2021 Kia K5 / Optima
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 309
From: ON/NY
Gimmick styling will not help sell sedans in fact I think it’s hurting them.
I think more and more SUVs are better designed inside and out compared to sedans.
Manufacturers are sweating all the details on these SUVs but for coupes/sedans they put as many creases, fake vents, fake exhaust tips etc bec they feel that will sell. Consumers are too smart for that.
I think more and more SUVs are better designed inside and out compared to sedans.
Manufacturers are sweating all the details on these SUVs but for coupes/sedans they put as many creases, fake vents, fake exhaust tips etc bec they feel that will sell. Consumers are too smart for that.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,223
Likes: 220
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
And, I think your point is that sedans aren't just what @mmarshall defines them as. Other consumers have opinions and tastes too, and the markets tend to shift in the direction of majority of consumers' tastes.
Don't get me wrong (as you often do). Although diminished, there is still a market for sedans, which is something that several automakers are clearly overlooking.....just a different kind of sedan than those being produced today.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,001
Likes: 85
From: Southeastern PA
Issue I have always had with CR is that all of their reviews and impressions are released 2-3 after every other publication At that point you they have lots of time to custom tailor those earlier reviews if they want. Day and date reviews with everyone else levels the playing field and provides better accuracy. Their other data such as reliability is either to be believed or not to be. Just my thoughts.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,223
Likes: 220
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Wrong. I was talking about customers rejecting today's aero-look sedans for SUVs. You yourself have often talked about that. That's a fact, not an opinion.
Last edited by mmarshall; Nov 13, 2019 at 03:36 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 309
From: ON/NY
I am bit confused what you mean. Do you mean they are rejecting new coupe-like sedans? or the older style sedans. You may have point I think.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,223
Likes: 220
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
As far as the older, more traditionally-styled sedans (since you asked), I think it was not so much customers that wanted to see them go as manufacturers trying to get drag-CD coefficients down in the wind-tunnels for better potential as mileage, acceleration, and potential wind-noise. The result, of course, has been a crop of generic jelly-bean sedans that are quieter and more efficient-running, but significantly lack rear-seat comfort, headroom, and visibility.
Last edited by mmarshall; Nov 13, 2019 at 04:10 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,474
Likes: 320
From: California
2021 Kia K5
Optima replacement will offer AWD and up to 290 horsepower
Love the idea of the rear-wheel-drive Kia Stinger but just can't swing the price tag? The 2021 Kia K5 promises to be the next-best thing, while also delivering the practicality and comfort expected of a modern midsize sedan.
"K5" has been the name of the Korean-market Optima since its major redesign in 2010, and with the 2021 model, that name is coming to America. With this re-branding comes a major overhaul to Kia's four-door family car, including available all-wheel drive and a new performance GT model that will likely be met with approval by fans of the Stinger sport sedan.
On the outside, the K5 looks like, well, an Optima. Kia seems content with its current "tiger face" design. The new K5 design has obvious influences from the Stinger, but that car's design wasn't really all that much of a departure from the previous-generation Optima's, so the family resemblance remains strong.
As with any major redesign, there's plenty more action underneath the K5's sheet metal. The new sedan will be offered with two turbocharged engines and, for the first time in a front-wheel-drive Kia sedan, an all-wheel-drive option will be offered for those who want a little more all-weather functionality.
The base engine will be a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. On the base-model LX, it will be paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission (no CVT here, at least not yet) and front-wheel drive. On the LXS and GT Line, all-wheel drive will be available.
For those who want performance, the GT model is your ticket. Powered by the company's new 2.5-liter turbo-4, the GT will boast 290 hp and a class-leading 311 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Kia says this combo will be good for a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds.
Inside, the K5 gets numerous upgrades over the outgoing Optima. Shown here in GT-Line and GT guise, the interior will be available with perforated leather seating options with contrast stitching for a little added pizzazz. The flat-bottom steering wheel pictured is also exclusive to the GT-Line and GT trims. Other available features include wireless device charging, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The base infotainment system will be an 8-inch touchscreen unit with a 10.25-inch upgrade available; both will be powered by the latest revision of Kia's excellent UVO software suite. Buyers who opt for the 8-inch unit can take advantage of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration for the first time; this will not be available on the 10.25-inch unit, at least initially.
On the safety and driver assistance front, the K5 will have standard forward collision warning and collision assist, driver attention monitoring and basic lane-keeping assist. Forward collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring and collision avoidance, park assist, adaptive cruise control and highway semi-self driving are all available as optional upgrades.
At launch, only the LX, LXS, GT-Line and EX will be available. The sporty GT will follow in the fall, Kia says, and all-wheel drive variants will also be late-availability. Pricing, fuel economy figures and further details on the GT model are expected closer to launch.
"K5" has been the name of the Korean-market Optima since its major redesign in 2010, and with the 2021 model, that name is coming to America. With this re-branding comes a major overhaul to Kia's four-door family car, including available all-wheel drive and a new performance GT model that will likely be met with approval by fans of the Stinger sport sedan.
On the outside, the K5 looks like, well, an Optima. Kia seems content with its current "tiger face" design. The new K5 design has obvious influences from the Stinger, but that car's design wasn't really all that much of a departure from the previous-generation Optima's, so the family resemblance remains strong.
As with any major redesign, there's plenty more action underneath the K5's sheet metal. The new sedan will be offered with two turbocharged engines and, for the first time in a front-wheel-drive Kia sedan, an all-wheel-drive option will be offered for those who want a little more all-weather functionality.
The base engine will be a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. On the base-model LX, it will be paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission (no CVT here, at least not yet) and front-wheel drive. On the LXS and GT Line, all-wheel drive will be available.
For those who want performance, the GT model is your ticket. Powered by the company's new 2.5-liter turbo-4, the GT will boast 290 hp and a class-leading 311 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Kia says this combo will be good for a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds.
Inside, the K5 gets numerous upgrades over the outgoing Optima. Shown here in GT-Line and GT guise, the interior will be available with perforated leather seating options with contrast stitching for a little added pizzazz. The flat-bottom steering wheel pictured is also exclusive to the GT-Line and GT trims. Other available features include wireless device charging, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The base infotainment system will be an 8-inch touchscreen unit with a 10.25-inch upgrade available; both will be powered by the latest revision of Kia's excellent UVO software suite. Buyers who opt for the 8-inch unit can take advantage of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration for the first time; this will not be available on the 10.25-inch unit, at least initially.
On the safety and driver assistance front, the K5 will have standard forward collision warning and collision assist, driver attention monitoring and basic lane-keeping assist. Forward collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring and collision avoidance, park assist, adaptive cruise control and highway semi-self driving are all available as optional upgrades.
At launch, only the LX, LXS, GT-Line and EX will be available. The sporty GT will follow in the fall, Kia says, and all-wheel drive variants will also be late-availability. Pricing, fuel economy figures and further details on the GT model are expected closer to launch.
Last edited by Hoovey689; Jun 30, 2020 at 12:14 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 20
From: CALIFORNIA
all that wasted space under the rear glass.
so so much wasted space.
and now you probably can't even get boxes into the trunk.
You thought the 3GS trunk opening was small; this gives it a run for the money
so so much wasted space.
and now you probably can't even get boxes into the trunk.
You thought the 3GS trunk opening was small; this gives it a run for the money
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5,482
Likes: 89
From: N/A
