The Kia K5 (), formerly known as the Kia Optima (), 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 (MS; 2000)
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.
Safety The 2001 Optima received Poor to Average ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
TestRatingModerate overlap front:AcceptableSide:PoorHead restraints & seats:Poor
Update 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).
Engines TypeModel YearsPowerTorqueMarket 1.8 L Beta II I4 200?–2005 at 6000 rpm at 4500 rpm South Korea 2.0 L Sirius II I4 2001–2002 at 6000 rpm at 4500 rpm Global 2.4 L Sirius II I4 2001–2002 at 6000 rpm at 4500 rpm North America 2.4 L Sirius II I4 2003–2006 at 5500 rpm at 3000 rpm North America 2.5 L Delta V620012000–2005 at 6000 rpm at 6000 rpm at 4000 rpm at 4000 rpm North AmericaGlobal 2.7 L Delta V62002–2006 at 6000 rpm at 4000 rpm North America
Second generation (MG; 2005)
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.
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.
Safety The Optima received a crash test rating of five stars from the NHTSA, and four stars from Euro NCAP. The 2006 Optima received Marginal to Good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
TestRatingOverall:Moderate overlap front:GoodSide:AverageRoof strength:MarginalHead restraints & seats:Good
Update
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 to approximately long. There is also a new engine and the interior has also been revised. 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 , while returning improved fuel consumption over its predecessor. Torque is rated at . There is a 2.0L I4 for other markets with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Power is rated at at 6200 RPM and of torque. Acceleration for the 2.0L is in 9.2 seconds for the 5-speed manual and 10.1 seconds for the 4-speed automatic. Top speed rated up to outside of the US. The 2.7-liter V6 offers few changes to the previous model, though power is increased to , and torque to . Acceleration for the 5-speed automatic takes it from in 8.9sec with a top speed up to . 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.
U.S. engines TypeModel YearsPower/rpmTorque/rpm 2.4 L Theta I4 2006.5–2008 at 5800 at 4000 2.4 L Theta II I42009–2010 at 6000 at 4000 2.7 L Delta V62006 at 6000 at 4000 2.7 L Mu V62006.5–2008 at 6000 at 40002009–2010 at 6000 at 4500
Third generation (TF; 2010)
The completely redesigned Optima, sharing the same platform as its sibling Hyundai i40, marked the introduction of the Kia K5 name - in the South Korean and Chinese markets only, for this generation. It made its world debut at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. It features a new profile designed by 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 four-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.
Kia Optima assembly in Iraq In 2015, the Babylon Automobile Plant, located in Babylon Governorate, Iraq, began assembling the Kia Optima from complete knock-down (CKD) kits. The operation was part of a partnership between Iraqi state-owned enterprises and Kia’s regional distributors. Imported body shells, engines, transmissions, and other components were assembled locally on production lines that included chassis fitting, engine installation, interior trim, and quality-control testing. The plant’s reported capacity ranged from 24 to 44 vehicles per day, depending on model mix and demand. While most major components were imported, the facility aimed to increase local content over time, supporting Iraq’s efforts to revive its automotive assembly industry.
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. The turbo model has the same powertrain as the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. The turbocharged model has and of torque in the North American model. The car is estimated to obtain on the highway.
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 and in January 2014 the facelift version was launched in Malaysia.
Safety The 2011 Optima received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
TestRatingOverall:Small overlap front:AverageModerate overlap front:GoodSide:GoodRoof strength:GoodHead restraints & seats:Good
Reception 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.
Powertrain
ModelYearsTransmissionPowerTorque0–100 km/h(0–62 mph)(Official)Top SpeedGasoline2.0L Nu MPi2013–20156-speed manual6-speed automatic at 6500 rpm at 6700 rpm at 4800 rpm at 4800 rpm9.8s (Manual)10.6s (Automatic) (Manual) (Automatic)2.0L Nu MPi HEV2011–20156–speed automatic at 5500 rpm9.4s2.0L Theta II MPi2010–20136-speed manual6-speed automatic at 6200 rpm at 4600 rpm9.8s (Manual)10.9s (Automatic) (Manual) (Automatic)2.0L Theta II GDi Turbo2011–20156-speed automatic at 6000 rpm at 1750-4500 rpm6.4s2.4L Theta II MPi2010–20156-speed manual6-speed automatic at 6000 rpm at 4000 rpm9.1s (Manual)9.5s (Automatic)2.4L Theta II GDi6-speed automatic at 6300 rpm at 4250 rpm9.0sLPG2.0L Nu LPi2011–20156-speed manual6-speed automatic at 6200 rpm at 4200 rpm2.0L Theta II LPi2010–20116-speed manual6-speed automatic at 6000 rpm at 4250 rpmDiesel1.7L U II CRDi2010–20156-speed manual6-speed automatic at 4000 rpm at 2000–2500 rpm10.3s (Manual)11.6s (Automatic) (Manual) (Automatic)
Hybrid version