Kia Optima History

Kia Optima History

Kia Optima History

Introduction

When the Kia Optima was first introduced in 2000, it didn’t make much of a splash. As the years progressed, however, the first nondescript mid-size sedan saw multiple restyles that made it more popular in markets around the world.

Early History

The Optima was Kia’s first mid-size sedan, seen at first as merely a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata with very few styling differences. In 2003, however, it received a minor update, making it into a car with its own unique style. As the Optima entered its second generation, its popularity grew, helping it grow into a top contender in the mid-size sedan segment.

Recent History

While the Kia Optima didn’t garner much attention when it was first introduced, the mid-size sedan still offered consumers a multitude of options with a choice of two trim levels and two different engines. Now in its third generation, the Optima gives consumers even more options with four different trim levels—LX, EX, SX, and Limited—along with a regular or turbocharged powertrain option.

Kia Optima Fun Facts

  • Has been produced in South Korea, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and West Point, Georgia
  • Called the Kia Magentis in European and Canadian markets and the Kia Lotze and Kia K5 in the South Korean market
  • Debuted its current design at the 2010 New York Auto Show
  • Uses Kia’s characteristic grille, known as the Tiger Nose
  • A hybrid variant was launched in the U.S. market in November 2011

2014 Kia Optima Overview
2013 Kia Optima Overview