Kia announces significant updates for the 2014 Optima Tested: 2013 SX Limited

What’s New:

Recently announced at the 2013 New York Auto Show - along with updates to the Soul and Forte - the 2014 Kia Optima is scheduled to receive a mid-cycle refresh which will add a more visual and functional edge to a vehicle that’s already an award winner. Scheduled to be on dealer’s lots the third quarter of this year, the refreshed Optima includes a nip/tuck of the nose and tail, plus a number of enhancements to the interior, as well as the addition of an available Blind Spot Detection System for the turbo models.

Interesting Factoid:

In Asia and its Korean homeland the Optima is known simply as the K5. The current generation, introduced for the 2011 model year, was penned by Kia’s European-based design group in Frankfurt, Germany; hence the reason for the Optima’s more European, less Asian demeanor.

At this year’s New York Auto Show Kia showed off several updated models from its current model lineup, including a slightly refreshed 2014 Optima sedan. Most noticeable changes deal with front and rear fascias. The front repositions the LED lighting above the headlamp units and offers new quad-LED fog lamps. The rear has been reworked to include revised taillamps which now incorporate LED lights as well (Note: LED’s are already standard on the SX-L.)

Other enhancements include the addition of two new monitor screens - a 4.3-inch TFT display in the gauge cluster and a larger, eight-inch high-resolution screen that houses the navigation and infotainment data. There’s also a new seat design which should provide more comfort and offer better bolstering, plus Kia has added new safety features like available blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert.

Powertrain offerings have been left unchanged. LX and EX models still come with the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine while the SX and SX-L models come standard with the 2.0-liter turbo. However, a new Drive Mode Select system has been developed specifically for the turbo models for the purpose of adjusting transmission shift points and steering weight for more engaging dynamics.

Pricing for the 2014 Kia Optima will be released closer to its on-sale date.

2013 Kia Optima SX Limited tested:

I recently had the opportunity to spend time with the Optima SX Limited sedan, otherwise known as the SX-L. Though its exact category is little hard to define, it’s basically a far more appointed performance-oriented model based off the entertaining, but (in comparison) more pedestrian SX sedan.

Like Hyundai with its Genesis and Eqqus premium models, Kia has equal aspirations of moving upmarket. Currently, its mid-size Optima sedan is the only option. Still lacking is an equivalent to the Hyundai Azure, Genesis and Eqqus. That said, Kia plans first to release an equivalent model to the Azure, the Cadanza, in Q2 of this year. In the meantime Kia decided to test the waters by creating a unique limited sub-model of the Optima SX.

Whereas Kia doesn’t have Hyundai’s premium models, Hyundai doesn’t have an equivalent Sonata version of the Optima SX-L, though the Sonata does offer a turbo option for its SE and Limited trim levels.

The SX and SX-L both come equipped exclusivity with the turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC 16 valve inline four-cylinder, which is rated at 274 horsepower and 269 foot pounds of torque. A six-speed Sportmatic with a manual shift mode plus paddle shifters is the sole transmission.

I’ve only had extensive seat time the SX-L, but it should be assumed that if the SX and SX-L offer the same powertrain, sports tuned suspension and tire option, it stands to reason that both should handle very similarly. The same comparison could be said for the Lexus GS 350 and its more sportier GS F Sport edition; where the differences are more cosmetic than performance.

Still with the aggressive stance of the SX-L package you can’t somehow be convinced that it’s far more athletic than the SX in it’s purest from. Though the powertrain and basic mechanics are similar or the exact same, cosmetics and driver dynamics are a complete departure from the more luxury-orientated SX. First is the eye catching exterior of the SX-L with the 18-inch chrome wheels that were specifically designed for the Limited package. They’re finished off with distinctive red calipers for the front and rear brakes. Other distinguishing features included LED running lights, chrome side mirrors and accent side sills, rear spoiler lip and exclusive ‘SXL’ badging.

Whereas the SX comes standard with cloth and leather seating, the SX-L comes with exclusive Nappa leather trim in either black or white. This trim features heated and cooled seats for the front and heated bottom for the rear bench. In addition the driver’s seat has a two position memory function, while the front passenger features a 4-way power seat.

The SX-L also comes standard with the EX and SX Technology Packages, which include navigation with rear view camera, plus all the connectivity imaginable. The SX-L is also equipped with the SX Premium Touring Package, which includes a panoramic glass sunroof. However the most noticeable feature unique to the SX-L has to be its electronic parking brake.

There are actually two distinct SX-L packages, one being the ‘Limited’, while the other is the ‘Chrome’; both are offered for a base $34,500 sticker. While the Limited is offered in four color options: Snow White Pearl, Titanium Silver, Ebony Black and Corsa Blue, the Chrome edition is only offered in the Ebony Black or Corsa Blue. The model I tested came in Snow White Pearl with the Black Nappa interior – which is apparently the most signature color combination of the series.

While both the SX & SX-L feature upgraded four-wheel-disc brakes (Fronts - 12.6-inch vented, rears - 11.6-inch solid disks), I can’t help being disappointed that Brembos are not part of the 'Limited' package - a huge oversight if Kia intends to be taken seriously.

Summary:

When you think about it, size for size, feature for feature, the SX-L really has no equals. Residing in the mid-size family sedan segment, the closet possibly candidate has to be the Toyota Camry SE, which is not a fair comparison. But as entertaining and refined as the Optima SX-L is, it’s not on par with a near luxury or premium brand.

For a Kia in the mid-30 range, I’m holding out for the upcoming Cadenza.

2013 Kia Limited SX Limited

On Sale: Now
Base MSRP: $34,500
Price as Tested: $35,275 (includes $775 Designation Charge)

ENGINE:
2.4-L I4 DOHC, 16-valave, 274-bhp @ 6000 rpm, Torque (lb-ft): 269 between 1750 and 4500 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed Sportmatic with overdrive and paddle shifters

DRIVE: Front-wheel

WHEELS AND TIRES: 18-inch machine aluminum wheels on
P225/45R18 tires

FUEL ECONOMY: 22/34 mpg (city/hwy)
FUEL CAPACITY: 18.5-gallon

CURB WEIGHT: 3385 lb

CAPACITIES:
Doors/Passengers: 4/5
Legroom (front/rear): 45.47/34.65 in
Headroom (front/rear): 39.96/3763 in

Trunk: 15.43 cu. ft/

Warranty: