Kia Optima transforms into K5 in 2021 model

Kia has redesigned the Optima and renamed it K5 for 2021, making it consistent with the sedan’s global nameplate.

The Korean automaker has thus given the 2021 model a new look and a new family-sedan identity.

The latest edition is longer, lower and wider than the sedan it replaces and Kia says it will be available with all-wheel drive.

Powered by a 180-hp 1.6-litre turbo-4 or a coming 290-hp turbo-4, it has an alert, engaged companion for family drivers charmed as well by its strong warranty coverage and value, according to the Car Connection.

Built with a sharper style than Kia’s outgoing Optima, the K5 has deeply sculpted sides, a hawk-like nose bracketed by LED lighting, and a long band of metallic trim that soars along a roofline that is dropped the visual party trick of blacked-out trim that gave the Optima a “floating” roof.

Inside the K5’s more ritzy versions, open-pore wood and synthetic leather upholstery pull off the business-class look of the Telluride and Stinger, while GT-Line models and those below have more hard plain trim.

Longer in wheelbase, the K5 has more front-seat space to go with swell front-seat buckets.

Four adults fit easily, with room for a slim fifth and 16 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk.

Kia says every 2021 K5 has automatic emergency braking, touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and five years or 60,000 miles of warranty coverage.

Options range from adaptive cruise control to Bose premium audio, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, woodgrain trim, synthetic leather upholstery—and cooled front seats.

Others are reverse parking sensors, a 10.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, power front passenger seat and heated steering wheel.

The new car’s dramatic shape can read a little busy, and its interior looks best in the more expensive versions, says the Car Connection, adding, “We give it a styling score of 8 (out of 10).”

The new K5’s signature feature, like the related Hyundai Sonata, is in lights that slash around the sides and into the honeycomb grille.

It wears a new grille that’s more hawkish, underscored by creases in the hoods that angle toward its beak.

Engine performance

Most K5 models are motivated by a 180-hp turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission, Car and Driver says in its review.

The engine comes standard with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional, but not on the GT model.

“The front-drive, 180-hp K5 we drove demonstrated decent acceleration around town, and our testing revealed a 7.0-second trip to 60 mph,” it states.

Interior comfort

Inside the K5, the car really looks amazing. The layout is said to be both sophisticated and straightforward, and the cabin comes with attractive materials such as wood trim on the dash and doors.

The K5 offers an array of upscale interior features, such as ambient interior lighting on the dash and doors, heated and ventilated fronts seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless charging pad.

While the driver’s seat feels high even at its lowest point, the comfortable spot for the left foot and floor-hinged accelerator are nice touches.

The back seat provides generous legroom, and the trunk has plenty of space for luggage.

Safety features

The 2021 K5 has earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.

It was also named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The family sedan offers a variety of standard and optional driver-assistance technology, which include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking; standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist; available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.