The Kia Optima mid-size sedan has been renamed the K5 for the 2021 model year in the United States. The renaming aligns the model with its overseas badge, where it is already called the K5.

In addition to the renaming, the former Optima also gets a redesign. The new look features a shark-inspired front grill mesh, as well as a chrome-tipped dual exhaust and Kia’s new signature running lights.

The K5 is available in 5 trim levels, starting with the base model LX, then LXS, GT-Line, EX, and the top-end GT model. Wheel choice varies based on trim level, with options for 16,18, and 19-inch alloys.

A turbocharged, 180 hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission is offered on all but the GT model.

For the top-end GT, there’s a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder under the hood that pushes out 290 hp for some serious get-up-and-go.

The K5 LXS and GT-Line models have an optional all-wheel drive, with the standard option being front-wheel drive. This is a departure for Kia, as they tend to prefer rear-wheel drive in their sedans, like the Stinger.

In addition to putting power to all four wheels, the K5 has custom drive modes to control how the car responds. There’s normal, smart, sport, and custom, with the all-wheel-drive models getting a snow mode, as well.

The exterior is stylish, and those good looks continue inside, where options include red leatherette upholstery, satin chrome metallic and faux-wood finishes, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 8-inch infotainment unit is standard, with an option to upgrade to a 10.25-inch screen. The larger screen gets you navigation, multi-device Bluetooth connectivity, and user settings for mirrors, seats, and radio.

Music lovers will appreciate the high-performance Bose 7 Premium sound system with 12 speakers.

The Kia Sedona is gone, replaced instead by the Carnival. With the name change comes a body redesign and some upgrades intended to make the vehicle more appealing.

The Sedona was already called the Carnival in the rest of the world, so this name change really just brings the United States naming in line with the existing convention. The more significant change is in the exterior styling.

The corners have been squared off, giving the Carnival a more SUV-like appearance. The sliding rear doors, however, remain. This is good news for parents with children still in car seats, as a sliding door makes it far easier to reach into the vehicle.

Minivans have always battled an image problem, and with the rise in popularity of full-size SUVs, the minivan tended to suffer. It makes sense, then, that Kia has renamed the vehicle a multipurpose vehicle, in an effort to distance itself from the minivan label.

No matter what label it has, the Carnival offers plenty of advantages for anyone who needs to move several people. The seating configuration can fit eight people with a standard seating configuration, or seven with the optional middle row VIP option, which has reclining seats that can heat or cool the occupant.

A second middle row option has a sliding seat that converts to a table.

In addition to being able to carry eight adults in comfort, the Carnival can also haul up to 3,500 pounds. That means you can easily bring along a boat, or capably tow a small trailer. This towing capacity is made possible by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp. 

Standard safety features include blindspot assist, collision avoidance, rear cross traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and reverse distance warning. Other optional features include a blind spot monitoring system, smart cruise control, and a surround-view monitor.

The Kia Sorento has been given a makeover. It’s more than just a refresh, with all-new body styling, a redesigned interior, and a new hybrid engine option.

This SUV looks sleek enough to be at home on the city streets, but it also has the features to make it down that dirt road to your favorite hideaway off the beaten track.

The increased off-road capability of the 2021 model is due partly to increased ground clearance, giving you more room to get over those rocky roads. When the going really gets tough, you’ll appreciate the available all-wheel-drive option.

When you’ve got a lot of stuff to bring with you, or need to bring along the camper trailer, the Sorento is more than capable, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The interior of the Sorento has also been upgraded, with new digital instrument panel displays and other enhancements. With seating for 7, there’s plenty of space to bring the whole crew along with you. The middle row captain’s chairs add a level of comfort normally reserved only for the front seats, and optional leather adds to the feeling of luxurious quality.

With 8 USB chargers, nobody will have to deal with a dead phone. If looking at the phone while moving isn’t your thing, you can watch the world go by out the panoramic sunroof.

The Sorento is packed with safety features, too. Blindspot collision warning keeps you safe when you forget to check your blind spot. Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance acts as a second pair of eyes when you back out of a parking spot or in the road. The adaptive all-wheel drive mode constantly monitors the road conditions and makes adjustments to keep you as safe as possible.

Ready for a Sorento? Visit Kia of Irvine today.

Kia’s mid-size SUV, the Sorento, first came on the scene in 2002. Since then, it has undergone several changes and, is now in its fourth generation.

This latest update gives the SUV a more aggressive look. The rounded corners are gone, replaced by a more squared-off look. The interior has also been reworked, with a new digital panel and a general feeling of being upgraded from previous models.

Under the hood, there are a few options to choose from, including a turbocharged 281 hp four-cylinder model, or a hybrid model that combines electric and gasoline engines for a very respectable 39 mpg on city streets.

Being smaller than the Telluride, the Sorento feels easier to maneuver around tight parking lots. But it’s still bigger than the Sportage, so you won’t find yourself running out of room too quickly when it’s time to load up the family for a weekend away.

The Sorento comes in eight trim levels, from the base model LX, up to the SX Prestige X-Line. The EX hybrid model falls right in the middle of the pack, making it approachable for people who want the fuel savings of a hybrid, without all the extra bells and whistles of the higher-end trim level.

This SUV also comes in an all-wheel-drive model. For those times when you need a bit of extra grip, it’s good to know all four wheels are working to get you forward.

The new Sorento has the look of a capable SUV. And it has the power to match that look, with a 3,500-pound carrying capacity. This makes it a great option for hauling the ATV or side by side to the trails, or bringing a small travel trailer to the campground.

Get your new Kia Sorento from Kia of Irvine today.