A pair of inline-four engines are offered in the 2014 Kia Optima, and they do a fine job of covering all the bases. Budget shoppers will enjoy the base 2.4-liter’s efficiency, while thrill-seekers can take advantage of the turbocharged 2.0-liter’s 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds.
Key Points
- The 2014 Kia Optima offers two engine choices: a 2.0-liter turbo featuring 274 hp and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, and a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter with 192 hp and 179 lb.-ft. of torque.
- Each comes from the Theta II engine platform and shares similar characteristics such as direct-injection technology, continuously variable valve timing, dual-overhead-cams, and aluminum blocks and heads.
- The 2.4-liter makes an estimated 23 city/ 33 hwy / 26 combined mpg, per the EPA. The 2.0-liter turbo isn’t too far behind at a respectable 21 city/ 31 hwy / 24 combined mpg.
- The 2.4 is available in the LX, EX, and SX trims, while the 2.0 comes standard in the SX Turbo and Limited trims.
2014 Kia Optima’s 2.4L GDI Engine Maximizes Fuel Economy via. Direct-injection Technology, Offering 27 mpg Combined
2014 Kia Optima kicks off with a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four (G4KJ). It’s available exclusively in the LX, EX, and SX trims. Additionally, the primary feature of this engine is Hyundai/Kia’s Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) technology. GDI works by using a high-pressure fuel pump that sits atop the combustion chamber. It shoots gasoline directly into the chamber for more precise fuel delivery. Rather than mixing the air and fuel beforehand, this design allows for better fuel economy and efficiency.
As stated before, GDI helps with fuel economy. Thanks to GDI, the 2014 Optima is still on par with newer vehicles and affords 23 city/ 33 hwy/ 26 combined mpg. Furthermore, the EPA rates its current annual fuel cost at $1,900 per year.
Another feature that helps with 2014 Optima’s efficiency is the engine’s Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT). With CVVT, the 2.4-liter can shift between cam profiles to offer power or efficiency depending on throttle input. This works by allowing more air into the cylinders when needed for additional power.
Apart from fuel economy, the base 2.4-liter also offers decent power. Horsepower rates at 192, and torque figures reach 179 lb.-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission manages torque output and sends power to the front wheels. Altogether, the 2.4 can push the Optima to 60 mph in as little as 8.5 seconds.
Lastly, the 2.4-liter requires 4.9 quarts of 5W-30 oil per Kia recommendations. Kia also states that owners should change their oil every 9,000 miles.
Overall, the 2.4 is a great starter engine for a young driver. It’s also great for anyone who has fuel economy at the top of their mind. With up to 33 hwy mpg and 192 hp, it’s hard not to consider this powerplant.
2.0L Turbo Engine Found in 2014 Optima is a Powerful Powertrain with 274 Horsepower and Up to 31 mpg Highway
Many of the benefits and design elements in the 2.4-liter are also present in the 2.0-liter turbo (G4KH). Both engines originate in the Theta engine family and share a Theta II design. You’ll find the 2.0-liter turbo shares design elements such as an aluminum head and block, GDI, CVVT, and DOHC. Ultimately, the primary difference between the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter 2014 Optima engine is the 2.0’s turbo configuration.
With the addition of an advanced Mitsubishi-sourced turbocharger, Hyundai/Kia needed to make a few tweaks. First, the compression ratio drops to 9.5:1 to compensate for the added boost. Secondly, pistons feature a modified design. Thirdly, the lubrication and cooling systems see an increase in capacity. Furthermore, one of the best features of the Mitsubishi turbo is its electronic wastegate. This design essentially eliminates turbo lag.
Altogether, the 2014 Optima’s 2.0-liter engine produces a hearty 274 hp and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. Luckily, this power doesn’t come with terrible fuel economy. The 2.0-liter offers a respectable 21 city/ 31 hwy/ 24 combined mpg. On a full tank, you can expect a range of at least 388 miles on regular 87 gas. Current annual fuel costs sit at $2,100.
A key factor in achieving these figures is the 2.0-liter’s six-speed Sportmatic transmission. The Sportmatic is an electronically-controlled transmission and features overdrive for further highway efficiency. It also features a manual mode which allows drivers to control the gears as they see fit. Not only does this add more fun, but it can also improve fuel efficiency.
Ultimately, if you’re craving some extra power, go with the 2.0-liter turbo. It’s certainly the more entertaining engine option on the board. Furthermore, 0-60 in 7.2 seconds is quite nice for highway merging.
2.0L Turbo is 2014 Kia Optima’s Best Engine Option, with its Exciting 274 hp and 7.2-second 0-60 Time
When considering the 2014 Kia optima engine options, it’s best to know exactly what you want. Each engine is solid in its own right. Yet, their end goals slightly differ. Unfortunately, both engines have proven a bit spotty with reliability after 100k miles. Nevertheless, each engine still holds a 10-year factory warranty if under 100,000 miles.
If you need a daily driver with great gas mileage, the obvious choice is the 2.4-liter. It features the lowest annual fuel cost and offers up to 33 highway mpg. Furthermore, maintenance is slightly cheaper with a lower oil capacity and fewer components to watch over.
Regardless, we still love the 2.0-liter turbo. Its combination of power and fuel economy is hard to beat. Considering you can have 274 hp and only pay an additional $200 in fuel costs per year over the 2.4, this decision is easy. We recommend you grab a low-mileage 2014 Optima with the 2.0-liter turbo engine.
Photos: Kia
