2022 Kia K5 vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation iteration, represented a blend of style and agility rarely seen in recent models. The SE and XSE trims added distinct design features such as sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, a matching diffuser panel, a subtle body kit, twin-outlet exhausts, and impressive 18-inch aluminum wheels. Adorned in Celestite Gray metallic paint with a blue undertone, the Corolla exuded genuine appeal. However, some design elements felt a bit off, like the hood shut line running to the headlight assembly, creating a visually truncated front end and emphasizing the car's substantial overbite. The best angle was the rear quarter view, though even here, the style could be deemed overdone. The Apex Edition accentuated the unusual aspects of the design further. For a more subdued appearance, buyers could opt for the Corolla L, LE, or XLE trims.

The 2022 Kia K5, offered in trims from LX to GT-Line and GT, managed to catch the eye with its low, long, and sleek design, presenting as a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family vehicle. The test car, a K5 EX, combined Glacial White Pearl paint with Ash Blue synthetic leather and a black interior, accented with matte-finish fake wood and polished metallic details. The result was a decidedly upscale look despite some hard plastic surfaces. The K5's solid construction was evident in the controls, which exuded a sense of quality, from the secure feel of the automatic transmission shifter to the refined motion of the steering wheel stalks.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, providing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. It included a Dynamic Shift CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. The optional six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev-matching added a bit of zest to the driving experience. The Dynamic Shift CVT in the XSE test car was among the best, using a mechanical first gear for a smooth start and reducing typical CVT droning with ten programmed ratios. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the Corolla boasted a low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The electric steering, vented front, and solid rear disc brakes, along with MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, contributed to its performance. Though not a sport sedan, the Corolla demonstrated competent handling, delivering a fun driving experience without excess power to get into trouble. Fuel economy was commendable, achieving 34 mpg in combined driving, though test drives saw an average of 31.1 mpg.

For the 2022 Kia K5, the pinnacle of performance was found in the GT trim, featuring a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, for those prioritizing cost-efficiency and better traction in winter, the standard turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a traditional eight-speed automatic, was a solid choice. This engine delivered linear power with minimal lag and offered drive modes including Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom. The K5 EX's 1.6-liter turbo, equipped with Active Sound Control for added engine note, proved responsive and capable, achieving a practical 29.1 mpg on varied driving routes, slightly below the EPA's 31 mpg estimate.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE, buyers enjoyed upgrades like SofTex leatherette seats with cloth inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver’s seat offering added comfort and better sightlines. The rear seats provided sufficient support but suffered from tight headroom and legroom, compounded by the absence of rear air conditioning vents. The trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, modest compared to some rivals, with no internal handle for closing.

By contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 emphasized comfort with dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic sunroof added a touch of luxury. However, entry and exit were more challenging due to the low-slung design. Rear passengers enjoyed more generous space compared to the Corolla, and storage solutions were thoughtfully designed. The K5's trunk offered a notable 16 cubic feet of cargo space, plus the convenience of a 60/40-split folding back seat, although it also lacked an internal handle for the trunk lid.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came well-equipped with a standard infotainment system that included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Corolla SE and XSE featured an 8-inch touchscreen—standard on higher trims—along with Service Connect and Remote Connect. Optional on SE and XSE was a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system. The system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons ensuring ease of use, although the JBL sound system lacked clarity.

In the 2022 Kia K5, the infotainment system varied by trim. LX and LXS models included an 8-inch screen with large knobs for volume and tuning, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. GT-Line trims and above upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen but lost the tuning knob and required wired connections for smartphone integration. Additional features included satellite radio, Kia Connect, Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and Sounds of Nature. Our test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a leading vehicle departure alert system. However, the voice recognition system performed poorly, prompting reliance on smartphone integration over Kia’s embedded technology.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla impressed with its standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. New for 2021 were standard rear side-impact airbags and an enhanced blind-spot warning system. The Corolla achieved high safety ratings, although additional testing was needed to account for the new airbags.

The 2022 Kia K5 also featured a comprehensive suite of safety features through the Kia Drive Wise collection, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and power rear child locks. Highway Drive Assist stood out for its refinement and effectiveness. The K5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.