| Kia Optima/K5 | |
| Manufacturer: | Kia |
| Aka: | Kia Magentis (2000–2010) Kia Optima (2000–2020) Kia Lotze (2005–2010) |
| Production: | 2000–present |
| Class: | Mid-size car (D) |
| Layout: | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (2020–present) |
| Predecessor: | Kia Credos |
| Model Years: | 2001–present |
The Kia K5, formerly known as the Kia Optima (Korean: 기아 옵티마), is a mid-size car manufactured by Kia since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second-generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze and Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States, Canada, Malaysia and the Middle East, where the Optima name was retained until the 2021 model year. The K5 name is used for all markets since the introduction of the fifth generation in 2019.
| First generation | |
| Model Code: | MS |
| Aka: | Kia Magentis (Europe and Canada) |
| Model Years: | 2001–2005 (North America) |
| Body Style: | 4-door sedan |
| Platform: | Hyundai-Kia Y4 |
| Related: | Hyundai Santa Fe Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Trajet Kia Carnival/Sedona |
| Wheelbase: | 27001NaN1 |
| Length: | 47451NaN1 |
| Width: | 2000–2005:18151NaN1 2002–2005:1820NaN |
| Height: | 14201NaN1 |
From 2000–2005, Optimas were a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, differing from the Sonata only in minor exterior styling details and equipment content. It was first shown in South Korea in July 2000 and was the first product of the Kia-Hyundai platform integration plan.
In Australia, the Optima was introduced in May 2001, offered only with a 2.5 L V6 engine, and choice of manual or automatic transmission. The updated Optima was offered with a new 2.7 L engine, 4-speed automatic (the manual was dropped), and features such as full leather interior and alloy wheels were made standard. Thanks in part to better marketing, sales increased to 41,289 units in 2005, an all-time high. The Optima was sold until 2006, when it was replaced by the Magentis.
The 2001 Optima received Poor to Average ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[1]
| Test | Rating | |
| Moderate overlap front: | Acceptable | |
| Side: | Poor | |
| Head restraints & seats: | Poor |
The 2002 Optima received a minor update. A luxurious version of the Optima was sold in South Korea as the "Optima Regal", using the 2-liter four or the 2.5-liter V6 only. The grille was redesigned for the United States in 2003 (2004 model year) to feature the Kia badge, and the headlamps were restyled for 2004 (2005 model year).
| Type | Model Years | Power | Torque | Market | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200?–2005 | at 6000 rpm | at 4500 rpm | South Korea | ||
| 1997cc 2.0 L Sirius II I4 | 2001–2002 | at 6000 rpm | at 4500 rpm | Global | |
| 2351cc 2.4 L Sirius II I4 | 2001–2002 | at 6000 rpm | at 4500 rpm | North America | |
| 2351cc 2.4 L Sirius II I4 | 2003–2006 | at 5500 rpm | at 3000 rpm | North America | |
| 2493cc 2.5 L Delta V6 | 2001 2000–2005 | at 6000 rpm at 6000 rpm | at 4000 rpm at 4000 rpm | North America Global | |
| 2656cc 2.7 L Delta V6 | 2002–2006 | at 6000 rpm | at 4000 rpm | North America |
| Second generation | |
| Model Code: | MG |
| Production: | 2005–2010 |
| Model Years: | 2006–2010 (North America) |
| Designer: | Peter Schreyer |
| Body Style: | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase: | 27201NaN1 |
| Length: | 4755- |
| Width: | 18201NaN1 |
| Height: | 14801NaN1 |
The second generation Optima, known as the Kia Magentis globally except in United States and Malaysia, and as the Kia Lotze in South Korea, was launched in South Korea in November 2005. This generation differed further from the Hyundai Sonata donor vehicle than the previous model. Unlike the previous Optima though, this vehicle uses a global platform, unique to Kia, designated "MG". The car continues to be built in South Korea and shares its 2.4-liter inline-four engine, five-speed Sportmatic automatic or five-speed manual transmission with the Sonata, The pre-facelift Kia K5 (MG) competed against the Citroën C5 DC/DE, 2004–2006 Chrysler Sebring, 2004–2007 Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord CL7/8/9, Honda Accord CM4/5/6/7/8, 2005-2008 American Ford Fusion, Ford Mondeo Mk3, Nissan Altima L31, Nissan Teana J31, Opel Vectra C, Mazda 6 GG1, Subaru Legacy (2003-2008), 2004–2007 Peugeot 407, Renault Laguna X74, Škoda Superb Typ 3U, Toyota Avensis T250, Toyota Camry (XV30), and the Volkswagen Passat (B6).
