AWD Kia K5 replacing outgoing Optima

[Kaido]

Kind of like a baby Stinger:

2021 Kia K5 promises practicality and Stinger-inspired performance - Autoblog

The 2021 Kia K5 replaces the Optima sedan, promising more performance and practicality in a segment that is struggling to attract new buyers.

www.autoblog.com

* AWD available
* 8" or 10.25" touchscreen
* 1.6L 180 HP/195 lb-ft with 8-speed auto FWD for base model; LSX & GT line get AWD as an option
* GT gets the new 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder with 290 HP/311 lb-ft & 8-speed DCT with a 0 to 60 of 5.8 seconds

2026 Kia K5: Class-Leading Torque, Available AWD and Turbo Engine Options, Mid-Size Sports Sedan | MSRP & Features | Kia

Discover the 2026 Kia K5 sedan's class-leading torque, available turbocharged engine & torque-vectoring AWD options, and much more.

www.kia.com

Looks like a better version of a Honda Accord:



Nice interior:

 

[NutBucket]

Probably means the Stinger is definitely going away if this is getting AWD. Not that I can complain since obviously I didn't buy one!

 

[ondma]

Looks promising. The base model has more torque but slightly less horsepower than the current Optima.
The GT looks sporty, but depends on price and how refined it is, especially the DCT. The Accord probably is not as sporty, but has an up level turbo with a conventional automatic.
Since I do mostly stop and go city driving, I am not sold on a DCT.
The Optima was on my short list of possible purchases about a year ago, but I decided I wanted AWD so got a Suburu instead.

Edit: Prices in my area are very good on the Optima right now, but not many in stock. Maybe they are clearing them out for the new model.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Looks promising. The base model has more torque but slightly less horsepower than the current Optima.
The GT looks sporty, but depends on price and how refined it is, especially the DCT. The Accord probably is not as sporty, but has an up level turbo with a conventional automatic.
Since I do mostly stop and go city driving, I am not sold on a DCT.
The Optima was on my short list of possible purchases about a year ago, but I decided I wanted AWD so got a Suburu instead.

Edit: Prices in my area are very good on the Optima right now, but not many in stock. Maybe they are clearing them out for the new model.

Or they are Optimizing the current model.....

 

[EXCellR8]

Did the Stinger ever get a real manual version? I know there was both a V6 and I4 option... not that I planned on ever buying one but just wondering.

 

[Wreckem]

The K5 is available in large quantities in Texas. Already appearing at discounts, but that was normal for the model it is replacing. Seems like a solid effort on Kia's part. A definite improvement over the outgoing model. Kia has been firing on all cylinders lately.