2021 Kia K5 vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

2021 Kia K5
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
$23,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
$23,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Kia K5 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback scores 7.7 out of 10. Despite these identical ratings, the decision ultimately hinges on individual priorities. If you’re seeking a stylish, comfortable sedan with commendable fuel economy, the Kia K5 fits the bill. However, if functionality, cargo space, and top-tier safety are paramount, the Honda Civic Hatchback is hard to beat. For a well-rounded combination of style, practicality, and advanced features, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback holds a slight edge in this comparison.

Overview

MSRP

$23,590

MSRP

$23,550

Average price

$21,482

Average price

$25,129

Listings

1260

Listings

823
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
  • Manual transmission available
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Stereo is lacking

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.

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Reviews Summary

The very first Honda Civic was a hatchback. In fact, except for the period between 2006 and 2016, a hatch was almost always a part of the Honda Civic lineup. Now in its 11th generation, redesigned for 2022, the Honda Civic is again available as a hatchback, and the automaker expects it to be more popular than at any time since the 1990s. There is good reason for this optimism, as we discovered while testing two versions of the new 2022 Civic hatchback.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.6L 180 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 158 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

180 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

30

MPG Highway

37

MPG Highway

38
2021 Kia K5
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
$23,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
$23,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Kia K5 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback scores 7.7 out of 10. Despite these identical ratings, the decision ultimately hinges on individual priorities. If you’re seeking a stylish, comfortable sedan with commendable fuel economy, the Kia K5 fits the bill. However, if functionality, cargo space, and top-tier safety are paramount, the Honda Civic Hatchback is hard to beat. For a well-rounded combination of style, practicality, and advanced features, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback holds a slight edge in this comparison.

Overview
MSRP
$23,590
$23,550
Average price
$21,482
$25,129
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.5
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
  • Manual transmission available
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Stereo is lacking
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.
The very first Honda Civic was a hatchback. In fact, except for the period between 2006 and 2016, a hatch was almost always a part of the Honda Civic lineup. Now in its 11th generation, redesigned for 2022, the Honda Civic is again available as a hatchback, and the automaker expects it to be more popular than at any time since the 1990s. There is good reason for this optimism, as we discovered while testing two versions of the new 2022 Civic hatchback.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.6L 180 hp I4
2.0L 158 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
180 hp @ 5500 rpm
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
MPG City
27
30
MPG Highway
37
38
Look and feel
2021 Kia K5
8/10
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
9/10

The 2021 Kia K5 aimed to break away from Kia’s previous image, ushering in a fresh identity marked by a sleek exterior and a premium interior. Enthusiasts who once tinkered with the badge on their Optima sedans to include the South Korean “K” logo found a ready-made symbol of renewal in the K5. Designed under Peter Schreyer’s keen eye, formerly of Volkswagen Group, the K5 rolled out with a dash of glamour reminiscent of an Audi A5 Sportback in its GT-Line trim. Features like the Z-shaped amber LED running lights and stacked LED fog lights conveyed a sporty yet elegant persona.

With the interior, the K5 didn’t hold back on style either. Red seats with black accents, polished black trim, and quality materials throughout the interior gave it an upscale feel, surpassing the typical expectations from a traditional family sedan. The flat-bottom steering wheel and driver-focused dash further solidified its sporty credentials, while thoughtful design details like the fin on the front door armrests exhibited a high level of craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback set out to revive the popularity of hatchbacks, offering a practical yet stylish option in a market leaning towards small crossovers. Sporting a design largely similar to its sedan counterpart from the front doors forward, the Civic hatch distinguished itself with a more balanced and cohesive rear-quarter design. However, it carried noticeable visual weight over the front wheels, particularly from the profile view, giving it a somewhat stubby appearance.

