Used 2014 Kia Optima For Sale

2014 Kia Optima Overview

The Optima is one of the younger releases from automaker Kia. The 2014 Kia Optima is classified as a midsize sedan and comes with a front-engine, front-wheel drive design. For those in the market for a modestly priced, sleek sedan, the 2014 Optima is a great choice.

2014 Kia Optima History

Launched in 2000, the Kia Optima is in its fourth generation of production. The 2014 Kia Optima was part of the third generation. While there weren't necessarily any huge changes between the 2013 and 2014 releases of the Optima, a number of small changes make the 2014 release a better choice for families. Specifically, the 2014 Kia Optima saw quite a few upgrades, including an available blind-spot monitoring system, rear-parking sensors, and improved display screens. In addition to these features, this model year of the Optima also saw the following changes:

• Sleeker exterior design, including updated front and rear styling
• New and improved front seats for better overall comfort
• A redesigned steering wheel for added comfort

The 2014 Kia Optima comes with a variety of trim options and packages. For starters, buyers can choose between a traditional gasoline-powered engine and a hybrid engine. The former comes with four different trim options (LX, EX, SX, and Limited), while the hybrid only comes in LX and EX trims.

How It Drives

Compared to many other vehicles in its class, the 2014 Kia Optima offers a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride. Drivers have especially enjoyed the responsive handling and steering, though some have noted that the braking seems a little clunky at times - particularly in the hybrid version of the vehicle. This may have something to do with the combination of conventional brakes and the regenerative braking system that come standard on hybrids. Either way, it may take some getting used to for most drivers.

For a vehicle of its class, acceleration in the 2014 Kia Optima is also quite impressive. Drivers will have no problem keeping up with traffic or accelerating onto freeway on-ramps - particularly if you opt for a trim level with a turbocharged engine (more on that in a minute).

Used 2014 Kia Optima Value

Car buyers enjoy that there are so many trim levels and different options available to customize this vehicle, especially with base models starting at just over $10,000. Depending on the trim level and packages selected, the MSRP can range between $10,000 and about $22,000 new. However, it is not difficult to find a used 2014 Kia Optima for under $10,000, and the vehicle offers a significantly better value when compared to come of its main competitors, such as the more expensive Ford Fusion or the less powerful Nissan Altima. Overall, the 2014 Kia Optima provides a great balance of comfort, style, and power without a huge price tag - and the car itself holds its value quite well over the years.

Design & Performance

From the exterior, the 2014 Kia Optima has a surprisingly sporty and sleek look, especially when compared to similar vehicles in its class and model year. Specifically, the 2014 Optima received an exterior redesign that included a reworking of the front grille and rear bumper of the car to make it sportier and more athletic. Additional design features new to this year included:

• New LED fog lamps and rear lamps
• A higher-profile front end
• Chrome striping (in select trims)

In terms of performance, drivers will enjoy the speedy acceleration afforded by this vehicle's powerful engine. In fact, a fully loaded Optima can run from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is not bad at all for a family sedan. The hybrid suffers a little in this regard but pays off big-time at the pump, providing an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined (35 city and 39 highway).

Powertrain & Engine

Speaking of the engine, the base models of the 2014 Kia Optima come with a 2.4L, four-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. A 2.0L turbocharged option is available in the SX and Limited trims, and all 2014 Optimas come with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The hybrid has a 2.4L, four-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with an electric motor for a combined 199 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque.

Body Style & Interior Comfort

The 2014 Kia Optima is designed to seat five, which it can do relatively comfortably. The updated seats and steering wheel also provide for greater comfort in the front seat area, especially on longer road trips. Additional interior features include:

• Kia UVO infotainment system
• A spacious cabin and plenty of rear headroom
• 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space