In addition to the 2.4-liter inline-four and the 2.7-liter V6 offered in North America, globally the Optima/Magentis/Lotze was also available with smaller, 1.8- or 2.0-liter fours, as well as a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. South Korean buyers also received and LPG-powered version of the 2.4. The second generation Optima was launched in Malaysia on 15 August 2007 powered by a 2.0-liter Theta DOHC CVVT engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Optima received a crash test rating of five stars from the NHTSA,[2] and four stars from Euro NCAP.[3] The 2006 Optima received Marginal to Good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[4]
| Test | Rating | |
| Overall: | ||
| Moderate overlap front: | Good | |
| Side: | Average | |
| Roof strength: | Marginal | |
| Head restraints & seats: | Good |
The Optima was revised and updated in 2008, debuting at the New York International Auto Show (as a 2009 model year). This update features new front-end styling and tail lamps. In addition to the revised exterior, length is also slightly increased by roughly 70mm to approximately 4800mm long. There is also a new engine and the interior has also been revised.[5] Main changes in the interior are a redesigned instrument cluster and a Sirius Satellite Radio/AM/FM/MP3/CD with an auxiliary jack. In certain markets, the option of satellite navigation is offered.
The new Theta II 2.4-liter I4 employs dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and a variable intake system (VIS) to increase power to 131kW, while returning improved fuel consumption over its predecessor. Torque is rated at 229Nm. There is a 2.0L I4 for other markets with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Power is rated at 1640NaN0 at 6200 RPM and 197Nm of torque. Acceleration for the 2.0L is 0km/h100km/h in 9.2 seconds for the 5-speed manual and 10.1 seconds for the 4-speed automatic. Top speed rated up to 2080NaN0 outside of the US. The 2.7-liter V6 offers few changes to the previous model, though power is increased to 144kW, and torque to 249Nm. Acceleration for the 5-speed automatic takes it from 0- in 8.9sec with a top speed up to 2200NaN0. A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the base model, and a five-speed automatic is included with mid- and high-end levels (or as an option in the base model).
2010 models see the addition of a Proximity Key with Push-Button Start and paddle shifters on SX models.
In Australia, the Magentis was introduced in August 2006, and replaced the Optima. Initially available with a choice of 2.4 L 4-cylinder or 2.7 L V6 engines, the Magentis' sales never caught on, with sales peaking at only 741 units in 2007. In 2008, the V6 engine was dropped, as was the EX-L model, leaving only the entry-level 2.4 L EX on sale until its discontinuation in 2009. While the facelifted 2010 model was never officially launched, a very small number were imported for "evaluation" purposes, and eventually sold to the public as demos.
| Type | Model Years | Power/rpm | Torque/rpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006.5–2008 | 1620NaN0 at 5800 | 1640NaN0 at 4000 | |
| 2359NaN 2.4 L Theta II I4 | 2009–2010 | 1750NaN0 at 6000 | 1690NaN0 at 4000 |
| 2656NaN 2.7 L Delta V6 | 2006 | 1700NaN0 at 6000 | 1810NaN0 at 4000 |
| 2656NaN 2.7 L Mu V6 | 2006.5–2008 | 1850NaN0 at 6000 | 1820NaN0 at 4000 |
| 2009–2010 | 1940NaN0 at 6000 | 1840NaN0 at 4500 | |
| Third generation | |
| Model Code: | TF |
| Aka: | Kia Optima |
| Production: | 2010–2015 |
| Model Years: | 2011–2015 (North America) |
| Body Style: | 4-door sedan |
| Related: | Hyundai Sonata (YF) |
| Wheelbase: | 2795mm |
| Length: | 4845mm |
| Width: | 1835mm |
| Height: | 1455mm |
| Weight: | 1391- (2.0L/2.4L) 1520- (2.0L Turbo) 1570- (Hybrid) |
The completely redesigned Optima, sharing the same platform as its sibling Hyundai i40, named the Kia K5 in the South Korean and Chinese markets, made its world debut at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. It features a much sleeker, sportier profile designed by new Kia design chief Peter Schreyer, following the new design language featured on the Kia Forte, Kia Sorento, and Kia Sportage and Kia Cadenza — and using Kia's new corporate grille, known as the Tiger Nose, also designed by Schreyer. Lead designer of the TF in the team of Peter Schreyer and Miklos Kovacs was the Italian Davide Limongelli. For the first time, this model will be using the Optima name worldwide, where the Magentis name had been used previously.
