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2014 Kia Optima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Kia seems to have lost sight, at least in the minds of a few reviewers, of the old adage: If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. The 2014 Kia Optima 5-place family-oriented sedan has, since the present generation’s 2010 debut, been a model of forward-thinking style. Some tweaks to the front and rear fascias, along with a few bits of added chrome and an extra swoop or two in the sheet metal for 2014, unfortunately, leave some reviewers cold
The average commuter, however, should find this value-laden 4-door, still offered in 4 trims, the base LX, the lower midlevel EX, the sporty SX and the flagship Limited, packed with a pleasant combination of handsomeness and pizzazz that ought to once again ensure a perch near the top of the sedan niche.
While exterior changes, though mild, have not been not met with a media-led standing ovation, inside, a few new extras, like selectable driving modes in the SX as well as some added comfort contours and padding in the front seats and a re-styled steering wheel, are welcome upgrades. Additional creature comforts and convenience bling for this year, depending on trim, include keyless ignition, rear parking sensors, new display screens and a blind-spot monitoring system. As well, trunk space lineup-wide remains a hefty 15.4 cubic feet, and the traditional split-folding rear seats, though still a bit cramped, offer a little extra toting capacity. Finally, this smart family automobile is once again available only with front-wheel drive (FWD).
Powering the base LX, the EX and the normally aspirated SX trims is a 192-hp, variable-valve-timed 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine that mates with the standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 181 lb-ft of torque. Mileage estimates with this efficient 4-banger run a not-too-shabby 23 mpg city/34 highway.
Giving the turbocharged SX and the Limited their go is, once more, a blown 2.0-liter I4 powerplant that again uses the 6-speed shiftable automatic to pound down 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. With those extra ponies, of course, comes a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency to a still-decent 20/30. And as mentioned, the turbocharged SX sub-trim now throws in driver-selectable modes to adjust power steering ratios and shift points to suit the mood of the daily commute.
Standard appearance features and creature comforts in the base LX include 16-inch alloy wheels, heated power-adjustable mirrors, full power accessories, cloth upholstery, power lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering. Additional interior amenities include a brand-new 4.3-inch trip computer display, air conditioning, a cooled storage bin and Bluetooth hands-free calling, while entertainment remains offered via a single-CD player with 6 speakers, satellite radio and a USB port.
To this the EX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Leather and simulated wood cabin accents also adorn the midlevel EX, as does dual-zone climate control, while the SX tosses in a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, upgraded gauges and steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.
The top-shelf Limited, finally, throws a power sunroof and Kia’s touted Uvo infotainment and navigation, complemented by an 8-inch touchscreen, into the mix, as well as heated front seats and steering wheel, leather upholstery, memory for driver's settings, a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and an 8-speaker Infinity premium sound system.
Options for lower trims include a number of the high-end features that come standard in the higher trims, including a Premium Package (sunroof, heated leather seats, navigation, driver's memory settings) and a Technology Package (safety items) for the EX and SX trims, both of which come standard in the Limited.
Notable standard safety items across the 2014 Optima lineup, meantime, include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head airbags. Further standard safety stuff on all trims includes turn-signal-integrated mirrors, front foglights (LED in the SX and Limited) and a remote antitheft alarm, with the SX and Limited trims additionally boasting new-this-year xenon high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights and daytime running lights. The Limited additionally flaunts standard Uvo emergency assistance and alert communications technology as well. Also, the EX and SX can be equipped with the aforementioned optional Technology Package, which offers blind-spot alerts and rear cross-traffic warnings.
User reviews for 2014 Kia Optima
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by Jon H
May 16, 2024
Love the ride period.!! Only issue on vehicle to me was this one does not have back up camera.May 16, 2024
by Anonymous
Oct 07, 2014
My wife and I traded in our 2008 Town and Country on this vehicle. My wife loves it. Its sporty looking but great on gas mileage. Acceleration is fantastic. Handling is almost like its on rails. We have the 10 yr / 100000 warranty. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to my friends.Oct 07, 2014
by Anonymous
Jul 05, 2014
In our search for a stylish but sporty looking sedan & importantly having safety in mind, we originally looked at the Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata. Expanding the search, just to see if there were any others to consider, brought us to include the Kia Optima in an eye opening experience after test driving it for comparison. After great consideration between all 3 models, the Kia Optima SX Turbo won hands down because of having the looks and premium option features that made it a no-brainer to purchase. Being a die-hard Ford owner for years made it a very difficult choice but the warranty especially became a tipping point in the decision making process. Ford needs to wake up because 3yrs/36,000 mi. warranties are stone age in my eyes now. That narrowed the choice between the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata, both of which had the 5yr/60,000 bumper to bumper and 10yr/100,000 drivetrain warranties. Although the Sonata was very comparable in many ways my daughter (college student) noticed a lot of older drivers in the Sonata. The Optima's were being predominantly driven by a younger crowd. Funny enough, I saw her observations were true and so that became the last nail in the Sonata coffin.
The Kia Optima SX amazes one if you're not over-expecting this car to be something that it's not. It's not a sports car, but the 2.0L Turbo model we purchased has excellent get up & go. The handling is just right for a sedan, which is hard to believe. We decided on going the full monty and got both the premium and technology packages.This added greatly to the MSRP, but after doing so, I could see it was well worth it. While sitting inside, you just notice more & more & more conveniences. We cannot speak about reliability because the car is too new, but we're so glad that our month of homework and shopping has brought us to purchasing a vehicle that is leaving the others in our rear view mirror.
UPDATE: We've just turned 16,000 miles and the car is better than imagined. We are pleased that we made the right decision in choosing the Optima SX Turbo over any of the other Manufacturers comparable models. We've had no problems except for water entering the tail light which was replaced under warranty during our recent 15K servicing. It was a sealed LED unit so that's why it was replaced completely - a $500+ part no less - crazy what lights go for on newer cars with these LED's. As typical with OEM tires (Hankook - Korean tire of course like the car), they were terrible in the rain and had signs of above normal wear for the low miles we had on them. I bought dedicated Michelin snow tires for the winter and the Optima handled snow with great assurance. In May ('15), I bought a set of Continental PureContact w/ecoplus technology and the car just handles like a whole new vehicle. Tire response around corners is really amazing and they go through rain like it wasn't even there. Will update again! Jul 05, 2014
What users have asked
2014 Kia Optima won't start. All lights come in but car won't start.
My 2014 Kia Optima with a push bottom will not start. All of the lights come in inside the car, the radio works, and dash lights/indicators all work. Car itself will not start.
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Why my Kia won't start
2014 Kia optima ex gdi, Won't start when I get in press brake pedal to start all power comes on when I press the start button with key it gives me a good bye and won't start .....please help
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2014 Kia Optima won't start
My 2014 Kia optima LX was accidentally bumped into neutral while driving. The engine revved up real high, and then immediately shut down. I put the car back in park and tried to start it nothing happened. Thinking it might be the neutral safety switch malfunctioning, press the shift lock button and put the car into neutral to try and start it, nothing happened. I unhooked the terminals from the battery in an attempt to do a reset, but still nothing. Any one have any ideas what might be causing it to not start?
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2014 Kia optima headlights have a hard time seeing at night
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Top Comparisons
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2014 Kia Optima Pricing
Original MSRP
$21,500 to $35,300Price range
$7,828 to $8,758Average price on CG
$8,179YoY price change
$8,720 to $8,179Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
