2021 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 presented a fresh identity for Kia, moving away from its drab sedan past. Enthusiasts in the U.S. had swapped out their Kia Optima badges for “K” logos, similar to those worn by the South Korean version, the K5. The rebranding extended from aesthetics to performance as part of Kia’s brand overhaul. While the Optima name had gained recognition and respect since 2011, the K5 name, though robotic-sounding, didn’t immediately resonate with buyers.

Visually, the K5 stood out with its fastback form, reminiscent of the Kia Stinger. In the GT-Line trim, especially with its Wolf Gray paint and vibrant red seats, it projected an image akin to an Audi A5 Sportback. The handiwork of Peter Schreyer, a former Volkswagen Group designer who led aesthetic enhancements at Hyundai Motor Group, was evident. Unique design features included a striking ovoid rear window blending into a short tail, fake but well-executed air vents, and intricate LED taillights. With proportions that made it sportier—lower, longer, and slightly wider than the Optima—the K5 carried a killer front design with Z-shaped amber LED running lights and a honeycomb grille.

Inside, the K5 aimed for upscale appeal. The dashboard design created a driver-focused cockpit with red seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel enhancing the sporty vibe. Polished black trim, quality vinyl seats, and thoughtful details like the instrument panel and door armrests contributed to an overall sense of quality missing in some American sedans.

As for the 2021 Dodge Charger, it continued to thrive in its seventh generation since 2011, largely unchanged in design, but brimming with distinctiveness across various trims. Despite the plethora of models—ranging from the base SXT to the monstrous SRT Hellcat Redeye—the visual differences were subtle. Widebody formats added an extra 3.5 inches to the car's stance, giving it an athletic edge, further accentuated by the Hellcat Redeye’s functional performance hood.

While the Charger’s fascia had aged, the consistency appealed to fans of Dodge’s “brotherhood of muscle.” Wheel and brake options were abundant, from the base 17-inch wheels to multiple 20-inch choices, complemented by eye-catching red brake calipers, diverse tire selections, and 13 unique paint options with distinctive names like Hellraisin and Frostbite. Exterior standard features included LED-accented halogen projector headlights, various body-color trims, and optional fog lamps.

Inside, the Charger had updated its technology and fit over time but lagged behind contemporary standards for comfort and convenience. Though cloth seats were standard, Nappa leather was reserved for top trims. The harsh material choices echoed the utilitarian nature of Jeep rather than the plushness of Dodge’s sibling Ram 1500.

The performance of the 2021 Kia K5 didn’t match its aggressive sporty look, particularly for the GT-Line model. Compared to its competitors, like the Volkswagen GLI, it lacked verve and paddle shifters. Despite having communicative steering and good brakes, the GT-Line with its softer damping and Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires failed to impress in tight turns. The K5’s standard engine—a 1.6-liter turbo-four offering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque—sufficed for a family sedan but lacked the spark for sports enthusiasts.

The GT trim promised more with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine churning out 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. However, its FWD drivetrain without AWD options or handling enhancements might struggle with power management. Fuel economy was a strong suit for the K5, with the FWD variants achieving 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. The AWD models saw a slight reduction to 26/34/29 mpg, still commendable for a roomy sedan.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, however, excelled in performance. With a plethora of engine choices, from the base 3.6-liter V6 on the SXT and GT delivering up to 300 hp, to the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye’s blistering 797 hp from a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, it covered all spectrums. The mid-range R/T’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8 yielded 370 hp, while the 6.4-liter V8 in the Scat Pack boasted 485 hp.

Although the SRT Hellcat Redeye’s powertrain offered extreme performance, it balanced power delivery with usability, managing both town driving and highway bursts efficiently. Fuel economy, understandably, was at its worst for the highest trims— the Hellcat Redeye managed only 12 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. However, the Charger’s smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, albeit with slightly clunky downshifts under heavy braking, performed well in most driving conditions. Brembo brakes handled track scenarios effectively, though slight underperformance was noted in street conditions.

Interior space in the 2021 Kia K5 comfortably supported two adults in the back, despite its stylishly raked roof. The front seats were firm and supportive, ideal for long drives, and smartly designed controls aided user-friendliness. However, the absence of rear air vents was a noticeable drawback. Trunk space offered a decent 16 cubic feet, expandable with foldable rear seats.

The 2021 Dodge Charger also functioned well as a family-friendly sedan. Its dated but functional instrument cluster varied by speed limit across different models, while the steering wheel provided good ergonomics and feature access. Notably, paddle shifters, accessible across most models, posed usability issues in dynamic conditions. The Charger’s spacious trunk further benefited from a split-folding rear seat, comparable to other large cars.

Technology in the 2021 Kia K5 was commendable, particularly with standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The basic LX model included essential tech but lacked convenience features like folding rear seats and push-button start, which were available on higher trims like LXS. The GT-Line trim introduced 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and rear USB ports, enhancing the tech appeal. Higher trims such as the EX and GT added premium features including ventilated seats, Bose audio systems, and advanced infotainment options.

For the 2021 Dodge Charger, standard features included basics like push-button start, rearview camera, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Options extended to dual-zone climate control, 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium sound systems, and navigation. The absence of a head-up display was somewhat disappointing, making navigation less intuitive. The Uconnect infotainment system, although user-friendly, had limitations in menu navigation and lagged behind in adopting the latest updates seen in other Dodge models.

The 2021 Kia K5, though unrated by NHTSA or IIHS, came equipped with robust safety features. Standard fare included rear side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, electronic aids like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and driver attention monitoring. Higher trims further added blind-spot monitoring, cyclist detection, rear emergency braking, and junction turning assistance.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, akin to its predecessor, received a four-star NHTSA rating while the 2020 model had mixed IIHS reviews, with poor ratings in headlight effectiveness. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, and hill start assist. Advanced options like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning varied across models, indicating a slight shortfall in comprehensive safety across the lineup.