As with its Hyundai Sonata sibling, the Optima's lineup has been replaced with a GDI 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, either mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Eco dash display, or to a 6-speed manual transmission that is standard on only the LX model. Sales began in fall 2010. The new K5 was released in the South Korean market on 29 April 2010.
The new Optima retains its trim lines of the base LX, upscale EX, and sporty SX models. Standard equipment includes safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS brakes, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio, cooled glove box, iPod connectivity, and handsfree Bluetooth phone operation. Starting in October 2013, on LX models, Kia will offer the UVO infotainment system by Microsoft as part of the convenience package. EX model options include Kia's new UVO infotainment system by Microsoft, integrated backup camera, and Proximity Key with Push-Button Start. A panoramic moonroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a navigation system are also available. SX models add a rear spoiler, metal pedals, black hybrid metal and carbon insert trim, paddle shifters, and illuminated scuff plates. The third generation Optima came with two different ignition options. On some, the ignition is fitted to the steering column with a turn key. In certain specifications, the keyhole is inside of the glove box, with a start button located on the dashboard.
A Hybrid model and a Turbo model were also released. In addition, a wagon version was planned for European markets, and two-door coupé version was mooted for the United States. however they were never released.[6] The turbo model has the same powertrain as the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T.[7] The turbocharged model has 2740NaN0 and 269lbft of torque in the North American model.[8] The car is estimated to obtain 34mpgus on the highway.[9]
The third generation Kia Optima is built and manufactured in West Point, Georgia, which began in 2011 with the 2012 model.
In Australia, the new Optima went on sale in January 2011. Initially available in only one grade, the highly specified "Platinum", it was later joined by an entry-level "Si" model in the 2012 model year. Both models feature a 2.4L GDI engine with 6-speed automatic. A manual was not offered.
The facelifted 2014 model was unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show in March.
The third generation Kia Optima was launched in Malaysia on 27 December 2011 powered by a 2.0 liter Theta II MPI engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission[10] and in January 2014 the facelift version was launched in Malaysia.[11]
The 2011 Optima received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[12]
| Test | Rating | |
| Overall: | ||
| Small overlap front: | Average | |
| Moderate overlap front: | Good | |
| Side: | Good | |
| Roof strength: | Good | |
| Head restraints & seats: | Good |
In a March 2012 comparison test by Car and Driver, the Optima came in third place out of six cars behind the first place Volkswagen Passat and the second place Honda Accord.[13]
| Model | Years | Transmission | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) (Official) | Top Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | |||||||
| 2.0L Nu MPi | 2013–2015 | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic | at 6500 rpm at 6700 rpm | at 4800 rpm at 4800 rpm | 9.8s (Manual) 10.6s (Automatic) | (Manual) (Automatic) | |
| 2.0L Nu MPi HEV | 2011–2015 | 6–speed automatic | at 5500 rpm | 9.4s | |||
| 2.0L Theta II MPi | 2010–2013 | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic | at 6200 rpm | at 4600 rpm | 9.8s (Manual) 10.9s (Automatic) | (Manual) (Automatic) | |
| 2.0L Theta II GDi Turbo | 2011–2015 | 6-speed automatic | at 6000 rpm | at 1750-4500 rpm | 6.8s | ||
| 2.4L Theta II MPi | 2010–2015 | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic | at 6000 rpm | at 4000 rpm | 9.1s (Manual) 9.5s (Automatic) | ||
| 2.4L Theta II GDi | 6-speed automatic | at 6300 rpm | at 4250 rpm | 9.0s | |||
| LPG | |||||||
| 2.0L Nu LPi | 2011–2015 | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic | at 6200 rpm | at 4200 rpm | |||
| 2.0L Theta II LPi | 2010–2011 | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic | at 6000 rpm | at 4250 rpm | |||
| Diesel | |||||||
| 1.7L U II CRDi | 2010–2015 | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic | at 4000 rpm | at 2000–2500 rpm | 10.3s (Manual) 11.6s (Automatic) | (Manual) (Automatic) | |
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid was unveiled at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, and was launched in the U.S. market in June 2011. During its first month in the market sold 524 units.[14] Considering cumulative sales in the U.S. market through December 2011, with 19,672 units sold, together the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Kia Optima Hybrid ranked second in hybrid sales for calendar year 2011, after the Toyota Prius.[15]
