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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 6-spd |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 20 / 30 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 372 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $18,200–$22,770 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2014 Kia Optima earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.0/10. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.6/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.6/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.1/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.3/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $18,200–$22,770, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Optima sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 8.0/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 12 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2014 Kia Optima as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2014 Kia Optima ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $18,200 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 34%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Optima model years we've scored, the 2014 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $26,780 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $26,000 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.1/10 | $25,220 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $24,440 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.0/10 | $23,660 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $21,287 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $20,561 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $19,835 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $19,110 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $18,384 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $17,658 | Read review → |
| 2014 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $18,200 |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 19/12/2018 · 18V907000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product… |
|---|---|
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 21/02/2020 · 20V100000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine… |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 27/08/2020 · 20V519000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 10/05/2021 · 21V331000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. |
| Engine and engine cooling / Engine 31/03/2017 · 17V224000 | Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. |
Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
