The Kia Optima, known as the K5 in its current generation, is primarily manufactured in two locations: West Point, Georgia, USA, and Hwaseong, South Korea. For the American market, the vast majority of Optima sedans sold were built at Kia's state-of-the-art Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) plant. This facility is crucial for meeting North American demand efficiently.
Understanding where a car is built is important, as it can influence factors like parts availability and build quality perceptions. The Georgia plant is one of Kia's most advanced production hubs, employing rigorous quality control standards. For models sold in other global markets, production primarily came from the Hwaseong facility in South Korea, Kia's largest domestic plant.
It's also worth noting that the Optima nameplate was discontinued after the 2020 model year and replaced by the K5 for the 2021 model year and beyond. The Kia K5 continues to be built for the North American market exclusively at the Georgia plant, ensuring a consistent supply chain for U.S. and Canadian customers.
| Production Location | Model Years (Primary) | Key Notes for the U.S. Market |
|---|
| West Point, Georgia, USA | Approximately 2011-2020 (Optima), 2021-Present (K5) | Primary source for all North American vehicles. |
| Hwaseong, South Korea | Pre-2011 & concurrent production for other markets | Supplied early U.S. models; now focuses on other regions. |
| Sohari, South Korea | Early generations (pre-2010) | Original production site before modernization. |
To confirm where a specific vehicle was assembled, you can always check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A VIN starting with a '5' indicates U.S. assembly, while a 'K' signifies South Korean manufacture.