The Optima Hybrid uses the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-liter MPI engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 30kW electric motor and lightweight lithium polymer batteries to produce a full gasoline-electric hybrid with an estimated fuel consumption of 37mpgus city and 39mpgus highway.[16] The Optima Hybrid is able to travel up to 100kph in full electric mode, which helps it stand apart from many competitors.[17] Korean and European markets will get the Optima Hybrid with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.[18]
The only externally apparent features that differentiate it from the Kia Optima are the hybrid badging, application specific wheel design, a lowered ride height by approximately 1inches, and the availability of a special light platinum graphite paint color. It also utilizes an active shutter system behind the upper grille, allowing the car to redirect airflow when the gas engine's heat levels allow (such as when the car is operating in EV mode to improve aerodynamics, or to assist in more rapid warming up of the gas engine).[19]
In September 2011, the Optima Hybrid set a Guinness World Record for "Lowest Fuel Consumption in a Hybrid Gasoline Vehicle" while driving across the continental United States for 14 days, starting from the Kia factory in West Point, Georgia. In its 7,899-mile drive across the 48 states, the car recorded an average of 64.55 miles per gallon while consuming a total of five and a half tanks of gasoline. In order to qualify for the record, the car had two people and luggage throughout the entire trip.[20] [21]
| Fourth generation | |
| Model Code: | JF |
| Aka: | Kia Optima |
| Production: | 2015–2020 |
| Model Years: | 2016–2020 (North America) |
| Designer: | Peter Schreyer |
| Related: | Hyundai Sonata (LF) |
| Wheelbase: | 28051NaN1 |
| Length: | 4855mm |
| Width: | 1860mm |
| Height: | 1465mm |
| Weight: | 1440kg-1565kgkg (3,180lb-3,450lbkg) (Gasoline) 1510kg-1535kgkg (3,330lb-3,384lbkg) (Diesel) 1580kg-1600kgkg (3,480lb-3,500lbkg) (Hybrid) |
The 2016 Kia Optima went on-sale towards the end of 2015. It shares a platform with the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, and offers a new design, with new features and enhancements.[22] As with the previous-generation Optima, the new model was designed by Kia's Chief of Design, Peter Schreyer. Unveiled at the 10th Seoul Motor Show in April 2015, the new K5 was released in the South Korean market on 15 July 2015.
For the Malaysian market, the fourth generation Kia Optima was launched in May 2017 powered by the Theta II 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission.[23]
At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, Kia revealed the Sportswagon variant of the Optima. Developed mainly for the European market by Kia's European design team, Kia says the model represents a significant growth opportunity in Europe, as two thirds of all models sold in the class are estates, rising to three quarters when looking purely at fleet sales. In its case, Kia says the estate could outsell the sedan version six to one.[24]
| Gasoline engines | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Years | Transmission | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) (Official) | Top Speed |
| 1.6L Gamma II T-GDi | 2015–2019 | 7–speed dual clutch | at 5500 rpm | at 1500–4500 rpm | 8.9s | |
| 2.0L Nu GDi HEV | 6–speed automatic | at 6000 rpm | 9.4s | |||
| 2.0L Nu MPi | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic | at 6500 rpm | at 4800 rpm | 9.4s (Manual) 10.5s (Automatic) | (Manual) (Automatic) | |
| 2.0L Theta II T-GDi | 6-speed automatic | at 6000 rpm | at 1350-4000 rpm | 7.6s | (Sedan) (Wagon) | |
| 2.4L Theta II GDi | at 6000 rpm | at 4000 rpm | 9.1s | |||
| 2.0L Nu LPi | 2015–2021 | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic | at 6200 rpm at 6200 rpm | at 4800 rpm at 4800 rpm | ||
| 1.6L U II CRDi | 2018–2019 | 6-speed manual 7-speed dual clutch | at 4000 rpm | at 2000–2250 rpm | 11.2s (Manual) 11.8s (DCT) | (Manual) (DCT) |
| 1.7L U II CRDi | 2015–2018 | at 4000 rpm | at 1750–2500 rpm | 10.2s (Manual) 11.1s (DCT) | ||
A plug-in hybrid variant was unveiled at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. The Kia Optima PHEV shares the powertrain of the Hyundai Sonata PHEV, and like its sibling, it has a 9.8 kWh battery pack that delivers an all-electric range of 27miles, but the Optima plug-in hybrid has a lower drag coefficient, which at 0.24 Cd is on par with the all-electric Tesla Model S. The Optima PHEV has an active grille, which automatically opens and closes at high and low speeds, contributing to reduce the Cd.[25] The plug-in hybrid features a 50 kW electric motor and 2.0-liter “Nu” four-cylinder GDI engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.[26]
Retail deliveries began in the United States in January 2017 with 40 units sold.[27]
The facelifted Kia Optima was officially revealed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. In January, the facelifted Kia K5 was introduced in South Korean market.
