Kia Optima / K5 History
History
The Optima reached the US for the 2001 model year as Kia's mid-size sedan, initially a conservative alternative to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The dramatically redesigned 2011 third-generation Optima — with sharp, Audi-influenced lines by designer Peter Schreyer — was the car that repositioned Kia as a design brand.
The Optima name ran through the 2020 model year before Kia renamed the car the K5 for 2021 with a more powerful, platform-updated redesign. US production of the K5 at Kia's Georgia plant ended after the 2024 model year as the factory shifted focus to the Telluride and EVs.
Generations
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Third generation (Optima TF) · TF
The breakthrough design by Peter Schreyer that repositioned Kia as a style leader (US 2011–2015).
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Fifth generation (K5 DL3) · DL3
Renamed the K5 with AWD availability and a turbocharged GT version (US 2021–2024).
Body styles
- Sedan
Notable special editions & performance variants
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Optima/K5 GT
The turbocharged performance variant of the mid-size sedan — 245 hp and sport-tuned suspension.
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Optima Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Optima, offered across the third and fourth generations.
Related models