The mid-sized Optima continues as a shining success story for Kia Motors America.
Completely redesigned (third-generation) in the 2011 model year, the four-door sedan remains one of the most-eye-catching in a crowded, highly competitive, family-friendly segment. Aggressive, competitive pricing makes Optima a value-driven choice when shopped against midsize rivals with similar content and horsepower. Optima's first-generation effort debuted in 2001, but never quite grabbed mass appeal until the 2011 metamorphous. Kia began selling vehicles in the U.S. back in 1994.
The 2014 edition brings a mid-cycle refresh including redesigned front and rear fascias, new interior seat designs and updated instrument displays. Also newly available in 2014: blind-spot detection and rear-parking sensors. Still intact; a head-turning, sleek, action-in-motion exterior profile. Two four-cylinder powertrain selections return unchanged from 2013.
Through the first half of 2014, Optima easily ranked as the South Korean auto company's best-selling vehicle with 83,458 units out the door. With 297,413 total units sold across the entire model portfolio, the first six months of 2014 rate as the best first half in the company's 20 year history here in the States. Overall U.S. Kia sales are up an impressive 7.2 percent from the same 2013 period.
A majority of Optimas sold here reach dealerships straight from the company's sole U.S. assembly facility in West Point Georgia. Size wise, Optima sandwiches between the compact Forte and larger, new-for-2014 near-luxury Cadenza sedan. Front-wheel-drive comes standard; all-wheel drive is not offered.
Hyundai, Kia's parent company also based in South Korea, revamps its mid-size Sonata sedan with a seventh-generation makeover in the 2015 model year. Expect Kia to follow suit with an all-new, next-generation Optima in the 2016 or 2017 model year if recent history Kia/Hyundai history repeats itself.
The symbiotic relationship between Kia and Hyundai continues benefitting both sides through economics of scale. In 1998, Hyundai (South Korea's largest conglomerate) purchased a 49.2 percent stake in then-struggling Kia. Both share behind the scenes duties such as engineering and testing, but act as separate companies in the U.S. as far as marketing, sales and distribution are concerned.
Helping build customer loyalty is a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty (one of the industry's longest) offered by both parties.
Two available Optima powertrains include a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter gas-direct-injected (GDI) four cylinder cranking out 200 horsepower. For those seeking more technology and power, Kia offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine listing 274 horses. Turbo charging takes advantage of compressed air feed into engine cylinders for a more potent air/fuel combustion delivering enhanced power without added cylinders. It's the up-horsepower choice upon retirement of the V-6 engine.
Three trim levels return from 2013 offering the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine: LX, EX and sports-tuned SX with firmer suspension. The SX is the sole trim offering the 2.0 turbo engine in SX turbo and SX Limited sub trims. A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission comes standard across all trim and engine choices.
Kia supplied a SX turbo starting at $27,500. With a $3,300 premium package (panoramic sunroof, folding outside mirrors, HD radio, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats) and $2,300 technology package (navigation, blind-spot detection, back-up warning) the bottom line finished at $33,900 with $800 destination charge. The Premium Package is a prerequisite to the Technology Package. These same two option packages are available in EX trims, but not entry LX. The only other option package is a $1,600 trim convenience package available solely in LX adding power options to the driver's seat, acoustic laminated windshield and auto dimming rear mirror. An entry LX starts at $21,500 about $450 less than a 2014 Ford Fusion's starting line.
During the third-generation makeover in 2011, Kia dropped the V-6 engine option sold during the first-two incarnations. While helping elevate overall fuel economy numbers, a second latent agenda got executed.
Designers, knowing from the get go the V-6 was out, whittled down engine compartment size (no need to account for a larger, optional powertrain), thus adding stretch room for occupants. Compared to other mid-size rivals, both Kia's Optima and Hyundai's mid-size Sonata breathe more depth into cabin confines. Optima accommodates five adults, although row two headroom does not measure up to row one's more generous proportions. Leg room remains suitable in both rows. Seat backs across all trims fold down 60/40 once trunk-mounted tabs get pulled.
Inside, an intuitive, driver-friendly layout teams with handsome good looks. Trunk and fuel-door release buttons, found on the driver's door, proves a better local then the floor. Power mirror, lock and window controls reside at a 45-degree angle along the driver's door. The entire center column skews ever-so-slightly towards the driver with two 12-volt power outlets flanking USB, iPod and auxiliary ports along the bottom. Dual cup holders between updated and supportive bucket seats take a different path with a diagonal twist rather than conventional vertical or horizontal directions. Push-button start comes standard.
The updated, deep-set instrument panel includes outboard circular analog dials flanking a 4.3-inch digital message center. Our turbo tester featured a solid black dashboard with brushed aluminum accents and soft-touch textures. Two dials control dual temperature settings (in all trims sans base LX) while push buttons monitor fan direction and speed. A large, eight-inch touch screen houses available, easy-to-interpret navigation feeds.
The three-spoke, manual tilt and telescope steering wheel includes large, well-marked cruise control functions at 3 o'clock. Our SX turbo includes a flat button wheel imitating the design of an Indy Car. Leatherette seat trim comes standard except in the cloth-upholstered LX and opulent turbo limited with upgraded Nappa leatherette.
Short, narrow side windows end with an arrow-head shape towards the C pillar while raised side character lines continue the flow, along with strap-like door openers. Our SX turbo included a chrome strip atop windows, and continuing through to frame back window siding. Both tail light and headlight housing continue the narrow, streamline theme with LED enhancements. Dual, chrome tip exhausts come standard across all trim and engine line. Alloy wheel size increases along with trim level designates: LX 16-inch, EX 17-inch and SX 18-inch.
The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons of 87-octane regular fuel. Our 2.0 turbo generated 20 mpg city and 31 mpg highway; the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine generates three miles better in each category. Both sets of numbers check in as competitive, but short of class leading for the mid-size segment.
For added fuel economy, Optima comes in a gas-electric hybrid edition available in two trim levels (LX, EX). The 2014 revamp was unveiled at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show this past winter. Combining a 47 horsepower electric motor, hybrid starter generator and 47 kilowatt lithium polymer battery, the combined 199 horsepower hybrid generates 36 mpg city and 40 highway; slightly below mid-size hybrid numbers from Ford Fusion or Honda Accord. However, pricing of an Optima hybrid starts at $25,995, a few hundred dollars less than a Fusion hybrid.
Optima remains a solid four-door mid-size choice for Chicagoland's driving needs on several levels.
2014 Kia OptimaPrice as tested: $33,900
Wheelbase: 110.0 inches
Length: 190.7 inches
Width: 72.1 inches
Height: 57.1 inches
Engine: 2.0-liter gas direct injected turbo
Horsepower: 274
Curb weight: 3,468 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
City/Highway economy: 20/31
Assembly: West Point, Georgia