It used to be called the Optima, and it’s the manufactured cousin of the better-known Hyundai Sonata. It’s also helped propel Kia, arguably the somewhat lesser-known of South Korea’s automotive brands, to three consecutive monthly U.S. sales records through May. The K5, as the fifth generation of Kia’s midsize sedan is now officially known, was renamed in large part to provide Kia with some punchy, more recognizable brand identity. Entirely new for 2019, the K5 package has been tweaked for 2022 with equipment upgrades that include the expanded inclusion of navigation as standard equipment across additional trim levels of the car.
In addition to the new, edgily stylish Kia logo, the K5 package for 2022 will include a Surround View Monitor, an additional helping of wireless charger points inside the passenger cabin and a new Premium Package for AWD K5s in the GT line that adds a panoramic glass sunroof, heated steering wheel and LED projection headlamps, plus navigation-based driver and cruise-control assist. Prices will start at $23,690 for a basic LX sedan with front drive. Assembly is at Kia’s dedicated plant in West Point, Georgia.
Jim Donnelly On Wheels 