2021 Kia K5 vs 2021 Subaru Impreza

2021 Kia K5
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Impreza
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$23,590

MSRP

$18,795

Average price

$22,877

Average price

$20,550

Listings

1274

Listings

416
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Fun to drive
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Drives less sporty than it looks
  • All-wheel drive not available
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Comfortable
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Not much cargo space
  • Uninspired styling

2021 Kia K5 Reviews Summary

Sedans are now the most exciting new cars in the mainstream market. They are to crossovers today what craft beer was in the early 2000s. They’re not on every corner anymore because Americans prefer trucks over cars, but sedans like the 2021 Kia K5 are refreshing to see, surprisingly good to drive, and will make you look cultured and smart without having to try. The K5—and its new name—replaces the Optima and upgrades nearly everything in the pursuit of style and performance. It’s one of the best midsize sedans out there.

2021 Subaru Impreza Reviews Summary

Subaru developed a cult following thanks to cars like the Impreza. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Impreza has been a hit in wintry climates, offering the low operating costs of a compact car without the limited foul-weather capability of the mostly front-wheel drive (FWD) competition.

The current Impreza represents the model’s fifth generation, and dates back to the 2017 model year. Available in sedan and hatchback form, the Impreza has also spawned the sporty Subaru WRX and more rugged looking Subaru Crosstrek, which have overshadowed the basic Impreza to some extent. We’ll cover the WRX and Crosstrek in separate reviews.

Changes for the 2021 model year are limited to availability of SI-Drive drive modes on the Impreza Premium trim level (this feature was previously available only on the Impreza Sport) and a $100 price increase. The full Impreza lineup remains unchanged, encompassing base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels for both the sedan and hatchback. Consequently, we’ll look back on our experience with previous model years for this overview.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.6L 180 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 152 hp H4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

180 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

152 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

28

MPG Highway

37

MPG Highway

36
2021 Kia K5
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Impreza
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$23,590
$18,795
Average price
$22,877
$20,550
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
5.0
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Fun to drive
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Drives less sporty than it looks
  • All-wheel drive not available
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Comfortable
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Not much cargo space
  • Uninspired styling
Summary
Sedans are now the most exciting new cars in the mainstream market. They are to crossovers today what craft beer was in the early 2000s. They’re not on every corner anymore because Americans prefer trucks over cars, but sedans like the 2021 Kia K5 are refreshing to see, surprisingly good to drive, and will make you look cultured and smart without having to try. The K5—and its new name—replaces the Optima and upgrades nearly everything in the pursuit of style and performance. It’s one of the best midsize sedans out there.

Subaru developed a cult following thanks to cars like the Impreza. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Impreza has been a hit in wintry climates, offering the low operating costs of a compact car without the limited foul-weather capability of the mostly front-wheel drive (FWD) competition.

The current Impreza represents the model’s fifth generation, and dates back to the 2017 model year. Available in sedan and hatchback form, the Impreza has also spawned the sporty Subaru WRX and more rugged looking Subaru Crosstrek, which have overshadowed the basic Impreza to some extent. We’ll cover the WRX and Crosstrek in separate reviews.

Changes for the 2021 model year are limited to availability of SI-Drive drive modes on the Impreza Premium trim level (this feature was previously available only on the Impreza Sport) and a $100 price increase. The full Impreza lineup remains unchanged, encompassing base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels for both the sedan and hatchback. Consequently, we’ll look back on our experience with previous model years for this overview.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.6L 180 hp I4
2.0L 152 hp H4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
180 hp @ 5500 rpm
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
27
28
MPG Highway
37
36
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.