Inside, the Civic aimed for a modern and sophisticated feel, particularly in the Sport Touring trim. It featured digital instrumentation, polished metal honeycomb detailing to hide the air vents, and an overall layout that exuded quality. While the CVT shifter had its quirks, the straightforward and high-quality controls enhanced the driving experience. The Civic’s functional interior design focused on practical elements like ample cargo space and user-friendly features, emphasizing its role as a versatile and efficient compact car.

Performance
2021 Kia K5
6/10
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
8/10

The 2021 Kia K5 in its GT-Line trim presented an ambitious look, but the actual driving dynamics did not quite match up. With a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, the K5 managed decent acceleration but faltered in delivering a genuinely sporty experience. The suspension had a softer damping, and Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires were quick to protest around tight corners. However, the standard brakes and steering were communicative, balancing the overall driving feel. Fuel efficiency stood out, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined on FWD models, making it an excellent choice for long highway drives.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback, on the other hand, offered two distinct engine choices. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provided 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, adequate for everyday driving but lacking excitement. In the higher EX-L and Sport Touring trims, a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine while producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque made for a more engaging drive. The CVT paired well with the turbo engine, delivering smooth power delivery and acceptable fuel efficiency of up to 33 mpg combined. The Sport Touring trim with a six-speed manual transmission was particularly enjoyable, offering short throws and fluid gear engagement that appealed to driving enthusiasts.

Despite evident differences in their sporty trims, both cars maintained a balanced and comfortable ride, with the Civic leaning slightly more towards an engaging driving experience. Neither vehicle was designed for hardcore performance, but they handled daily commutes and highway cruising with ease.

Form and function
2021 Kia K5
9/10
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
8/10

For interior space, the 2021 Kia K5 excelled at comfort. Although the fastback design suggested limited headroom, the scalloped roof and front seatbacks comfortably accommodated six-footers. The front seats proved supportive and firm, suitable for long-distance driving. Basic features like climate controls and shortcut buttons were intuitively placed, and the wireless charging pad demonstrated practical thoughtfulness by holding phones securely. The trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, a decent size for a family sedan.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback focused on maximizing cargo capacity. The trunk boasted an impressive 24.5 cubic feet of space, and the 60/40-split folding rear seat added further versatility, even if the load floor wasn’t perfectly flat. Passenger comfort was generally good, though minor complaints were noted, like the lack of height adjustment for the front passenger seat and missing rear air conditioning vents. The Civic’s interior also featured multiple USB ports and heated front seats, with higher trim levels offering features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control.

Overall, the Civic hatchback’s superior cargo space and practical layout made it a highly functional choice, while the K5 leaned more towards comfort and style.

Technology
2021 Kia K5
7/10
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
8/10

The 2021 Kia K5 had a robust suite of technology features. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto made setup straightforward, despite minor connectivity issues at times. The GT-Line trim added notable enhancements such as a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and triple LED projector headlights. The higher EX trim included rear air vents, a Bose stereo system, and a larger 10-inch infotainment system with more advanced connectivity options.

For the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback, the technological offerings were equally impressive. The new infotainment system included a standard 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims, with the Sport Touring trim upgrading to a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Physical knobs for sound control addressed past user complaints, and voice recognition worked reliably. Digital instrumentation varied by trim, with the Sport Touring featuring a comprehensive 10.2-inch display. Honda’s improved infotainment system surpassed previous generations, offering a user-friendly and seamless experience across all trims.

Safety
2021 Kia K5
8/10
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
9/10

The 2021 Kia K5 had a comprehensive set of safety features built into its design. While it hadn't yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, top scores were predicted thanks to its robust chassis. Standard features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added innovations like Safe Exit Assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and junction turning assistance. It left few gaps in its safety coverage, particularly in higher trims.

Similarly, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback equipped every model with the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies. This system included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features included Traffic Jam Assist and low-speed following, although some were limited to CVT-equipped models. The Sport Touring trim further added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning systems. The Civic earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS, confirming its status as one of the safest cars in its class.

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By: CarGurus + AI

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