The 2017 Optima received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[28]
| Test | Rating | |
| Overall: | ||
| Small overlap front: | Good | |
| Moderate overlap front: | Good | |
| Side: | Good | |
| Roof strength: | Good | |
| Head restraints & seats: | Good | |
| Front crash prevention: | Superior | |
| Headlights: | Good | |
| Child seat anchors (Latch) ease of use: | Acceptable |
The Optima is a two-time winner of the International Car of the Year award. it also won the 2016 Red Dot "Best of the Best" Award.[29]
The Kia Optima Convertible Concept was shown in 2015; a 4-door concept car similar to the Kia Optima sedan without a roof and rear-hinged doors for the rear passengers in place of the front-hinged doors of the production car.[30]
| Fifth generation | |
| Model Code: | DL3 |
| Production: | 2019–present |
| Model Years: | 2021–present |
| Designer: | Kim Sung-Wook[31] [32] |
| Platform: | Hyundai-Kia N3[33] [34] |
| Related: | Hyundai Sonata (DN8) |
| Drivetrain: | Parallel hybrid |
| Wheelbase: | 28501NaN1[35] 29001NaN1 (China) |
| Length: | 49051NaN1 4980mm (China) |
| Width: | 18601NaN1 |
| Height: | 14451NaN1 |
| Weight: | 1410- |
The fifth generation Optima is badged as the K5 worldwide.[36] It was first unveiled in November 2019 and released in South Korea on 12 December 2019. Its overall design is similar to that of the Sonata, with a fastback-like profile, a trend that began in the 1940s. However, the styling is unique, featuring Z-shaped running lights, a textured grille and a chrome strip that runs along the window line and becomes more prominent at the C-pillar. The interior has been redesigned significantly as well, with an optional 12.3-inch digital cluster and 10.3-inch center screen, augmented by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an optional 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Under the hood, engines mostly mirror that of the Sonata, with the base 4-cylinder turbo 1.6-liter engine producing 180 hp and 195 lb⋅ft of torque[37] and the GT receiving a high-performance 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit with 286 hp and 311 lb⋅ft of torque. All-wheel drive is newly available on some trim levels, distinguishing it from the Sonata.
Depending on the market, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) with Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind-spot Collision-avoid Assist (BCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) or Navigation-based SCC (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Highway Driving Assist (HDA).
Kia was confirmed that the car is not to be available for the European markets or any right-hand-drive markets (such as Asia, Australasia and Africa) due to the shrinking traditional sedan market.[38] [39]
The K5 facelift was revealed on 25 October 2023 in South Korea, and at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show for the 2025 model year in North America. Changes include redesigned headlights and taillights, new front bumper with larger faux vents, new exhaust pipes for non-sportier trim levels, new exterior colours, new alloy wheel designs, an updated interior with a pair of 12inches screens, the traditional gear lever replaced by a rotary selector, and new technological features.[40] [41] The facelifted K5 also ditched the turbocharged 1.6L base engine with a 2.5L 4 cylinder making 191 horsepower and 181 foot pounds of torque.
