2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2021 Dodge Charger entered its seventh generation in 2011, with significant changes made in 2014 that crafted its current persona. Despite its decade-long presence, it remained popular among buyers, largely due to its array of variants including the SXT, SXT AWD, GT, GT AWD, R/T, Scat Pack, Scat Pack Widebody, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Redeye. On the exterior, the Charger maintained a consistent look across its trims, promoting the “if you know, you know” style embraced by Dodge’s “brotherhood of muscle." The designs and trims varied slightly, with widebody formats available on select models, adding 3.5 inches for a more athletic stance.

Standard Charger features included 17-inch wheels on the base SXT model, with up to six different 20-inch wheel options for the R/T alone. High-intensity discharge (HID) projector lights with LED accents were optional, while body-color mirrors, door handles, and rear spoilers differentiated grades. Although the Charger’s design had remained mostly unchanged, leading to difficulty in discerning the model’s age, the fit and finish improved over time. However, hard plastics and rubber surfaces were prevalent, closer to the utilitarian Jeep Wrangler than the lush Ram 1500.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 was offered in LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trims. It featured a sleek, stylish design reminiscent of luxury sports sedans. Our test model, the K5 EX, sported Glacial White Pearl paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather and matte-finish fake wood trim, exemplifying an upscale feel despite some lower hard plastic parts. Kia managed to infuse its controls with a solid, refined feel, an aspect where the K5 notably shone. The doors and transmission shifter demonstrated solid construction, enhancing the overall impression of quality.

Performance was where the 2021 Dodge Charger excelled. The SXT, SXT AWD, GT, and GT AWD models housed a 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The R/T variant featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

The pinnacle of performance lay with the SRT Hellcat, featuring a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 churning out 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat Redeye took it a notch higher, with a 797 hp and 707 lb-ft torque supercharged engine, showcasing unparalleled engineering. However, its fuel efficiency was low, with the Redeye achieving an EPA-estimated 12 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. All models were paired with the same eight-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard on specific trims.

Comparatively, the Kia K5 GT featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, powered through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT’s engine, however, did not offer AWD. More economical choices included the 1.6-liter turbo-four engine available on lower trims, delivering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.

The K5’s Drive Mode Select offered customizable driving experiences, and Active Sound Control added an engine note for a sportier feel. During tests, the 1.6-liter turbo proved capable, though less thrilling compared to the GT. Its fuel economy stood at 31 mpg in combined driving according to EPA estimates, with our test returning 29.1 mpg.

The Charger was a spacious five-passenger sedan, fitting well into family life with its balanced combination of power and comfort. Although the technology felt dated, the layout remained user-friendly. The cabin featured various instrument cluster designs based on top speed, ranging from 140 mph to 220 mph. The steering wheel provided good control and functionality, with paddle shifters available above the base model.

Cargo space was decent, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanding the trunk's capacity, allowing for additional storage.

On the other hand, the Kia K5 also supported a comfortable ride. It featured dual-zone climate control, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s and passenger’s seats with heating and ventilation, and rear air conditioning vents. Accessing the K5’s low-slung design was slightly more challenging compared to the higher-riding SUVs.

Rear passengers enjoyed ample head, leg, and foot room. Storage within the cabin was practical, offering various compartments. With a 16-cubic-foot trunk, the K5 provided extensive cargo space, expandable via the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. However, the lack of an interior trunk handle was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger included essential features such as push-button start, a rearview camera, and a rear parking sensor. Its 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker audio system, and satellite radio were basic yet functional. Optional upgrades included an 8.4-inch screen, premium audio systems, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. Navigation functions on the smaller screen were less ideal, and the Uconnect system, while manageable, had its drawbacks.

Meanwhile, the Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The base system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, its 10.25-inch screen on higher trims required a cable connection for phone mirroring but added satellite radio, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Kia Connect system with a one-year trial, integrated with advanced features like the 12-speaker Bose audio system on higher trims. Although the voice recognition was subpar, the K5's infotainment was generally user-friendly, with additional features like Leading Vehicle Departure Alert aiding driver awareness.

The 2021 Dodge Charger had a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and mostly "Good" crashworthiness ratings from the IIHS for the 2020 model. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, rear park assist, rain brake support, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Optional features enhanced safety further, though not uniformly across all trims.

The Kia K5 excelled in safety, equipped with an extensive Kia Drive Wise suite. It included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. Additionally, cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and more advanced features were available, especially in higher trims. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, underscoring its robust safety profile.