2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained much of its classic design, reminiscent of its major facelift in 2014. Its "three-box design" gave it a straightforward, traditional car profile that was easy to recognize. The 300's appearance was timeless, evoking a sense of nostalgia without falling into the retro-futuristic trap. From the base trim to the high-end 300S, the Chrysler 300 maintained a dignified presence that could turn heads at any valet stand.

The 2021 model featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps with LED driving lamps on lower trims, while higher trims like the Touring L and 300S offered adaptive HID lamps. The grille options varied between black and chrome, depending on the package and trim. Wheel sizes ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on the base model to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. Inside, the Chrysler 300 offered high-quality materials, with Nappa leather upholstery standard on higher trims and heated front seats available on the top two trims.

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in multiple trims, each featuring a turbocharged engine. The base prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding destination charges. Our test car, a K5 EX with front-wheel drive, extra-cost paint, and the EX Premium option package, had an MSRP of $33,945. The K5's design was sleek and luxurious, resembling a high-end sports sedan rather than a practical family car. The test car's Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather interior with matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents added to its upscale feel.

The K5's build quality was impressive, with solid controls and a refined sense of motion in the steering wheel stalks and door release handles. The automatic transmission shifter felt secure, and the cabin lacked panel flex, contributing to a sense of durability. The K5's design and build quality made it feel like a bargain-priced luxury car.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for high-speed thrills, but its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine provided a respectable 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and 300 Touring L trims. The 300S trim offered a slightly more powerful version of the V6, delivering 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine with 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, while all-wheel drive was a $2,750 option, though not available on the 300S.

The 300's driving experience varied by trim. The base model felt like a rental upgrade, but it was quiet, capable, and comfortable. The AWD Touring L offered a traditional luxury feel, while the V8-powered 300S provided a fun, albeit not overly powerful, driving experience.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the performance leader in its lineup, featuring a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering power to the front wheels. However, the GT was the most expensive and least fuel-efficient K5 variant and did not offer all-wheel drive. The standard K5 engine was a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission.

Despite its modest power figures, the 1.6-liter engine offered linear power delivery with minimal low-end lag. The K5's Drive Mode Select allowed drivers to choose between Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom settings, while Active Sound Control added a simulated engine note. During testing, the K5 EX's 1.6-liter turbo performed well, providing adequate power for daily driving and returning 29.1 mpg in combined driving. However, road noise and minor suspension issues detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear. This spaciousness rivaled luxury sedans like the Lexus ES350 and Toyota Avalon. The 300 provided 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing competitors like the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for four large suitcases.

The 2022 Kia K5 prioritized comfort, featuring dual-zone automatic climate control across all trims. Our test vehicle included a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic glass sunroof added natural light to the interior. While the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, the front seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was a convincing alternative to real leather. Rear passengers had ample room, though the hard plastic front seatback panels could be uncomfortable if the front seats were reclined too much.

The K5's controls were logically laid out, blending style with utility. Storage space was generous, with a roomy bin under the center armrest, a dedicated smartphone charging slot, and hidden trays in the door panel armrests. The 16 cubic-foot trunk offered plenty of cargo space, expandable by lowering the 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the lack of a handle on the inside of the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims. This system was intuitive, with prominent knobs and excellent steering wheel-mounted controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The $3,495 Popular Equipment Group added a 506-watt amp, nine premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, SiriusXM Traffic Plus, surround sound, a trunk-mounted subwoofer, and a dual-pane sunroof.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The base system, standard on LX and LXS trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, but required a cable for smartphone integration. This system included satellite radio, Kia Connect subscription services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and Sounds of Nature ambient noise tracks. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and the Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design technology. The K5 also featured a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system, though its voice recognition technology was subpar.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, except for "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with five stars for combined side barrier and side pole crash tests. Standard safety features included active head restraints, multiple airbags, traction and stability control, brake assist, rain brake support, ready alert braking, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available through higher trims and packages, such as the $2,395 SafetyTec Plus Group, which added forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, featuring the Kia Drive Wise collection, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, a rear-seat reminder, and Safe Exit Assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, a surround-view monitoring system, and power rear child locks. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.