2020 Kia Optima vs 2021 Kia K5 Sedan Comparison

See How the 2020 Optima Compares with its Successor, the All-New K5

Kia is switching things up for the 2021 model year, introducing the all-new Kia K5 sedan as a replacement for the wildly successful Optima mid-size sedan. With the 2020 Kia Optima remaining a popular option for drivers and families, the team here at Kingdom Kia thought we'd do a comparison review of these two Kia mid-size sedans.

Are you deciding whether to opt for the last year of the Optima or select its replacement, the all-new K5? We'll compare these two stylish and advanced mid-size sedans from Kia in hopes of making your tough choice a bit easier.

Consider the many ways that the 2020 Kia Optima and 2021 Kia K5 differ as detailed below, then feel free to contact the Kingdom Kia sales staff for assistance with securing your new Kia sedan of choice!

What's New With the 2021 K5?

The 2021 Kia K5 is an all-new take on the Kia mid-size sedan. This completely reimagined four-door car is larger, more spacious and even more advanced than the stellar 2020 Optima. With greater available performance thanks to a new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and first-ever available all-wheel drive (AWD) in a Kia mid-size sedan, the all-new K5 impresses on many fronts!

When you tour the new K5, you'll surely be surprised by its immense second-row seating space. That's because the 2021 K5 is one inch wider, two inches longer and boasts a wheelbase that is stretched by 1.8 inches, giving this sedan even more passenger space than the already room Optima.

Highlights of the all-new 2021 K5 include its striking exterior design, next-generation infotainment system and standard driver-assistance and safety technologies. With its standard 8-inch touchscreen display, available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, optional 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 12-speaker Bose sound system, the K5 delivers the goods that every modern driver and technophile seeks in a new ride.

Kia Drive Wise technologies like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist are standard on the new K5, with a host of other advanced driver-assist tech available. A first for the Kia brand is the K5's available Forward Collision-Avoidance with Junction Turning. The car's front camera and radar can detect vehicles when turning at intersections, helping you mitigate or avoid collisions.

Comparing the 2020 Kia Optima & 2021 Kia K5

We've covered some of the new and exciting details and features of the 2021 Kia K5, but now let's look at how the Optima and K5 are similar and different. Both models come standard with an inline 4-cylinder engine and comparable performance. The 2020 Optima's standard 2.4-liter engine develops 185 hp, while the K5's standard 1.6-liter turbo-four generates 180 hp.

Both of these mid-size sedans are highly efficient, with the all-new K5 taking a slight lead over the 2020 Optima. The K5's turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine helps the sedan return up to an EPA-estimated 29 city and 38 highway mpg. Kia's 2020 Optima is rated up to 27 city and 37 highway mpg with its 2.4-liter inline-four engine and available 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

Speaking of transmissions, the 2020 Kia Optima is offered with either a 6-speed automatic or the optional 7-speed DCT. In contrast, every 2021 Kia K5 sedan comes with eight forward gears, with most trims getting a new 8-speed automatic. The top-trim GT model boasts a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with a wet-clutch design instead of the Optima's 7-speed dry clutch setup.

Available powertrains for increased performance are offered on both the 2020 Optima and 2021 K5. While the Optima sports an available 245-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the all-new K5 offers even more power, thanks to its new 2.5-liter turbo-four that generates 290 hp.

As we've mentioned, only the K5 offers available AWD, so if you're after a sedan with the added grip and confidence of power to all four wheels, this all-new 2021 model is a great choice!

Tour the Optima & K5 Sedans near Jefferson City, MO

You'll find that both the 2020 Kia Optima and 2021 Kia K5 provide efficient performance, effortless style, quality interiors and highly advanced features. With their competitive pricing and other similarities, your choice may come down to which design you prefer. Still, there are plenty of differences that set these two sedans apart, and we hope that we've helped you uncover your preferred Kia with this comparison.

Are you ready to tour and test drive the 2021 Kia K5 and 2020 Kia Optima to determine once and for all which one you'd like to drive home?

Kingdom Kia of Rolla, Missouri, welcomes motorists from nearby Jefferson City and beyond to discover these two fine Kia cars for sale at our full-service new and used auto dealership. You can browse our current Kia collection of Optima and K5 sedans via our website before making your way over for a closer look.

Don't forget to explore our current Kia finance and lease offers and apply for auto loans as you shop for your new sedan online or on-site at new and used car dealership.