2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX review notes - Autoweek
EXECUTIVE EDITOR RORY CARROLL: I’ve said before that I think the Kia Optima is the best value, if not the best car, in its class. The Optima is still distinctive, still arguably the sharpest-looking car in its class, but it’s not that standout that it was -- though, I’m not sure if buyers in this segment are looking to stand out. If the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX we recently tested is any indication, Optima interiors are still great. The materials aren’t uniformly fancy, but Kia did a really nice job choosing the right materials for certain applications. Rather than using the cheap leather everywhere, they applied some really nice leather where the occupants are likely to look at and touch it. With a large four-cylinder and an electric motor, I expected this car to accelerate a little more quickly... It’s not quite a slug and there is that nice electric-motor feeling on acceleration, but if you’re looking to have some fun behind the wheel, Kia offers a really nice 2. 0-liter turbo four. The hybrid system isn’t at all intrusive -- you’ll notice when you’re running on electricity and you’ll notice when the gas engine kicks on, but I wonder if non-car-people would. The steering is a little wonky, but again, to a potential Kia Optima Hybrid buyer, I can’t see it being an issue. Source: autoweek.com
