The recently updated Kia K5, previously known as the Optima, is making its debut in its South Korean home market. Although the individual exterior changes may appear subtle, collectively, they represent a significant evolution in the car’s design language. While we cannot confirm whether all these changes will make their way into the U.S. version, they offer a good preview of what to expect in our market next year.
Starting at the front, the refreshed K5 features new Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that frame a revamped front fascia with new headlights and a modified lower intake. The DRLs have a unique design that extends in a star-like pattern above the headlights and downward into the bumper, aptly named “Star Map Signature Lighting.” The lower intake now features squarer details, aligning it with Kia’s expanding range of electric vehicles.
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Moving to the rear, the K5’s distinctive full-width LED taillights have undergone a transformation. Instead of extending across the entire width of the car, the new taillight units stop on either side of the rearview camera. Solid LED strips now run across the fender and trunk and continue down to the fenders, accentuating the car’s character lines for the bumper. Minor tweaks have been made to the diffuser-like insert and the exhaust finishers.
Additional exterior enhancements include new wheel designs and a “Black Fit” package with various black accents and black wheels. The South Korean market can choose from new exterior colors like Moonscape Matte Grey and Wolf Grey.
Inside the cabin, significant updates await. The previous K5 had a familiar instrument panel that slightly tilted towards the driver. The new version retains the general shape but refines the details. The traditional gauge cluster has been replaced by a 12.3-inch curved screen that seamlessly blends with the 12.3-inch infotainment display. Below these screens, a pair of knobs surround a slim touchscreen for the climate control system. Just beneath, a rotary shifter replaces the conventional gear lever and sits behind a wireless charging pad. Notable new features for international markets include electric trunk opening, over-the-air update capability, a digital key, compatibility with content streaming services, fingerprint authentication, and a premium audio system with 5.1-channel sound. For the South Korean market, interior color options include Black, Martian Brown, and Sand.
The car’s structural rigidity has been reinforced in areas like the cowl, and there have been minor adjustments to the wheel arches. Double-pane rear glass has been added to enhance sound insulation and refinement. It’s worth noting that, based on this preview, no major changes to the powertrain options are expected. In the U.S., this means a choice between a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, or a more potent turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 291 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The consensus is that the updated K5 sedan will likely arrive in the U.S. as a 2025 model next year.
