2021 Kia K5 vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a fresh identity for Kia, moving away from its past of drab and unattractive sedans. It was a symbolic break from the Optima, which had gained recognition since 2011. The K5's design was striking, with a fastback form reminiscent of the Kia Stinger. Styled in GT-Line trim, it featured flat Wolf Gray paint and red seats, drawing comparisons to the Audi A5 Sportback. The K5's design was detailed, with a long rear window, unique taillights, and a killer front with Z-shaped LED running lights. Despite some fake vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions made it sportier, being lower and longer than the Optima. The interior was upscale, with a driver-focused dash, red seats, and quality materials, exuding sportiness and quality.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to the original 2008 Lexus IS F, featuring a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. It was a thrilling ride, offering both excitement and comfort. The IS 500 was priced at $56,500, with a $1,075 destination charge, and came with Premium trim, including triple-beam headlights, a navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. The IS 500's design was subtle, with a raised hood and quad exhaust outlets, riding on exclusive 19-inch wheels. Inside, it was similar to the IS 350 F Sport, with a comfortable interior for four and a wide touchscreen display. The IS 500 was about understated power, offering a thrilling driving experience with a distinctive V8 sound.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, did not deliver the sporty performance its aggressive styling suggested. It lacked paddle shifters and had softer suspension damping, making it less competitive against rivals like the Volkswagen GLI. The K5's standard engine was a 1.6-liter turbo-four with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing decent acceleration but lacking excitement. The GT trim promised better performance with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, but it was front-wheel drive only. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway for FWD models. The K5 was a comfortable family sedan but fell short in delivering a sporty driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a powerhouse with its 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. It featured rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a thrilling driving experience. The IS 500 weighed slightly more than the IS 350 but was lighter than the RC F coupe. It had a 56:44 weight distribution and came with a limited-slip differential. The IS 500 could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, thanks to its adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper. The driving experience was exhilarating, with a throaty engine note and impressive handling. However, fuel efficiency was a downside, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing.

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 interior featured easy-to-use climate controls and a convenient wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an optional 10-inch display. Trunk space was generous at 16 cubic feet, providing ample storage.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 provided excellent comfort with its effective climate control system, keeping the cabin cool in hot weather. The front seats were snug and supportive, while the rear seats were adequate for average-height adults. Storage was decent, but the touchpad controller took up space in the center console. Trunk space was limited at 10.8 cubic feet. The IS had a well-organized control layout, with buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2021 Kia K5 featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to set up. The GT-Line trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and a power driver's seat. The Premium package included a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and triple LED projector headlights. The EX trim offered heated and ventilated seats, a Bose stereo system, and a 10-inch infotainment display. The GT trim added paddle shifters and 19-inch wheels. The K5's adaptive cruise control worked well, even without navigation.

The 2022 Lexus IS switched to a touchscreen infotainment display, improving ergonomics. The IS 500 Premium featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling queries accurately. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. The IS 500's technology was intuitive and user-friendly.

The 2021 Kia K5 had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores due to its strong chassis. It came with standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Blind-spot monitoring and Safe Exit Assist were standard on LXS and above trims. The GT-Line Premium package included cyclist detection and Junction Turning. Higher trims offered rear emergency braking and parking sensors.

The 2022 Lexus IS came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety features. It included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and low-speed automatic braking. The IS 500 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. The safety features were generally effective, though some could be overly sensitive in certain situations.