There’s an all-new Kia Optima midsize sedan headed our way this summer!  And it’s so new, it even has a new name.  That’s right, the Kia Optima is now the Kia K5. 

Taking more than just visual cues from the Stinger performance sedan, the K5 delivers souped-up power, performance, and technology.  

It’s based on the Hyundai Sonata’s front-wheel-drive N3 chassis that is longer, lower, and wider than the Optima; but also makes all-wheel-drive available for the first time for any Kia sedan. 

Buyers will have a choice of turbo engines; standard in LX, LXS, GT-Line, and EX, is the Sonata’s 180-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo I4.  It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and is the setup require for adding all-wheel-drive. 

The GT gets a new 2.5-liter turbo I4 with 290-horsepower, as well as a newly in-house developed 8-speed DCT transmission.

“The K5’s new look is definitely edgier than the previous generation Optima. The front end has a ‘tiger face’ which refers to the new grille that extends continuously into the headlights and hood. Along with the heart beat daytime running lights and taillights that span across the rear, these changes outside match Kia’s move to make this mid-size sedan sportier than ever.”

Things inside are not a total departure from the Optima, but there is a more polished presence, along with sleeker finishes.  And depending on trim, you’ll get either an 8 or 10-inch touchscreen; as well as wireless connection for your Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

“Pricing for the 2021 Kia K5 will start at $24,455 for front wheel drive and bump up to $27,555 for all-wheel drive. The K5 will be going on sale this summer but you’ll have to wait until the fall for the more powerful GT.”

 And we’ll have more on this new K5 on an upcoming episode of MotorWeek.