2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was a striking departure from its predecessors, capturing attention with its sleek, fastback profile and elegant design. It was a testament to Hyundai's design evolution, led by Peter Schreyer, who transformed the brand's image from a budget option to a stylish contender. The Sonata Hybrid's exterior featured innovative LED running lights that seamlessly integrated into the hood, creating a unique and aerodynamic look. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid boasted a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, a sophisticated design, and advanced technology, rivaling even some luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia K5 presented a bold new identity for Kia, shedding its past image with a fresh, sporty design. The K5's fastback form and GT-Line trim, with its flat Wolf Gray paint and red seats, drew comparisons to the Audi A5 Sportback. The K5's exterior was marked by unique taillights and a striking front end with Z-shaped LED running lights. Inside, the K5 offered a driver-focused cockpit with a split dash design, quality materials, and a sporty feel. Despite its aggressive styling, the K5's base wheels and lack of certain features in lower trims slightly detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine paired with a 51-hp electric motor, delivering a combined 192 hp. Its six-speed automatic transmission provided a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids. While the gearbox occasionally hesitated, the Sonata Hybrid offered a smooth and quiet ride, with a soft suspension and light steering. The Blue trim excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined, making it an economical choice for long drives.

The 2021 Kia K5, while visually sporty, didn't quite match its looks in performance. The standard 1.6-liter turbo-four engine produced 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering decent acceleration with its eight-speed automatic transmission. The GT trim promised more power with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 290 hp, but it was only available in front-wheel drive. The K5's fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. However, the K5's handling fell short of its sporty aspirations, with softer suspension damping and less responsive steering.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited trim offered innovative features like a solar-panel roof, which could generate extra driving range and run the air conditioning when parked. The interior was spacious, with ample rear-seat legroom and a quiet, comfortable cabin. The trunk provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space, and the push-button gear selector and intuitive controls added to the car's user-friendly design. The Limited trim also featured a high-resolution digital dash and a 10-inch touchscreen with advanced software.

The 2021 Kia K5 accommodated two adults comfortably in the back, despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive for long drives, and the interior featured easy-to-use controls and a convenient wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was straightforward, with an optional 10-inch display. However, the lack of rear air vents and certain features in lower trims was a drawback. The K5's trunk also offered 16 cubic feet of space, with folding rear seats for added versatility.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system on the Limited trim was a standout feature, with a soothing color scheme and intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link, allowing remote operation and diagnostics. The digital key and live camera feeds for blind spots added convenience and safety. The Highway Driving Assist and head-up display provided semi-automated driving assistance, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to set up. The GT-Line trim added features like fog lights, a power driver's seat, and LED taillights. The Premium package included a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and advanced lighting. However, the lack of heated seats in lower trims was a downside. The K5's adaptive cruise control and semi-automated lane-centering worked well, even without navigation.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. It came with standard safety features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim offered additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Kia K5 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to perform well due to its strong chassis and body shell. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring with Safe Exit Assist and rear emergency braking, providing comprehensive safety coverage.