All-new 5th-Generation 2021 Kia Optima To Be Renamed K5

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• The Optima is named K5 in its home market of South Korea.

• K5 name was accidentally leaked by the EPA.

• Listed model features AWD and turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine.

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The all-new Kia midsize sedan demonstrates how important the segment is for the Korean manufacturer. The all-new 2021 Kia K5, its new name to go with a whole new outlook on life, will feature AWD, a sleek fastback body, and a number of technological improvements. Previously known as the Optima, the Kia’s new “K5” name appears to have been leaked by the EPA.

Many assumed that the new generation of Kia’s midsize sedan would adopt the car’s name, which has been in use in its home market. On the EPA’s Fuel Economy website, the 2021 Kia K5 is listed however there’s no Optima. In Canada, if the name change applies, this will mark the car’s third name since its introduction in 2000 – it started out as the Magentis, if you recall.

Also interesting is that the displayed powertrain on the site is that of a turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and AWD. As such, this is confirmation that the new K5 will in fact be available with AWD. The 1.6T is good for 178-horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500-4,500 rpm.

This same car is offered with a number of engines, exactly like its unidentical cousin, the new Hyundai Sonata, including the turbocharged 2.5-litre 4-cylinder. Should it be mated to AWD, with 290-horsepower and 311 torques on tap, we could be looking at an impressive performance sedan.

Among the many upgrades to the cabin, the new Kia K5 can be equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a new 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster, and an optional 8.0-inch head-up display.

The car is expected to arrive later this summer.