Kia · 2000–present

Kia Magentis

The Kia K5 (Korean: 기아 K5), formerly known as the Kia Optima (Korean: 기아 옵티마), is a mid-size car manufactured by Kia since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second-generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze and Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States, Canada, Malaysia and the Middle East, where the Optima name was retained until the 2021 model year. The K5 name is used for all markets since the introduction of the fifth generation in 2019.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Kia Credos

All Kia Magentis data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

First generation (MS; 2000)

From 2000–2005, Optimas were a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, differing from the Sonata only in minor exterior styling details and equipment content. It was first shown in South Korea in July 2000 and was the first product of the Kia-Hyundai platform integration plan. In Australia, the Optima was introduced in May 2001, offered only with a 2.5 L V6 engine, and choice of manual or automatic transmission. The updated Optima was offered with a new 2.7 L engine, 4-speed automatic (the manual was dropped), and features such as full leather interior and alloy wheels were made standard. Thanks in part to better marketing, sales increased to 41,289 units in 2005, an all-time high. The Optima was sold until 2006, when it was replaced by the Magentis. Safety. The 2001 Optima received Poor to Average ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Update. The 2002 Optima received a minor update. A luxurious version of the Optima was sold in South Korea as the "Optima Regal", using the 2-liter four or the 2.5-liter V6 only. The grille was redesigned for the United States in 2003 (2004 model year) to feature the Kia badge, and the headlamps were restyled for 2004 (2005 model year). Engines.

Second generation (MG; 2005)

The second generation Optima, known as the Kia Magentis globally except in United States and Malaysia, and as the Kia Lotze in South Korea, was launched in South Korea in November 2005. This generation differed further from the Hyundai Sonata donor vehicle than the previous model. Unlike the previous Optima though, this vehicle uses a global platform, unique to Kia, designated "MG". The car continues to be built in South Korea and shares its 2.4-liter inline-four engine, five-speed Sportmatic automatic or five-speed manual transmission with the Sonata. In addition to the 2.4-liter inline-four and the 2.7-liter V6 offered in North America, globally the Optima/Magentis/Lotze was also available with smaller, 1.8- or 2.0-liter fours, as well as a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. South Korean buyers also received and LPG-powered version of the 2.4. The second generation Optima was launched in Malaysia on 15 August 2007 powered by a 2.0-liter Theta DOHC CVVT engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Safety. The Optima received a crash test rating of five stars from the NHTSA, and four stars from Euro NCAP. The 2006 Optima received Marginal to Good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Update. The Optima was revised and updated in 2008, debuting at the New York International Auto Show (as a 2009 model year). This update features new front-end styling and tail lamps. In addition to the revised exterior, length is also slightly increased by roughly 70 millimetres (2.8 in) to approximately 4,800 mm (190 in) long. There is also a new engine and the interior has also been revised. Main changes in the interior are a redesigned instrument cluster and a Sirius Satellite Radio/AM/FM/MP3/CD with an auxiliary jack. In certain markets, the option of satellite na

Third generation (TF; 2010)

The completely redesigned Optima, sharing the same platform as its sibling Hyundai i40, marked the introduction of the Kia K5 name - in the South Korean and Chinese markets only, for this generation. It made its world debut at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. It features a new profile designed by Kia design chief Peter Schreyer, following the new design language featured on the Kia Forte, Kia Sorento, and Kia Sportage and Kia Cadenza — and using Kia's new corporate grille, known as the Tiger Nose, also designed by Schreyer. Lead designer of the TF in the team of Peter Schreyer and Miklos Kovacs was the Italian Davide Limongelli. For the first time, this model will be using the Optima name worldwide, where the Magentis name had been used previously. As with its Hyundai Sonata sibling, the Optima's lineup has been replaced with a GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, either mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Eco dash display, or to a 6-speed manual transmission that is standard on only the LX model. Sales began in fall 2010. The new K5 was released in the South Korean market on 29 April 2010. The new Optima retains its trim lines of the base LX, upscale EX, and sporty SX models. Standard equipment includes safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS brakes, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio, cooled glove box, iPod connectivity, and handsfree Bluetooth phone operation. Starting in October 2013, on LX models, Kia will offer the UVO infotainment system by Microsoft as part of the convenience package. EX model options include Kia's new UVO infotainment system by Microsoft, integrated backup camera, and Proximity Key with Push-Button Start. A panoramic moonroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a navigation system

