The first generation were produced from 2000 to 2006. It is available with a 2.0 litre 4-cylinderpetrol engine with 100 kW/136 hp and a 2.5 litre 6-cylinder petrol engine with 124 kW/169 hp.
The second generation were launched in 2006. It were until 2009 available with 2.0 and 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol engines with 106 kW/144 hp and 120 kW/163 hp respectively, a 2.7 litre 6-cylinder petrol engine with 139 kW/189 hp and a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 103 kW/140 hp.
In 2009, the Magentis received a facelift. The engines available are now 2.0 and 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol engines with 121 kW/164 hp and 130 kW/175 hp respectively, a 2.7 litre 6-cylinder petrol engine with 142 kW/193 hp and a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 110 kW/150 hp.
In some counties, the first generation Magentis is known as Kia Lotze, and the second generation as Kia Optima.