The Kia K5 vs. Kia Optima – What’s the Difference?

Inquiring minds in Riverside want to know, “Is the Kia Optima discontinued?” Did the Kia K5 replace the Optima? In 2021, Kia dropped the “Optima” name and renamed the model in the U.S. to feature the same name it carries in South Korea, “K5.” However, is that the only difference between the Kia K5 vs. Kia Optima? To clarify things, we’ve put together a Kia K5 vs. Optima comparison below.

Is the Kia Optima Discontinued?

If you’ve enjoyed driving past model years of the Kia Optima on your Corona commute, you may have been disappointed not to have found any new models under that name. Is the Kia Optima discontinued? No, that model is still in production, just under another name.

Did the Kia K5 Replace the Optima?

So, did the Kia K5 replace the Optima? The Optima hasn’t technically been replaced, per se. The K5 is the same model, just under a different name. There have been some improvements, however, since the name change, and we talk about those below in our Kia K5 vs. Optima comparison.

Kia K5 vs. Kia Optima – Is There a Difference?

There’s really no need for a Kia K5 vs. Optima debate. The Kia K5 has retained everything Fontana drivers loved about the Kia Optima – the sleek style, the sporty performance, great gas mileage, and the cool features. However, there have been some upgrades to this sedan that are sure to make folks love it even more. Here is a list of some of those improvements:

Kia K5 vs. Kia Optima – Improvements

• All-wheel drive is now an option.
• The base transmission was upgraded from a 6-speed to an 8-speed.
• The dimensions are a tad longer, while the wheelbase is a little wider, allowing for a smoother ride.
• There is a wider selection of colors for the interior.
• The K5 comes standard with two-tone wood trim for the interior.
• There is now a standard 8-inch touchscreen in the dash, which can be updated to a 10.3-inch touchscreen.
• The GT trim has been added, which features a turbocharged 2.5L I-4 engine that can crank out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

Check Out the New Kia K5 at Riverside Kia

Why not come see the new Kia K5 yourself in our showroom? We’ll be glad to help you drive home in one of your own. And, if you’d like to learn more, check out our post on the 2022 Kia K5 trims and our side-by-side comparison of the K5 with the Honda Accord. We’re just down the road from San Bernardino. So, drop by or contact us today.