IS THE KIA K5 THE SAME AS THE KIA OPTIMA?

The Kia K5 is not the same as the Kia Optima, as it’s a completely new model that improves on the Optima, essentially creating a new generation of the Optima, but now as a K5. There are many changes found in this all-new model, including an improved engine, a larger design and more premium materials and features present. Read on with us at 401 Dixie Kia as we delve into the evolution of the Optima to the K5, the differences found between these two different yet similar models and some choice highlights of the K5.

Explore our main overview of the 2022 Kia K5, as well as their trim differences.

View our K5 comparisons here: vs. Honda Accord, vs. Nissan Altima

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The Kia K5 is the Next Generation of the Kia Optima
Gone is the Kia Optima, and in its place is the all-new Kia K5, advancing on all that made the Kia Optima so great in the first place. This replacement is here for all of those drivers who have loved the Optima for years, but are ready for the next evolution in this midsize family sedan. The K5 improves on the Optima’s family sedan features by still representing all those that made it such a comprehensive choice, but while turning it into something even more head-turning with an incredibly sporty design, and performance specs under the hood to match. Ready to experience this new direction of the K5?

Rear side view of Kia Optima with Optima lettering
Differences Between the K5 and the Optima
It’s not just a changing of names from the Optima to the K5, the K5 went hard at work delivering a better driving experience for not only the driver, but for all those who along with you. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two comes in the form of the drivetrain and engine. Front-wheel drive comes on both but the K5 can also be had with all-wheel drive, which is music to the ears of us Canadian drivers. The height of the K5 engine has been upgraded from the Optima on its top trims:

Optima: 2.0L Turbo engine with 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
K5: 2.5L Turbo engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Not only in performance does the K5 offer more than the Optima but in build and style as well. The K5’s design is wider, lower and longer than the previous Optima model, which helps create the K5’s more dramatic look and feel that highlights its sport sedan characteristics. The interior has been designed to be both more spacious and feel more premium thanks to high quality materials and advanced tech. The K5 proves itself a worthy upgrade due to its wide variety of changes as it establishes itself as an all-new Kia model of supreme note.

Kia K5 Feature Highlights
The Kia K5 is more than just its comparison against the outgoing Optima, as it’s a worthy sport family sedan all by itself. Want to see what makes the first-ever K5 such a revelation in this Kia car lineup? Explore these highlighted features, creating one of the most comprehensive Kia cars available:

Sporty design
All-wheel drive
2.5L Turbo engine (GT trim)
10.25-inch multimedia screen
Heated steering wheel
Heated and air-cooled front seats
Bose premium sound system
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
Shop for an All-New Kia K5 at 401 Dixie Kia
There’s no better way to see all of the advancements and upgrades the Kia K5 has made over the Optima than experiencing one for yourself. And there’s no better place to do that here in Mississauga than with us at 401 Dixie Kia. If you have any questions about the outgoing Optima, the all-new K5 or how to begin the process of getting a K5 all for yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.