Kia has rebranded itself as a company over the past few years thanks to its lineup of stylish and fun-to-drive sedans, SUVs, and performance vehicles. In line with the enhancements the brand has made, Kia is launching its ever-popular Optima sedan as the Kia Optima K5. Outside the U.S., car buyers may be familiar with the stylish and powerful K5. Check out what’s coming and why American shoppers should be excited about this new release.
Kia Optima vs. Kia K5
Although the Optimahas long been a sporty sedan option for shoppers, Kia has taken this model to the next level by creating an even sleeker, more performance-focused version. You’ll notice changes even from the outside, as the exterior has been fully redesigned. In fact, the look of the 2021 K5 is more similar to the equally sporty Stinger, although the 2021 K5 sedan has a trunk instead of the Stinger’s hatchback. Similar elements include a fastback-style rear end, aggressive front lighting, and dual front grilles.
Every 2021 Kia K5 model also comes outfitted with driver-assist technology to keep you and your passengers safe. The bundle includes lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic braking, and a rearview camera. Additional options include adaptive cruise control that integrates with the navigation system to monitor the vehicle’s position and automatic braking for left-hand turns into oncoming traffic. One unique safety option is the Safe Exit Assist, which can lock the rear doors when vehicles are approaching and alert everyone in the cabin if a car is coming up.
Kia K5 Interior
The all-new Kia K5 boasts a completely redesigned interior that features an open feel and minimalistic elements. No matter where you’re sitting, the cabin provides plenty of space and a comfortable seating position. Soft-touch, high-end materials round out the interior for an upscale feel. Depending on your trim level selection, you can get the K5 outfitted with eye-catching metal accents, a brand-new digital gauge cluster, wood trim elements, or a flat-bottom steering wheel for a sportier flair. Other options include wireless charging, a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system, and enhanced voice recognition.
On the tech side, you can choose from a standard 8-inch touch screen or an upgraded 10.3-inch touch screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration come standard across the board, although the software currently doesn’t function with the larger screen. If you do opt for the 10.3-inch display, you can connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously for audio streaming or phone connectivity. The cabin also boasts enhanced sound deadening features for a quieter, more comfortable seating area.
Kia offers Smart Key functionality on the K5, which allows you to adjust certain settings and control aspects of the vehicle from your smart device. Options include presetting the dual-zone climate control, opening the trunk, and even starting the engine, all of which can be done hands-free.
Kia K5 Specs
According to insiders, Kia has stepped up its game with the K5. This model will be available with several powertrain options to appeal to a wide range of buyers, as well as a new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission to put more power into the hands of the driver. In the base model, you’ll find a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine rated at 195 pound-feet of torque and 180 horsepower matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The second powertrain option includes a new 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 311 pound-feet of torque and 290 horsepower. This unit pairs with the same eight-speed automatic transmission as the standard, while the new double-clutch transmission is available as an upgrade on some of the trim levels. In speed testing, a K5 with the upgraded engine zoomed from zero to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. By comparison, the outgoing Optima with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine took a full second longer to reach 60 mph.
The N3 platform is the base of the K5, providing a lower, wider, and longer body style than the previous Optima. The wheelbase measurement comes in at 112.2 inches, marking a nearly 2-inch increase for more interior space. The K5 is also an inch wider and sits nearly an inch lower to the ground. Another appealing change is the addition of all-wheel drive as an option, which is ideal for those who frequently drive on slick, wet roads. The addition of Kia’s AWD platform marks a first for the Optima sedan.
According to the manufacturer, the GT trim level with the more powerful engine and models with AWD will come out later in the model year. Additionally, the GT model will come standard with Pirelli P Zero summer tires that boost its cornering and braking performance. Buyers who don’t want to wait should be able to get behind the wheel of a K5 by early fall.
Kia K5 Accessories
According to Kia, the K5 will be released initially with four available trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, and EX. The sporty GT will come out later. The GT-Line boasts a few of the sporty elements that will come on the GT, including a panoramic sunroof, upgraded LED front lighting, adaptive cruise control, and wireless device charging. Depending on your chosen trim level, you may be able to tack on accessories to take your K5 to the next level.
Kia K5 Price
The base trim level of the K5 will start at $24,455, which is only about $100 more than the base model of the outgoing Optima. For the significant upgrades and enhancements, the price is quite competitive among other models in the segment. The LXS starting price is $25,455, while the GT-Line is $26,355. For the more luxurious option, the EX, the base MSRP is $28,955. When the GT comes out, buyers can expect a starting price of $31,455.
Ready to test drive the brand-new Kia K5? Visit Tom Kadlec Kia to get behind the wheel of this appealing midsize sedan. If you’re familiar with the current Optima, you’ll notice key enhancements that put this model ahead of the pack when it comes to styling, performance, and comfort.
Images via Kia Dot Com.
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