The facelifted 2014 Kia Optima is already on sale in other parts of the world, but in America they waited for the SEMA show to launch the refreshed mid-size sedan. This handsome family car is rather thoroughly updated for 2014, featuring a revised front and rear-end, and new trims levels of LX, EX, SX, SX-Turbo and SX-Limited.

On the styling front, the 2014 Kia Optima features front LED positioning and fog lights, along with bright, newly designed LED rear lamps, as well as an updated rear diffusers and a sweeping trunk lid. But the main upgrades have been done in the equipment department, where they’ve made every effort to ensure the Optima is in a class of its own.

Based on the trim level you go for, you can get high-end luxury and technology features such as push button ignition, 4.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster and an optional high-resolution 8-inch navigation and telematics screen, featuring UVO eServices, an 8-speaker Infinity, HD radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Blind Spot Detection (BSD) system, which includes rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors.

Then there is the standard kit coming with every Optima, and it includes dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, exterior mirror turn signal indicators, front fog lights, exterior heated mirrors, chrome accented exterior door handles, new 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires, and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The choice of engines for the 2014 Kia Optima includes a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine. The only transmission offered is a six-speed automatic transmission featuring Sportmatic shift, but SX models can be specified with Drive Mode Select (DMS), which adjusts transmission shift points and steering weight.