2021 Kia K5 vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

In the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai had crafted a bold design evolution since its 2017 model year redesign and an even bolder restyle in 2019. By 2020, the Elantra had not seen any significant changes from the prior year's geometric-influenced appearance. Available in six different trims—from the base SE to the sporty Sport—its price range spanned from $19,300 to $24,150. Our tested Elantra Limited clocked in at $27,630, inclusive of destination charges and optional features like the Ultimate Package.

With a striking black paint job enhancing its angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs, the Elantra Limited stood out with the chrome grille, beltline, and logo details creating a dramatic contrast. The restyle extended to the interior as well, introducing elements like silver trim on the air vents, climate control panel, and steering wheel, adding an upscale flair. Despite these enhancements, the presence of hard and glossy plastics remained a reminder of its mainstream compact car roots.

In the transition to the 2021 Kia K5, the change was more than just skin-deep. The K5 introduced a new identity for Kia, shifting away from the drab days of its predecessors. Visually, the K5 adopted a fastback form resembling the performance-oriented Kia Stinger. Our GT-Line trim test car, with its flat Wolf Gray paint and fire-engine red seats, was particularly memorable. Stylistic details like a long ovoid rear window blending into a short tail, polished black D-pillars, and unique taillights with dashed LEDs all helped emphasize its fresh and eye-catching design.

Though the K5 had some fake air vents and exhaust tips, they were well-executed, complementing the overall sporty design. It was longer and lower than its predecessor, the Optima, with an extended wheelbase providing a more balanced stance. At the front, the Z-shaped LED running lights and honeycomb grille added a dose of aggression. However, base models with 16-inch wheels seemed to underpromise compared to the sportier versions.

Inside, the K5 mirrored this exterior refinement with red seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel in the GT-Line trim. The center stack angled towards the driver, offering easy access to controls, while the quality materials and thoughtful design details exuded an ambiance of sportiness and quality that was reminiscent of high-end models.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra sported a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 147 horsepower, paired with a newly introduced continuously variable transmission (CVT). This shift from the previous six-speed automatic raised the starting price but aimed to enhance efficiency. Front-wheel drive was standard across all trims, with specialty models like the Elantra Eco and Sport offering performance tweaks. The Eco variant featured a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 128 horsepower and enhanced torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) for better fuel economy. The Sport trim, on the other hand, packed a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower and an independent rear suspension for improved ride quality.

Our Limited test car with its 2.0-liter engine and new CVT delivered decent performance, though real-world fuel efficiency fell short of expectations at 29.3 mpg, compared to the EPA's 34 mpg rating. The Elantra's simple torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from ride comfort, making the car feel unsettled over rougher surfaces. However, the Elantra Sport's independent rear suspension provided a firmer, more enjoyable driving experience. Overall, the standard Elantra was designed more as a reliable commuter than for spirited driving.

The 2021 Kia K5's GT-Line trim, while visually aggressive, did not quite match its sporty appearance in driving dynamics. Front-wheel-drive models like our test car had a standard 1.6-liter turbo-four engine with 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided adequate power for everyday driving, though the car's excitement waned at higher speeds. Despite its sporty looks, the GT-Line's softer suspension and Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires did not lend themselves to spirited cornering.

For enthusiasts seeking more punch, the K5 GT offered a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with an impressive 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, promising better performance—though not without concern for its front-wheel-drive configuration potentially overwhelming the tires. Fuel economy for the base engine was commendable, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models and achieving nearly 36 mpg in real-world highway driving.

In terms of interior space, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact car segment. Though its sedan profile limited rear-seat air vents, it comfortably accommodated four adults, with rear seat space best suited for shorter trips if a fifth passenger was involved. Our Limited test car featured a power driver’s seat, leather upholstery, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system enhancing comfort. Trunk space measured at 14.4 cubic feet—competitive within its class and nearly matching some midsize sedans.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered more generous accommodations. Despite its sleek exterior, the interior was spacious with enough headroom and legroom for six-footers in the back seats, though it too lacked rear air vents in lower trims. Front seats provided firm support ideal for long drives, and the dashboard design catered well to both the driver and passenger. Storage solutions were thoughtfully executed, especially the wireless phone charging pad. The K5's trunk space exceeded the Elantra at 16 cubic feet, ensuring better practicality for carrying cargo.

In the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, tech offerings ranged from a basic 5-inch display in the SE trim to an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation in higher trims like the Limited. Features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard in higher trims, with the Limited adding wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system. Voice recognition and ease of use of the infotainment system were highlights, especially in the Limited and Sport trims.

The 2021 Kia K5 integrated technology seamlessly into its user experience with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Features varied across trims, but our GT-Line test car boasted an 8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and advanced driver assistance systems. Higher trims like the EX offered more convenience with features like a Bose stereo system and a larger 10-inch infotainment display, incorporating voice commands to control various functions. The car's adaptive cruise control and advanced safety features like semi-automated lane centering further elevated its tech credentials.

For 2020, Hyundai equipped the Elantra with Smart Sense as standard, bringing forward features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist across all trims. Higher trims received additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Full LED headlights were exclusive to the Limited and Sport trims. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and an overall four-star rating from the NHTSA, indicating a robust focus on safety.

The 2021 Kia K5 was laden with advanced safety features across all trims, including rear side airbags and a driver’s knee airbag—a rarity in this segment. Standard electronic aids included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and driver attention monitoring. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring with Safe Exit Assist and cyclist detection. Although too new for official ratings, its reinforced chassis and comprehensive safety suite suggested potential high scores in future crash tests.