2021 Kia K5 vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback
CarGurus highlights
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.
Choose the 2021 Kia K5 if:
- You value a sophisticated and stylish design that stands out on the road.
- You desire a spacious and comfortable interior with quality materials and thoughtful design elements.
- You need a sedan offering commendable fuel economy for long drives.
Choose the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback if:
- You prioritize cargo space and interior functionality for everyday practical use.
- You want advanced infotainment technology with an excellent sound system in the higher trims.
- You seek a car with top-tier safety ratings and comprehensive driver assistance features.
Overview | |
MSRP$23,590 | MSRP$23,550 |
Average price$21,482 | Average price$25,129 |
Listings1260 | Listings823 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Kia K5 Reviews SummarySedans 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 SummaryThe 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 | |
Engine1.6L 180 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 158 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower180 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City27 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway38 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.6L 180 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 158 hp I4 |
Torque195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | Torque138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
Horsepower180 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway38 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.0 cu ft | Cargo Space24.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight3115 lbs | Curb Weight2928 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height55.7 in |
Length193.1 in | Length179.0 in |
Width73.2 in | Width70.9 in |
Wheelbase112.2 in | Wheelbase107.7 in |
Maximum Payload1239 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
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.
Choose the 2021 Kia K5 if:
Shop Now- You value a sophisticated and stylish design that stands out on the road.
- You desire a spacious and comfortable interior with quality materials and thoughtful design elements.
- You need a sedan offering commendable fuel economy for long drives.
Choose the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback if:
Shop Now- You prioritize cargo space and interior functionality for everyday practical use.
- You want advanced infotainment technology with an excellent sound system in the higher trims.
- You seek a car with top-tier safety ratings and comprehensive driver assistance features.
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 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
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 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.6L 180 hp I4 | 2.0L 158 hp I4 |
Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5500 rpm | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 30 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 38 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.0 cu ft | 24.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3115 lbs | 2928 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 55.7 in |
Length | 193.1 in | 179.0 in |
Width | 73.2 in | 70.9 in |
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 107.7 in |
Maximum Payload | 1239 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.