Not Too Shabby: Kia Optima Teased

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

While the writers of this website do not universally endorse the designs coming out of Hyundai Motor Group, the general consensus is that there has been a concerted effort on behalf of the styling department to up its game. Pretty much everything the company as previewed for us over the last couple of years has at least been interesting. We even said so earlier this week, after Hyundai teased the new Azera/Grandeur.

While that model is likely to remained locked inside other parts of the globe for now, North America is getting boldly redesigned versions of the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. Whereas the Sonata is being prepped for sales this fall, Optima is a bit further out — likely arriving for the 2021 model year. But it should have a similarly ambitious and impactful design, assuming the latest mockups are indicative of the production car.

Structurally related, both models will be 4-door fastbacks with heaps of accenting illumination near the headlamps and taillights that stretch across the vehicle’s entire rump. However, the Kia keeps its signature “tiger-nose” grille and incorporates enough of the old version to be vaguely identifiable as its successor. Nobody is going to have any trouble telling the two apart, but they will also be able to point out the obvious similarities.

On the inside, Optima looks subdued and classy. Kia’s renderings showcase a handsomely uncluttered space, perhaps a bit more upscale than what we would normally expect from the brand. There’s a digital gauge cluster, larger multimedia screen, and a rotary shift knob … though it could be a multimedia controller similar to BMW’s iDrive. We didn’t see anything else to get you out of park, so we’re making an assumption.

Guts remain a mystery but it’s extremely probable that the manufacturer will borrow equipment from the Sonata. Expect the Optima to come with a turbocharged 1.6-liter motor (180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet) or the less flashy 2.5-liter (191 hp and 181 lb-ft). Both engines should end up with an eight-speed automatic transmission as their partner in crime.

While a more-powerful engine has been rumored to be in development for the Sonata, it’s not expected at launch. However the Kia should be eligible when (and if) it finally manifests.

We’ll learn more about the Kia Optima over the coming months, once it has debuted in South Korea (where it’s called the K5). Models slated for North America probably won’t start appearing until 2020 — with sales commencing closer to the year’s end or early 2021.

[Images: Kia Motors]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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  • Maymar Maymar on Oct 31, 2019

    I get that the small turbo motor will have a stronger torque curve (and if the '19 specs are solid enough to trust, better fuel economy if you're not constantly on the throttle), but it still seems strangely redundant to offer two engines with such similar power. I'd hope the option of the 2.0T will be available down the line, although it's plausible they don't want to step on the toes of the Stinger anymore.

  • Scott25 Scott25 on Oct 31, 2019

    Looks like a great marketing tool to get boomers into Sportages and Tellurides

  • MaintenanceCosts It's not a Benz or a Jag / it's a 5-0 with a rag /And I don't wanna brag / but I could never be stag
  • 3-On-The-Tree Son has a 2016 Mustang GT 5.0 and I have a 2009 C6 Corvette LS3 6spd. And on paper they are pretty close.
  • 3-On-The-Tree Same as the Land Cruiser, emissions. I have a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser and it’s a beast off-roading.
  • CanadaCraig I would like for this anniversary special to be a bare-bones Plain-Jane model offered in Dynasty Green and Vintage Burgundy.
  • ToolGuy Ford is good at drifting all right... 😉
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