2014 Kia Optima Hybrid Receives Tiny Tweaks
Looking to save money at the pump and reduce your tank-track-sized carbon footprint? Kia just revealed its updated 2014 Optima Hybrid in the Windy City.
This midsize sedan features a number of minor enhancements including new front and rear fascias that reduce aerodynamic drag as well as unique wheel offerings.
Additional vents in the Optima’s front bumper help it carve through the wind like diesel-powered deli slicer attacking a turkey breast. Additionally the car gets a unique grille, LED front lights and “Hybrid” fender badges to let the world know you’re trying to save the planet.
Additionally the available 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels are both lighter and more aerodynamic than past offerings. The former are offered on LX trim level, the latter on the EX model.
In part the 2014 Optima Hybrid is powered by a 47-hp electric motor that’s juiced by a 47 kW lithium-polymer battery pack. A starter/generator enables all of the electronic wizardry to function. Altogether the car’s powertrain puts out 199 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque.
Inside there’s a new 4.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster display; drivers can also snag themselves an optional navigation system with an 8-inch screen.
When it comes to efficiency the LX version of the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid stickers at 36 mpg city and 40 highway, figures that result in a combined score of 38. Curiously the higher-end EX model is 1 mpg less efficient in each category.
GALLERY: 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid Live Shots
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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I definitely want the 2014 to shift better than my "12 hybrid, and raising the passenger side seat would be an improvement. Fix those and you have a buyer.
I raised my seat on the passenger side. So easy to do. It is so absurd they can put a 8 power seat in the drivers but only a six way on the pass side. As far as the ex only having 1mpg less than a ~3K more hybrid, don't forget this is company that was already fined for falsifying mpg's.