The completely redesigned Optima, sharing the same platform as its sibling Hyundai i40, named the Kia K5 in the South Korean and China market, made its world debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show.
It features a much sleeker, sportier profile designed by new Kia design chief Peter Schreyer, following the new design language featured on the Kia Forte, Kia Sorento, and upcoming Kia Sportage and Kia Cadenza — and using Kia's new corporate grille, known as the Tiger Nose, also designed by Schreyer.
Lead designer of the TF in the team of Peter Schreyer and Miklos Kovacs was the Italian Davide Limongelli.
For the first time, this model will be using the Optima name worldwide, where the Magentis name had been used previously.

As with its Hyundai Sonata sibling, the Optima's lineup has been replaced with a universal GDI 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, either mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Eco dash display, or to a 6-speed manual transmission that is only standard on the LX model.
 Sales began in fall 2010.
The new K5 was released in the South Korean market on 29 April 2010.

The new Optima retains its trim lines of the base LX, upscale EX, and sporty SX models.
Standard equipment includes safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS brakes, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio, cooled glove box, iPod connectivity, and handsfree Bluetooth phone operation.
 Starting in October 2013, on LX models, Kia will offer the UVO infotainment system by Microsoft as part of the convenience package.
 EX model options include Kia's new UVO infotainment system by Microsoft, integrated backup camera, and Proximity Key with Push-Button Start.
A panoramic moonroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a navigation system are also available.
SX models add a rear spoiler, metal pedals, black hybrid metal and carbon insert trim, paddle shifters, and illuminated scuff plates.

A Hybrid model and a Turbo model were also released.
In addition, a wagon version was planned for European markets, and two-door coupé version was mooted for the United States.
The turbo model will have the same powertrain as the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. The turbocharged model will have 274 hp (204 kW) and 269 lb⋅ft (365 N⋅m) of torque in the North American model.
The car is estimated to obtain 34 mpg‑US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg‑imp) on the highway.

The third generation Kia Optima is built and manufactured in West Point, Georgia, which began in 2011 with the 2012 model.

In Australia, the new Optima went on sale in January 2011.
Initially available in only one grade, the highly specified "Platinum", it was later joined by an entry-level "Si" model in the 2012 model year.
Both models feature a 2.4L GDI engine with 6-speed automatic.
A manual was not offered.

The facelifted 2014 model was unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show in March.

The third generation Kia Optima was launched in Malaysia on 27 December 2011 powered by a 2.0 liter Theta II MPI engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission and in January 2014 the facelift version was launched in Malaysia.
The completely redesigned Optima, sharing the same platform as its sibling Hyundai i40, named the Kia K5 in the South Korean and China market, made its world debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. It features a much sleeker, sportier profile designed by new Kia design chief Peter Schreyer, following the new design language featured on the Kia Forte, Kia Sorento, and upcoming Kia Sportage and Kia Cadenza — and using Kia's new corporate grille, known as the Tiger Nose, also designed by Schreyer. Lead designer of the TF in the team of Peter Schreyer and Miklos Kovacs was the Italian Davide Limongelli. For the first time, this model will be using the Optima name worldwide, where the Magentis name had been used previously.
As with its Hyundai Sonata sibling, the Optima's lineup has been replaced with a universal GDI 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, either mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Eco dash display, or to a 6-speed manual transmission that is only standard on the LX model.  Sales began in fall 2010. The new K5 was released in the South Korean market on 29 April 2010.
The new Optima retains its trim lines of the base LX, upscale EX, and sporty SX models. Standard equipment includes safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS brakes, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio, cooled glove box, iPod connectivity, and handsfree Bluetooth phone operation.  Starting in October 2013, on LX models, Kia will offer the UVO infotainment system by Microsoft as part of the convenience package.  EX model options include Kia's new UVO infotainment system by Microsoft, integrated backup camera, and Proximity Key with Push-Button Start. A panoramic moonroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a navigation system are also available. SX models add a rear spoiler, metal pedals, black hybrid metal and carbon insert trim, paddle shifters, and illuminated scuff plates.
A Hybrid model and a Turbo model were also released. In addition, a wagon version was planned for European markets, and two-door coupé version was mooted for the United States. The turbo model will have the same powertrain as the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. The turbocharged model will have 274 hp (204 kW) and 269 lb⋅ft (365 N⋅m) of torque in the North American model. The car is estimated to obtain 34 mpg‑US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg‑imp) on the highway.
The third generation Kia Optima is built and manufactured in West Point, Georgia, which began in 2011 with the 2012 model.
In Australia, the new Optima went on sale in January 2011. Initially available in only one grade, the highly specified "Platinum", it was later joined by an entry-level "Si" model in the 2012 model year. Both models feature a 2.4L GDI engine with 6-speed automatic. A manual was not offered.
The facelifted 2014 model was unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show in March.
The third generation Kia Optima was launched in Malaysia on 27 December 2011 powered by a 2.0 liter Theta II MPI engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission and in January 2014 the facelift version was launched in Malaysia.
Kia Optima