2021 KIA K5 Officially Revealed For U.S. Market As Optima’s Much Sexier Replacement

Kia has finally revealed the new 2021 K5 mid-size sedan for the North American market as the replacement of the Optima, with the new car featuring a much sharper visual presence thanks to the company’s new design language.

The new Kia K5 is based upon the new ‘N3’ platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Sonata, making it longer by 2 inches, wider by an inch, and lower by 0.8 inches. The wheelbase is also stretched by 1.8 inches.

Bolder design

The more aggressive proportions of the 2021 Kia K5 are now backed up by Kia’s bold new design direction, making the new mid-size model one of the most striking sedans to look at. The front end is dominated by the new version of the brand’s so-called “tiger face”, which includes a wide and thin front grille that extends into the headlights and the hood.

Watch Also: 2021 Kia K5 And Hyundai Sonata Compared Side-By-Side

There are plenty of design details to go through here: the slim headlights feature a pair of ‘Heartbeat’ daytime running lights, the roofline gets a chrome trim piece while the rear glass features a gloss black applique to “enhance the fastback shape”, despite being essentially a sedan.

Customers in the US will be initially offered a choice between four trim levels (LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX), followed by the addition of the range-topping GT variant later down the line.

Two turbo engines and AWD for the first time

The base version of the 2021 Kia K5 will be using the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 HP and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia will also make this powertrain optionally available with an all-wheel-drive system in late 2020 for the very first time in the model’s history.

The range-topping Kia K5 GT model will be powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as expected, producing 290 HP and 311 lb-ft (421 Nm) of torque. This engine will be bolted to an in-house developed eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, allowing the K5 to complete the 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

The interior follows suit with the latest tech features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto -a first for a Kia-, a choice between 8- and 10.25-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system with navigation with real-time traffic data, UVO telematics, and natural-voice recognition, as well as a faster wireless charging system for keeping your smartphone’s battery topped up. All trim levels will also come with improved sound-deadening materials and an acoustic laminated windscreen for a quieter, more comfortable cabin.

Other smart features include Remote Engine Start and Climate, a “Sound of Nature” ambient system designed to create a “peaceful retreat” inside the new Kia K5 with six calming themes, as well as an Active Sound Design system that “provides a dynamic auditory experience by enhancing the sound of engine acceleration and gear shifts”.

The active safety equipment list is pretty long too, featuring everything from Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Following Assist as standard to Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve and Highway Driving Assist as options.

Sales start this summer

The new K5 will reach Kia showrooms across the USA this summer in LX, LXS, GT-Line and EX with the 1.6-liter turbo engine, with the more potent 2.0-liter turbo GT version to follow later in the fall.