Kia's Michael Sprague shows Chicago Auto Show attendees the newly updated Kia Optima Hybrid.
When Kia announced a mid-cycle refresh of its midsize Optima sedan for 2014, something was clearly missing. For reasons that went unexplained, the hybrid-electric version of the four-door maintained the old Optima styling.
The maker will finally correct that omission, previewing a late-entry 2014 Optima Hybrid this week at the Chicago Auto Show. But for those who were hoping to see Kia upgrade the underlying hybrid technology, well, that’s not in the cards for the moment.
The basic update matches the tweaks given the mainstream Optima model, though there are some specific details designed for the Hybrid to help improve aerodynamics and allow it to alert viewers that it’s a green machine.
Kia's Optima hybrid got an exterior refresh, but uses the same hybrid-electric system as its predecessor.
That includes Hybrid-unique LED lighting features, front and rear fascia updates, new wheel designs and a hybrid-specific grille.
Under the hood, the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid will retain its drivetrain pairing a four-cylinder gas engine with a 47-horsepower electric traction motor – the system producing a combined 199 hp and 235 pound-feet of torque. Unlike many older hybrids, Kia opted for a more compact and energy-dense lithium-polymer battery that also helped it reduce the amount of space lost to the battery pack.
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The package has been well-received – being named one of the “Top 11 Most Fuel-Efficient Sedans for 2013” by Edmunds, for example. The Optima Hybrid LX yields 36 mpg City, 40 Highway and 38 combined. The up-level EX trims one mpg off at 35/39/37.
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The fact that the 2014 maintains its previous fuel economy numbers is curious considering Kia’s claim to have improved aerodynamics on the 2014 model with tweaks including the modified front bumper, and the addition of more aerodynamic wheels.
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Kia hasn’t announced pricing yet but is expected to post numbers in the coming weeks as it prepares to roll the new Optima Hybrid into showrooms.