2021 Kia K5 vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Kia K5 stood as a fresh representation of Kia’s new identity. Kia enthusiasts in the U.S. had been substituting the Kia badge on their Optima sedans for “K” logos that the K5—the South Korean version of the Optima—wore in its home market. The K5 symbolized a significant departure from Kia’s past of producing unattractive sedans like the Amanti or the first Optima. Since the 2011 model year, the Optima had evolved, gaining respect and recognition. Despite possessing a name that was less catchy, the K5 had a memorable presence.

Styled in a fastback form with GT-Line trim, the K5 showed influences reminiscent of the Audi A5 Sportback. The design included details like a long rear window blending into the short tail, accented with polished black trim. Unique taillights with dashed LEDs meeting at opposite angles emphasized the car’s width, making it an inch wider than the Optima. Despite having fake air vents and exhaust tips, the overall proportion of the K5 leaned toward a sportier appearance, being lower and longer than its predecessor with an extra two inches at the wheelbase.

The interior aimed to impress with a Supra-style divider, angled center stack towards the driver, and passenger-side dash angled away in the opposite direction. Red seats with black accents and a flat-bottom steering wheel provided a sporty feeling. Quality materials throughout, such as vinyl seats mimicking leather and padded door tops and dash, exuded an upscale ambiance.

Conversely, the 2022 Subaru WRX did not offer much styling drama. Although it was two inches wider than its precursor, the front end maintained a subtle look aside from its signature hood scoop and hexagonal grille bisected by a decorative bar. The profile became noticeably less busy, yet incorporated black plastic cladding textured with a hexagonal pattern to improve aerodynamic properties and reference the car’s rally heritage.

The rear fenders flared out noticeably, with a large plastic bumper at the back featuring taillights designed to look like magma when illuminated. Quad tailpipes and dark gray 18-inch alloy wheels gave it a sportier aesthetic. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvement in fit and finish. A D-shaped, flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents, and black cloth seats upgraded the interior feel. Ultimately, it channeled a more cohesive and modernized appearance aligned with other newer Subaru models.

The K5’s performance fell short of the sporty expectations set by its GT-Line styling. Competing against models like the Volkswagen GLI, it lacked paddle shifters and had a softer suspension dampened by Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires prone to squeal during tight turns. While the brakes and steering on the FWD test car were commendable, the overall handling didn’t match the sporty promise.

In contrast, the GT trim with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivered 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. However, feeding that power through the front wheels without a limited-slip differential hinted at potential handling issues. The K5’s standard 1.6-liter turbo-four engine produced 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, making for quick responses in traffic with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sometimes reacted roughly. While fuel economy was commendable with 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined, the AWD model fell slightly to 26/34/29 mpg.

The 2022 WRX distanced itself from the Impreza and previous WRX models. Replacing the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 2.4-liter turbo horizontally opposed four-cylinder, it made 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While it offered minimal power improvement over the outgoing WRX, the inclusion of an AWD system and the choice between a six-speed manual transmission and Subaru’s Performance Transmission CVT compensated for its underwhelming initial torque.

The WRX's six-speed manual transmission received high praise for its notchiness and precision. The suspension setup, enhanced by the Subaru Global Platform, provided a forgiving ride quality despite the sportiness, handling mountain roads with ease and reducing body roll due to creative suspension tuning. This setup allowed the WRX to manage rough roads without feeling unstable.

Despite a raked profile, the K5 comfortably seated two adults in the back. It featured scalloped roof portions and front seatbacks to provide ample head and legroom for six-footers. However, rear air vents were notably absent. The front seats were supportive and firm, making them ideal for long drives, with climate control and infotainment system controls easy to locate and use. Kia’s wireless charging pad and an optional 10-inch display further enhanced functionality without compromising on simplicity. Trunk space was notable at 16 cubic feet.

The 2022 WRX gained a slight cargo capacity bump to 12.5 cubic feet, with the 60/40 split-fold function adding versatility. Its sport seats, available in various materials, offered comfort with sufficient bolstering without feeling restrictive. The inclusion of standard AWD at its price point made it exceptional in practicality. Despite not offering a hatchback option, the WRX remained a solid candidate for a daily driver or commuter car.

The K5 excelled in technology with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which provided a seamless and quick setup. Even though minor glitches were present, the convenience outweighed them. The LX trim came with LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, lane-keep assist, and manual seats. Opting for the LXS added essential features like folding rear seats and push-button start. Higher trims, like the GT-Line, brought 18-inch wheels, power driver’s seat, and LED taillights. The EX introduced heated and ventilated seats, a Bose stereo system, and a 10-inch infotainment display with premium remote services. The GT added paddle shifters, 19-inch wheels, and advanced performance hardware.

For the 2022 WRX, Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system in the premium-trim and higher models showcased an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen. Despite a few quirks, the interface was user-friendly and visually appealing with notable physical controls for critical functions. Although Android Auto and Apple CarPlay had limitations, their integration allowed the driver to access multiple functions simultaneously. The base trim presented a less elegant solution with dual 7-inch displays. An 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system was available in higher trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The K5 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but predictions leaned towards high scores due to its robust chassis and body. Standard safety features included rear side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, electronic aids like forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features such as blind-spot monitoring, safe exit assist, cyclist detection, junction turning, rear emergency braking, and parking sensors.

Safety in the WRX depended on the transmission. CVT models came with Subaru’s EyeSight suite, offering advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and additional features to aid in collision avoidance. Manual WRX models lacked EyeSight but retained blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert in higher trims. The Subaru Global Platform added inherent safety, absorbing more energy during crashes, with seven standard airbags enhancing protection.