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2021 Kia K5 vs. 2020 Kia Optima
2021 Kia K5
vs.
2020 Kia Optima
$23,490
Starting Price
$23,390
180-hp four-cylinder
Base Engine
185-hp four-cylinder
290-hp turbo
Upgraded Engine
245-hp turbo
8-speed Automatic
Standard Transmission
6-speed Automatic
Available AWD
If you’ve heard people talking about the 2021 Kia K5 and wondered what to expect from the new model, you’re not alone. Northern Alabama drivers who were looking for a 2021 Kia Optima will find it in the 2021 Kia K5. The latest evolution of Kia’s mid-size sedan, the K5 is essentially the next generation of the Optima. What’s the difference between a 2020 Kia Optima and 2021 Kia K5? Quite a bit, actually. See what the future of Kia’s mid-size sedan looks like below.
Kia K5 vs. Kia Optima: Design & Dimensions
The first place where the K5 varies from the previous Optima is in its design. The 2021 K5 is wider, lower, and longer than the 2020 Optima, delivering a more aggressive look and feel as you drive around The Shoals. The result is a car that gives you more room, whether you’re doing your daily driving around Florence or taking the family on a trip.
When compared to the outgoing Optima, the Kia K5 has a more sophisticated, upscale interior. Not only is the cabin more spacious, it’s been engineered for a more quiet ride, and tech features like voice recognition and wireless charging have been improved over previous models.
Kia K5 vs. Kia Optima: Performance
One of the biggest ways the K5 differs from the Optima is the drivetrain. While front-wheel drive is standard on both models, the 2021 Kia K5 can be had with all-wheel drive. If you’re seeking a mid-size sedan that’s got a bit more grip on the pavement and feels exciting to drive around Muscle Shoals or Tuscumbia, the Kia K5 doesn’t stop with AWD — it offers a more powerful engine as well:
- The 2020 Kia Optima is available with a 245-hp 2.0L turbo with 260 lb-ft of torque.
- The 2021 Kia K5 can be driven home with a 290-hp 2.5L turbo with 311 lb-ft of torque.
In practical terms, the K5 GT is expected to go from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds — a full second faster than the comparable 2020 Optima.
Find Your Next Sedan at Greenway Kia of the Shoals
The rest of the world has called the Kia Optima the K5 for years, and now the American market is joining in. This bold new direction sets the Optima up to be one of the most powerful, energetic, and fun-to-drive vehicles in its class. Contact us to learn more about the Kia K5 vs. Kia Optima and when you can experience the K5 for yourself.
