2014 Kia Optima: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2014 Kia Optima is a mid-cycle refresh with redesigned front and rear styling, new wheel designs, and a more polished cabin. It is a meaningful update, not a full redesign.

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About the 2014 Kia Optima

2nd generation Optima (2011-2015), mid-cycle refresh year.

The 2014 Optima is Kia’s style-first midsize sedan: a family car meant to feel more upscale and more design-focused than the segment norm without giving up everyday usefulness. Kia markets it around strong exterior design, a more premium-looking cabin, solid feature content, and a choice of efficient gas, hybrid, or stronger turbo power. Against mainstream rivals, its main draw is that it looks and feels less plain while still serving as an easy daily sedan.

The LX remains the straightforward everyday model, while the leather-trimmed EX focuses on comfort with keyless start, a power driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control. The 2.4-liter SX adds a sportier look and suspension, while the 274-hp SX Turbo and luxury-focused SXL bring stronger turbo power. Hybrid shoppers get the 199-hp gas-electric system, with the EX Hybrid adding navigation, upgraded audio, and heated and ventilated front seats.

What changed, by category

Styling

Gas models receive redesigned front and rear details, updated lighting, new wheel designs, and revised cabin finishes. Hybrid models get their own more aerodynamic bumpers, grille, lighting details, and wheel designs.

Powertrain

The engine families carry over, but the sporty lineup is reorganized. The SX becomes a 2.4-liter non-turbo sport trim, and the 274-hp SX Turbo joins as a separate trim.

Safety

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become options on upper trims.

Tech

Upper trims receive updated display and touchscreen-system choices, and a rearview camera becomes standard on the SX.

2014 Kia Optima specs and features by trim

Feature	2014 Kia OptimaEX1 in stock	2014 Kia OptimaLX1 in stock	2014 Kia OptimaSX0 in stock	2014 Kia OptimaSX Turbo0 in stock	2014 Kia OptimaLimited-SXL0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic	Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic	Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic	Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic	Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas / Hybrid	Gas / Hybrid	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	23–35 mpg	23–36 mpg	23 mpg	20 mpg	20 mpg
MPG Highway	34–39 mpg	34–40 mpg	34 mpg	31 mpg	31 mpg
Horsepower	192–206 hp	192–206 hp	192 hp	274 hp	274 hp
Torque	154–181 lb-ft	154–181 lb-ft	181 lb-ft	269 lb-ft	269 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	10.8–15.4 cu-ft	10.8–15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	34.7 in	34.7 in	34.7 in	34.7 in	34.7 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Blindspot Sensors
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Privacy Glass
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Subwoofer
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Cooled Seats
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Rear Window Shades
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2015 Kia Optima compares

The 2015 Kia Optima is a light update, not a redesign. Its headline change is a quieter cabin on several upper trims, thanks to wider use of an acoustic-laminated windshield.

See the full 2015 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Kia Optima a full redesign?

No. The 2014 Optima is a mid-cycle refresh of the second-generation model, with revised styling, cabin finishes, wheels, technology, and safety equipment rather than an all-new platform.

What is the difference between the 2014 Optima SX and SX Turbo?

The 2014 SX uses the 2.4-liter non-turbo engine and adds sport styling, a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and paddle shifters. The separate SX Turbo has a 274-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine, along with performance-focused features such as Drive Mode Select and HID headlights.

Did the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid change?

Yes. The 2014 Optima Hybrid receives more aerodynamic front and rear styling, a revised grille, updated lighting details, and new aerodynamic wheel designs. Its 199-hp gas-electric system carries over.

What safety and technology features changed on the 2014 Optima?

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become upper-trim options for 2014. Upper trims also get updated display and touchscreen-system choices, while the SX gains a standard rearview camera.

Is the 2014 Kia Optima meaningfully different from the 2013 model?

Yes, though the basic platform and engine families remain familiar. The 2014 model has refreshed exterior styling, revised cabin finishes, updated technology and safety options, and a clearer split between the 2.4-liter SX and the added SX Turbo.

2014 Kia Optima Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2014 Kia Optima.

3.7

2014 Kia Optima

(35 reviews)

5 stars (12)

4 stars (7)

3 stars (10)

2 stars (6)

1 star (0)

“2014 Kia optima sx turbo, extremely fast, super quick acceleration, very comfortable ride.”

DJDavid J.
2014 Kia Optima (4-Cyl)

“I loved my Kia Optima!!! I say loved because it was recently totaled in a serious accident. I walked away because I was wearing my seatbelt. Unfortunately my "Black [Name]"" gave her life to save mine. So that's a testament of the safety of a Kia Optima.”

MJMelissa J.
2014 Kia Optima (4-Cyl)

“Handles well, comfortable for trips, gas mileage is very good. Bad is motor for 2014 Kia, repairs are costly, passenger seat sits very low and no way to adjust.”

KBKimberly B.
2014 Kia Optima (4-Cyl)