In June 2020, Kia unveiled the US-market K5, renaming it from the Optima.[42] Both the 1.6-liter turbocharged and 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Smartstream inline four-cylinder gasoline engines will be available with either front wheel drive or all wheel drive; the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is available only in front wheel drive and is mated to an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.[43] Trim levels include LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. US specification models will be assembled at Kia's West Point, Georgia assembly plant (KMMG).
| Gasoline engines | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Years | Transmission | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) (Official) | Top Speed |
| Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi | 2020–present | 7–speed dual clutch | at 5500 rpm | at 1500–4000 rpm | ||
| Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi | 2019–present | 8–speed automatic | at 5500 rpm | at 1500–4500 rpm | ||
| Smartstream G2.0 LPi | 6–speed automatic | at 6000 rpm | at 4200 rpm | |||
| Smartstream G2.0 MPi | at 6500 rpm | at 4800 rpm | 10.6s | |||
| Smartstream G2.0 Hybrid | at 6000 rpm | |||||
| Smartstream G2.0 T-GDi | 2020–present | 8–speed automatic | at 6000 rpm | at 1500–4000 rpm | ||
| Smartstream G2.5 GDi | 2019–present | at 6100 rpm | at 4000 rpm | 8.6s | ||
| Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi | 8–speed dual clutch | at 6000 rpm | at 1750–4000 rpm | 6.6s[50] | ||
The 2021–2022 K5 was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.
| NHTSA (US)[51] | IIHS (US)[52] | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Small overlap front, driver side | Small overlap front, driver | Good | |
| Frontal, driver | Small overlap front, passenger side | Small overlap front, passenger | Good | |
| Frontal, passenger | Moderate overlap front | Moderate overlap front | Good | |
| Side, driver | Side | Side | Good | |
| Side, rear passenger | Roof strength | Roof strength | Good | |
| Side pole | Head restraints & seats | Good | ||
| Rollover | / 10.70% | Headlights | Good/Acceptable/Marginal/Poor (depending on trim) | |
| Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle | Superior | |||
| Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-pedestrian | Superior/Advanced (depending on trim) | |||
| LATCH ease of use | Acceptable | |||
The third generation Kia Optima was an official entry in the Pirelli World Challenge. In June 2012, Michael Galati drove the Infinity Audio-sponsored Optima to Kia's first victory in round 8 of the 2012 season at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, while teammate Mark Wilkins finished in second place.[53]
Kia Racing clinched the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge Grand Touring Sport (GTS) Class Manufacturer Championship in only its third season of competition. Kia defeated rivals Ford, Chevrolet, Porsche, Aston Martin and Nissan to become the first Korean auto manufacturer to win the championship. Kia Racing finished the season with 13 podium finishes, including 5 race wins. Meanwhile, the turbocharged Optima race cars led more on-track miles than any other manufacturer in the class this season.
The race car weighs 2950lb and is powered by an inline 4-cylinder engine generating 368 horsepower and uses a 6-speed sequential transmission. It reaches 0to in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 160mph.[54]
| Calendar year | United States[55] | South Korea[56] | Global | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 97 | 31,505 | ||
| 2001 | 25,912 | 52,892 | ||
| 2002 | 26,793 | 48,032 | ||
| 2003 | 34,681 | 31,817 | ||
| 2004 | 53,492 | 29,956 | ||
| 2005 | 41,349 | 34,657 | ||
| 2006 | 38,408 | 34,704 | ||
| 2007 | 40,901 | 32,711 | ||
| 2008 | 44,904 | 43,958 | ||
| 2009 | 37,527 | 49,054 | ||
| 2010 | 27,382 | 79,491 | ||
| 2011 | 84,590 | 87,452 | ||
| 2012 | 152,399 | 77,952 | 259,551[57] | |
| 2013 | 155,893 | 63,007 | ||
| 2014 | 159,020 | 49,000 | 300,685[58] | |
| 2015 | 159,414 | 58,619 | 308,683[59] | |
| 2016 | 124,203 | 44,636 | 238,281[60] | |
| 2017 | 107,493 | 38,184 | ||
| 2018 | 101,603 | 48,502 | ||
| 2019 | 96,623 | 39,668 | ||
| 2020 | 80,140 | 84,550 | ||
| 2021 | 92,342 | 59,499 | ||
| 2022 | 66,298 | 31,498 | ||
| 2023 | 64,772 | 34,579 |