2021 Kia K5 vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a fresh identity for Kia, moving away from its past of drab and unattractive sedans. The K5, with its fastback form and GT-Line trim, showcased a stylish design reminiscent of the Audi A5 Sportback. The car featured a long rear window, unique taillights, and a sporty front with Z-shaped LED running lights. Despite some fake air vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and design details made it a standout. The interior was equally impressive, with a driver-focused dash, quality materials, and a sporty feel, especially in the GT-Line trim with red seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler 300 maintained its classic "three-box design" since its 2014 facelift. The car's profile was simple and reminiscent of an earlier era, with a tough, no-nonsense appearance. The 300 featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps and adaptive HID lamps on higher trims. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. The interior quality was high, with Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats on higher trims, offering a luxurious feel that rivaled more expensive cars.

The 2021 Kia K5's performance did not match its aggressive styling. The GT-Line model, with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offered good brakes and communicative steering but lacked the handling prowess of a sports sedan. The GT trim promised better performance with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, but it was only available in FWD. Fuel economy was impressive, with the base engine achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered a solid performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the 300S. 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 on the 300S. The 300 provided a comfortable and traditional luxury driving experience, especially in the AWD Touring L trim.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered comfortable seating for two adults in the back, despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an optional 10-inch display. Trunk space was 16 cubic feet, providing ample storage.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 excelled in interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury sedans. The 300 offered 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume and 16.3 cubic feet of trunk space, making it spacious and practical for a luxury sedan.

The 2021 Kia K5 came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a Bose stereo system. The GT trim included paddle shifters and 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Popular Equipment Group added premium audio, GPS navigation, and a dual-pane sunroof. The system was intuitive and user-friendly, with excellent steering wheel controls.

The 2021 Kia K5 had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS but was expected to score highly due to its strong chassis and body shell. Standard safety features included rear side airbags, forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear emergency braking, and parking sensors.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but had "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small overlap tests and headlights, respectively. NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included active head restraints, multiple airbags, and stability control. Advanced safety features were available on higher trims and packages.