Reviewed by: Susan Frissell

2014 Kia Optima EX Hybrid

2014 Kia Optima EX Hybrid

This is hybrid vehicle review time for this writer and after getting out of one of the premier hybrid SUV’s this past week, we are test driving the Optima EX hybrid 4-door midsize sedan. For those who have read other Kia reviews written by Women With Wheels, it will be obvious by now, Kia is one of our favorite auto manufacturers. There isn’t a Kia we don’t favor, and the Optima is no exception. Competing with several other midsize sedans in this category, the Optima is the cousin to the Hyundai Sonata.

The 2014 Optima Hybrid is available in two trim levels: EX, LX. Our EX hybrid came well-equipped, with only a few missing features we would desire: such as, power moonroof (an extra $1,500). Pricing begins at around $25,995 and tops out (sans options) at $31,995. The 2014 Kia Optima receives a freshened look and a refinement of its gasoline/electric powertrain. It is not hard to like the Kia Optima. Our Smokey Blue EX Hybrid rode and handled beautifully; effortlessly, in fact. This car is a definite daily driver. Without much effort, you can drive all over town and not feel tired. Backing into a parallel parking space is so simple (good turning radius), a kid could do it.

Our Optima EX Hybrid did not come equipped with any options so pricing was kept under the magical $35,000 mark. We would have to argue that might be too much to pay for this car, when compared with the likes of a Infiniti Q50, for instance. However, wherever the Optima fits in the order of preference, we love this car. There are so many good things about it, not least of which is just the driving experience. Ok, for purists, maybe not. But we can’t say enough good things about the Optima. If we were in the market for a hybrid, which will probably never happen, this would be the car of choice.

Standard equipment includes the usual: Dual front advanced airbags, front seat mounted airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, ABS, traction control, vehicle stability management and hill assist control. Interior features include dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, power windows/doors/mirrors, power front passenger seat (AND auto window), UVO e-services with Telematics, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, navigation with rear camera display, SIRIUS/XM 3-month subscription, Bluetooth, leather seating, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, pushbutton start/stop, heated/ventilated driver’s seat. The Kia Optima offers features not found on comparable cars, for instance the Auto up/down window for the passenger,  rear camera display (which will be standard equipment on all cars by 2016), heated rear seats and power folding outside mirrors with turn-signal indicator. A signature feature of the Kia styling is its “tiger nose.” It is larger and more noticeable on the Hybrid version of the Optima. Also revised for 2013-14 are model-specific LED headlights and taillights.

One can choose between the standard 16-inch or optional 17-inch wheel. Competition for the Kia Optima includes, of course, the Hyundai Sonata, as well as the Buick LaCrosse. This is a market full of contenders, many of them good. Optima’s styling is sharp, the cabin richly appointed. It is a roomy 4-door sedan with a good-size trunk. Fuel economy and a smooth shifting automatic transmission are also pluses. When putting the pedal to the medal the Optima never feels as though it is out of power, although there is at times, that lag one feels when driving a turbo, for instance. Although not terribly pronounced, it can be felt. Pick-up is there in spades and you never feel as though you’re the last gal to the party.

The Optima hybrid delivers a respectable 38 mpg., combined (36/40 mpg.). When driving the hybrid, being able to tell when it turns off/on is virtually impossible. It is so quiet one feels almost stealth-like moving in/out of traffic. It is butter smooth. You’re wasting your time trying to listen for any perceptible noise! This baby hums along, almost floating. Man, we love this car! (Did we say that again?) Low-rolling resistance tires help the cause, as well. Of course, you can watch the EV Mode light on the dash or the hybrid graphics to keep track. Hybrids seem to have something in common when it comes to breaking. In hybrid vehicles the system captures the braking energy and stores it in the battery so the ‘feel’ is somewhat different than conventional braking. The Optima’s battery is stored in the trunk, which at 10.78 cu. ft. is good size. The Optima’s interior feels a grade above most in this class. Kia doesn’t appear to have skimped, but then when you’re paying over $30,000 one would hope to get something extra special.

Kia Optima EX Hybrid interior

Kia Optima EX Hybrid interior

Complaints: Not many: Rear seat headroom is compromised by the Optima’s design, and fuel economy hasn’t been improved for 2014. Seats could use added cushion.

SPECS MSRP: $31,995; total vehicle price $32,795; destination $800

Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Hybrid engine, 199 hp., 235 lb. ft. torque

Transmission: d6-speed Sportmatic, electric power steering

Wheelbase: 110.4 in.

Height: 57.10  in.

Length: 190.7 in.

Width: 72.05 in.

Wheels: 17-inch alloy

Tires: 205/6SVR16; 17-inch $200

EPA fuel economy: 35-36/39 mpg. Weight: 3,496 lbs.

Warranty: 60 mths/60,000-mile basic; 120 mths/100,000-mile powertrain; 60 mths/100,000-mile corrosion perforation; 60 mths/60,000-mile roadside assistance. Â