way as far as exterior and interior design, with Kia pursuing a more youthful and aggressive

image."

The conventional Optima comes with a choice of two four-cylinder engines, both with gasoline

direct injection: a 2.4-litre or turbocharged 2.0-litre. A six-speed manual is used in the LX, while

all other models use a six-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid also uses a 2.4-litre four-

cylinder engine with Atkinson cycle, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and with a

lithium polymer battery. It is a full hybrid and is capable of running on electricity alone.

Features on the LX include 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, active front head restraints,

power windows, power locks with keyless entry, heated seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seat,

cruise control, fog lights, CD/MP3 stereo with satellite radio, auxiliary and USB ports,

Bluetooth connectivity, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, heated mirrors

with integrated turn signals, front and rear mud guards, windshield wiper de-icer, automatic

headlights, trip computer, auto up/down windows and high-performance shocks.

The LX Auto adds the automatic transmission, along with a power driver’s seat, rear ventilation

and “Active Eco” switch.

The LX+ adds a panoramic sunroof and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and

garage door opener.

The EX builds on the LX Auto and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate

control, UVO multimedia system, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Smart Key with

pushbutton ignition, rain-sensing wipers, rearview camera, automatic defogger system, solar

glass, and chrome-accented outside door handles.

The EX+ adds a panoramic sunroof.

The EX Luxury adds 18-inch alloy wheels, larger brakes, heated steering wheel, heated and

cooled front seats, heated rear seats, power passenger seat, xenon headlamps, LED taillights,

mood lamp, illuminated door scuff panels, Infinity premium stereo, enhanced instrument cluster

and driver’s side memory.

The EX Luxury + Navi adds a navigation system in place of the UVO multimedia system.

The Turbo SX builds on the EX Luxury + Navi and adds unique sport bumpers, paddle shifters

(in place of heated steering wheel), sport suspension, sport grille, sport seats and rear spoiler.

Features on the Hybrid include 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control,

active front head restraints, keyless entry with pushbutton start, cruise control, enhanced LCD

instrument cluster, trip computer, auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, compass,

heated power cloth and “leatherette” seats with driver’s side memory, fixed rear seat, power

windows with front express up/down, cooled glove box, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input

and USB port, UVO Audio Infotainment, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, LED taillights,

automatic headlamps, fog lights, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, windshield wiper

de-icer, rear lip spoiler and sport grille.

The Hybrid Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels, navigation system, heated steering wheel,

heated and cooled leather seats, heated rear seats, “leatherette” dash trim, panoramic sunroof,

rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlamps, premium audio system, iPod cable, interior mood

lighting, illuminated door scuff plates and automatic window defogging system.