Kia Adds Two Turbo Engines, AWD Option to 2021 Optima

Ahead of its official release for the 2021 model year, the new Kia Optima is reportedly getting two turbo engines as well as an all-wheel-drive option.

The additional engine options supplement the more aggressive styling that gives the anticipated sedan a new image.

The new Optima will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four that makes 178 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, the same engine running the Hyundai Sonata. Although the company does not specifically say it will be available in the United States, the engine’s presence in the current generation of Sonata indicates the possibility.

For customers looking for more power in their sedans, Kia will also be offering a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that makes 286 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It is presumed to be the same engine that will be used in the future Sonata N-Line and Genesis G70 models. According to the company, it registers from 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds.

Aside from the two turbo engines, Kia is also giving the Optima an all-wheel-drive option. The model joins the list of sedans with power on four wheels including the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Legacy.

All Optimas will be available with six- or eight-speed automatic transmissions, but Kia did not specify which engines the transmissions would be mated to. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission was also previously announced and is likely going to be paired with the turbo 2.5-liter engine considering the Sonata has the same dual-clutch transmission on the N-Line.

Moreover, the Kia Optima is rumored to be changing its name and adopting the K5 moniker, the official name used for the model in the Korean market.

Pricing for the sedan is not yet available, but it is expected to go on sale in the first half of 2020.