Fourth generation (JF; 2015)

The 2016 Kia Optima went on-sale towards the end of 2015. It shares a platform with the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, and offers a new design, with new features and enhancements. As with the previous-generation Optima, the new model was designed by Kia's Chief of Design, Peter Schreyer. Unveiled at the 10th Seoul Motor Show in April 2015, the new K5 was released in the South Korean market on 15 July 2015. For the Malaysian market, the fourth generation Kia Optima was launched in May 2017 powered by the Theta II 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Sportswagon. At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, Kia revealed the Sportswagon variant of the Optima. Developed mainly for the European market by Kia's European design team, Kia says the model represents a significant growth opportunity in Europe, as two thirds of all models sold in the class are estates, rising to three quarters when looking purely at fleet sales. In its case, Kia says the estate could outsell the sedan version six to one. Powertrain. === Plug-in hybrid === A plug-in hybrid variant was unveiled at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. The Kia Optima PHEV shares the powertrain of the Hyundai Sonata PHEV, and like its sibling, it has a 9.8 kWh battery pack that delivers an all-electric range of 27 mi (43 km), but the Optima plug-in hybrid has a lower drag coefficient, which at 0.24 Cd is on par with the all-electric Tesla Model S. The Optima PHEV has an active grille, which automatically opens and closes at high and low speeds, contributing to reduce the Cd. The plug-in hybrid features a 50 kW electric motor and 2.0-liter "Nu" four-cylinder GDI engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Retail deliveries began in the United States in January 2017 with 40 units sold. Face

Fifth generation (DL3; 2019)

The fifth generation Optima is badged as the K5 worldwide. It was first unveiled in November 2019 and released in South Korea on 12 December 2019. Its overall design is similar to that of the Sonata, with a fastback-like profile. However, the styling is unique, featuring Z-shaped running lights, a textured grille and a chrome strip that runs along the window line and becomes more prominent at the C-pillar. The interior has been redesigned significantly as well, with an optional 12.3-inch digital cluster and 10.3-inch center screen, augmented by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an optional 12-speaker Bose audio system. Under the hood, engines mostly mirror that of the Sonata, with the base 4-cylinder turbo 1.6-liter engine producing 180 hp and 195 lb⋅ft of torque and the GT receiving a high-performance 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit with 286 hp and 311 lb⋅ft of torque. All-wheel drive is newly available on some trim levels, distinguishing it from the Sonata. Depending on the market, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) with Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind-spot Collision-avoid Assist (BCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) or Navigation-based SCC (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). Kia has confirmed that the car is not to be available for the European markets or any right-hand-drive markets (such as Asia, Australasia and Africa) due to the shrinking traditional sedan market. 2023 facelift. The K5 facelift was revealed on 25 October 2023 in South Korea, and at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show for the 2025 model year in North America. Changes include redesigned headlights and taillights, new front bumper with larger f

Motorsport

The third generation Kia Optima was an official entry in the Pirelli World Challenge. In June 2012, Michael Galati drove the Infinity Audio-sponsored Optima to Kia's first victory in round 8 of the 2012 season at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, while teammate Mark Wilkins finished in second place. Kia Racing clinched the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge Grand Touring Sport (GTS) Class Manufacturer Championship in only its third season of competition. Kia defeated rivals Ford, Chevrolet, Porsche, Aston Martin and Nissan to become the first Korean auto manufacturer to win the championship. Kia Racing finished the season with 13 podium finishes, including 5 race wins. Meanwhile, the turbocharged Optima race cars led more on-track miles than any other manufacturer in the class this season. The race car weighs 2,950 pounds (1,338 kg) and is powered by an inline 4-cylinder engine generating 368 horsepower and uses a 6-speed sequential transmission. It reaches 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 97 km/h) in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 160 miles per hour (257 km/h).

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Kia K5

Manufacturer

Kia

aka

Kia Magentis (2000–2010), Kia Optima (2000–2020), Kia Lotze (2005–2010)

Production

2000–present

Class

Mid-size car (D)

Layout

Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (2020–present)

Predecessor

Kia Credos

Model years

2001–present

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q483046CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_K5CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1376662026 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kia_Magentis_front.jpgCC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: M 93 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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