2021 Kia K5 listing indicates Optima name is no more
2021 Kia K5 listing indicates Optima name is no more
Posted on May 26, 2020
The Kia Optima is one of my favourite sedans. It looks great, drives well, has a silky engine and transmission and can include every piece of tech you could need. We had known Kia was considering dropping the Optima name from its lineup for a while now but a recent filing with the US EPA seems to confirm that is really is happening.
Kia began canvassing for opinion on the potential change last year. It began with asking journalists and then dealers and the general public. We don’t know what the replies were like but it seems Kia has gone ahead with the name change.
The next Kia Optima will very likely be called the Kia K5 instead. It will also offer AWD which is better news.
Just as Lincoln realizes real names work better than designations, Kia goes the other way. Still, at least the car itself is still awesome!
2020 Kia Optima
The 2020 Kia Optima is one of the remaining few quality midsize sedans that still holds its own. It has a modern interior, lots of technology, superb dimensions and excellent engines. All wrapped up in a very tidy shell.
The Optima is known for looking like a fastback but with sedan practicality. It looks fast even though it’s a sensible car and makes quite the statement whether moving or sitting on your driveway. It’s an attractive proposition in more ways than one.
Inside, passenger space is generous with room for four adults. Front seats are adjustable, upholstery is of a good quality, the leather is an excellent upgrade and the simple dashboard offers an understated elegance to the driving experience.
Engine and mechanicals
The 2020 Kia Optima uses a range of engines. A 2.4-litre four that produces 185 hp, a turbocharged 2.4-litre that produces 178 hp, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder that produces 245 hp and a hybrid 2.0-litre with a 1.6 kWh battery pack that produces 154 hp.
Finally, the plug-in hybrid uses a 9.8 kWh battery pack and electric motor for the equivalent of 202 hp.
All use a mixture of six or seven speed automatic transmission.
The 2019 Optima was rated Top Safety Pick+ by the US IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA thanks to LED lighting, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control, adaptive cruise control and stability control.
The 2020 Kia Optima is a top performer in its class and offers amazing value for money given what it brings to the table. It looks great, drives well and has enough room for all the family and cargo at once. As long as you buy the LED lighting, you’re getting top safety scores too!