2021 Kia K5 vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a bold new direction for Kia. The K5 nameplate signaled a fresh identity, distancing itself from the brand's previous "drab" models like the earlier Optima. With a design influenced by Peter Schreyer — a former Volkswagen Group designer — the K5 boasted a sleek sedan fastback form reminiscent of the performance-oriented Kia Stinger. The GT-Line trim featured eye-catching details such as Wolf Gray paint, fire-engine red seats, and an Audi A5 Sportback-like appearance. Its tapered rear window and polished black trim around the D-pillars elevated its aesthetic appeal. Key exterior highlights included Z-shaped LED running lights and a honeycomb grille, accentuating the sedan's sporty demeanor. However, base 16-inch wheels were a letdown, but higher trims offered 18-inch wheels for a more robust look. Inside, the cabin featured an upscale, sporty design with red seats, a split dash configuration, and quality materials, presenting a marked improvement over many American competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla also aimed to offset its "boring" stigma with a more aggressive external styling. Introduced initially in hatchback form in 2019 and sedan form in 2020, the Corolla sported scowling LED headlights and a broad grille. Its more aggressive SE and XSE trims featured a front fascia resembling a mouth guard, and some versions like the Nightshade and Apex Editions added blacked-out trim and bronze accents, respectively. Though stylish, the Corolla's design wasn't as cohesive as the newer Honda Civic and couldn't out-weird the Hyundai Elantra. The Apex Edition in particular radiated a "Fast and Furious" vibe, supporting Toyota’s intent to heighten the Corolla's visual appeal. Inside, the Corolla had a straightforward design with typical Toyota high standards of fit and finish, although the piano black trim could attract dust and smudges. The interior lacked the flair found in sportier versions like the Corolla SE Apex Edition, and the light gray upholstery seemed prone to staining.

The 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line, despite its aggressive looks, lacked the dynamic driving experience suggested by its appearance. With its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, it managed decent acceleration and solid fuel economy — reaching an impressive 37 mpg on the highway. Yet, its handling was not on par with sportier rivals like the Volkswagen GLI. Its suspension and steering delivered a balanced ride but fell short in providing driving thrill. The more robust GT trim, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushing out 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, promised better performance. However, the FWD configuration might have limited its full potential.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options: a 1.8-liter engine producing 139 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque for the L, LE, and XLE trims, and a more potent 2.0-liter engine with 169 hp and 151 lb-ft for the SE and XSE trims. The Apex Edition further enhanced sportiness with unique suspension and sport exhaust, but still, no engine upgrades were made. The manual transmission available on the SE trim made a notable difference in driving enjoyment, adding nimbleness and a thrill in corners. However, the ride quality suffered due to its stiffer suspension. Fuel economy was decent, although not as exceptional as the K5.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered ample space for passengers despite its raked profile. Seating comfort was commendable, providing sufficient headroom and legroom for six-foot adults. The GT-Line’s front seats were supportive for long drives, and the overall ergonomics were well thought out. However, the absence of rear air vents was a notable fault in an otherwise comfortable interior. The K5 offered a trunk space of 16 cubic feet, enhancing its practicality.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Corolla had a more constrained cabin feel. Its 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space lagged behind competitors, offering less practicality in that regard. Despite decent roominess, visibility was hampered by a deep dashboard necessitated by the steeply raked windshield. The front seats were positioned for optimal driving but could lack knee space for taller drivers. Rear seats lacked support, and the interior's design also limited storage for smaller items. The thin center console and non-deep cupholders were less convenient compared to the well-designed storage options in the K5.

The 2021 Kia K5 set a high standard with easy-to-use tech features. Standard offerings included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and lane-keep assist. Our GT-Line test model boasted additional features like 18-inch wheels, a power driver’s seat, and LED taillights. Higher trims included heated seats, ventilated seats, a premium Bose stereo, and a 10-inch infotainment screen. The car’s semi-automated adaptive cruise control system was another highlight, offering an advanced driving experience that adapted seamlessly to road conditions.

In comparison, the 2022 Toyota Corolla felt dated. While it came with an 8-inch touchscreen on most trims, the system's interface was less user-friendly with dated graphics compared to competitors. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM. A JBL audio system was available on higher trims. Despite functional home buttons and analog climate controls, usability fell short in some areas, such as selecting a radio station. The Corolla didn’t offer any breakthrough tech compared to rivals, missing features like wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available in the K5.

The 2021 Kia K5 had yet to be rated by the NHTSA or IIHS by the time of the review, but expectations for top safety scores were high due to its stronger chassis. It boasted a plethora of standard safety features including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a driver's knee airbag, and blind-spot monitoring available from the LXS trim up. Advanced features like cyclist detection and junction turning were also available on premium trims.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla fared exceptionally well in safety evaluations. It earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features under Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, however, was available only on certain trims.