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The Kia Optima gets a variety of small changes as it cruises to 2014. Available in LX, EX, SX and SX-Limited trim levels, the 2014 Kia Optima showcases a mildly redesigned front and rear styling, new seats and high tech electronics. Design and Special Features Updates to the car’s exterior are focused around the front and rear with the new LED fog lights the most prominent of the new features. Larger alloy wheels, LED taillights with the diffused almost neon glow seen in other recent Kia redesigns and new models and a new shape for the boot lid also make up the new version of the Optima. Inside are new designs for the dashboard, steering wheel and gear lever as well as improved seats with a choice of black or beige upholstery. Buyers opting for the top-spec models can get leather seats as standard and choose heated rear seats and ventilated front seats from the options list. The 2014 Kia Optima also includes a 4.3-inch display that sits in front of the driver and an array of features such as rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, a panoramic sunroof, iPod connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen display and a navigation system. Driving Impressions Overall driving experience for the 2014 Kia Optima is pleasant. The 200-horsepower 2.4-liter engine can be sensitive to hot weather and acceleration is noticeable slower in such conditions but the turbocharged engine is generally smooth, powerful and delivers good fuel economy. The steering can be a bit on the heavy side as well but it is nice at cruising speeds that require minimal input to make course corrections. Safety The Kia Optima is a family sedan so it is just natural that one of the buyers’ top priorities is safety. Fortunately, the new Optima falls nothing short of safe. The 2014 Optima earned a five-star rating for overall safety performance in government crash tests with five stars awarded for frontal crash, side crash and rollover as reported by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gave the Optima the score “Good” in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests. Among the standard safety features of the 2014 Kia Optima are its four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, side airbags and side curtain airbags. Its optional UVO telematics system also includes roadside assistance and collision notification.
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