See Photos of the 2021 Kia Optima (Korean-spec)
The fifth generation of Kia's mid-size sedan gets the bland-to-bold treatment that's helped transform its maker.
The 2021 Kia Optima is the fifth generation of the Korean automaker's mid-size sedan. Its unmistakable exterior styling, upscale interior environment, and bevy of popular features make it a compelling replacement to the outgoing model. Read the full story here.
The car shown here is the Korean-spec Optima, which is called the K5 overseas. There's a chance this name will be applied to the U.S. version, but Kia hasn't revealed that yet.
The new Optima is mechanically similar to its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Sonata. While the two share a platform, powertrain options, and other less obvious things, each mid-size sedan is given unique aesthetics.
The Optima feeds the front wheels through a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four that hooks up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine is expected to make about 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
The Optima isn't the most entertaining mid-size sedan to drive, especially compared with the Honda Accord and Mazda 6, but its unobtrusive powertrain operation and quiet ride make it enjoyable to spend time in.
Inside, the Optima boasts a smart design that's enhanced by attractive materials and popular features. Our test car had ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, wireless charging, and a panoramic sunroof.
The most arresting part of the interior is the dashboard's dazzling displays. The driver faces a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that has customizable themes. The 10.3-inch touchscreen that sits alongside is filled with desirable content such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Optima's interior is not only appealing to the eyes, but it's comfortable to the limbs. The back seat in particular offers plenty of space for long-legged passengers as well as a useful fold-down armrest and rear HVAC vents.
Among the many striking design cues that draw attention to the Optima are zigzag running lights that outline the headlights and the unique taillights that span the rear end and look like a heartbeat monitor.
The Optima is great because of the attention to detail that Kia put into it. For example, it has a floor-mounted gas pedal that driving enthusiasts appreciate and secondary controls such as the window switches that have a raised edge for a more premium feel.
While we mainly have compliments for the Optima's well-built interior, we wish its infotainment system and climate controls had more physical switchgear. Their touch-sensitive functions may look sophisticated to some, but they're also more distracting to the driver.
2021 Kia Optima (Korean-spec)
2021 Kia Optima (Korean-spec)
2021 Kia Optima (Korean-spec)
2021 Kia Optima (Korean-spec)
2021 Kia Optima (Korean-spec)
2021 Kia Optima (Korean-spec)
2021 Kia Optima (Korean-spec)
2021 Kia Optima (Korean-spec)
2021 Kia Optima (Korean-spec)
2021 Kia Optima (Korean-spec)
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