2021 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2021 Toyota Prius retained its iconic boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, a design choice that had become synonymous with its identity since its second-generation debut in 2004. Despite advancements in aerodynamic vehicle design, the Prius continued to embrace its unique styling, which some found unappealing, even in the trendy 2020 Edition with blacked-out trim. Inside, the Prius featured an unconventional layout with a central strip of displays near the windshield and a dashboard-mounted toggle lever for transmission controls. The interior design, with its glossy black trim, was prone to attracting dust and fingerprints, and the infotainment pod jutted toward the front seat occupants. The Prius was available in various trims, including L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited, with an optional AWD-e system for the LE and XLE trims. The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid offered different styling and trim options. As a five-door hatchback, the Prius provided utility similar to a crossover SUV, with prices ranging from $24,525 to $32,650, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 presented a striking appearance, with its low, long, and sleek design that suggested a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family car. The K5 continued the design legacy of its predecessor, the Optima, and was available in LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trims, all featuring turbocharged engines. The K5 EX test car, priced at $33,945, showcased a Glacial White Pearl exterior paired with an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior, accented by matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic elements. The K5 exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel, from the automatic transmission shifter to the steering wheel stalks. The car's handling was competent, though not as sporty as some competitors, and it offered a comfortable ride with minimal wind noise at highway speeds. The K5's design and build quality made it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish and well-priced sedan.

The 2021 Toyota Prius prioritized fuel efficiency over raw power, with the L Eco version achieving an impressive 56 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA. Other front-drive models managed 52 mpg, while AWD-e versions achieved 49 mpg. The Prius 2020 Edition, however, fell short of expectations, averaging 47.5 mpg on the testing loop. The Prius combined a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total system output of 121 horsepower. While this power was modest, the electric motor's 120 pound-feet of torque provided a lively feel off the line. The Prius offered various driving modes, including EV Mode for electric-only driving at low speeds, and regenerative braking to maximize efficiency. The TNGA platform contributed to the Prius's handling, allowing it to tackle curvy roads with some enthusiasm, though hard acceleration resulted in powertrain noise and limited grip from the tires.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered a more dynamic performance, especially in the GT trim, which featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. However, the GT was the most expensive and least efficient version, lacking AWD. The standard K5 engine, a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, delivered 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, providing linear power delivery with minimal lag. The K5 EX test car, equipped with this engine, demonstrated adequate performance for daily driving, though it lacked surplus passing power. The K5 achieved 29.1 mpg on the testing route, slightly below the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. While road noise was noticeable, the K5's suspension handled imperfections well, and the car offered excellent outward visibility. The K5's handling was competent, though not as engaging as some rivals, and the brakes performed adequately during spirited driving.

The 2021 Toyota Prius offered more interior space than expected, accommodating up to five passengers. The seats were comfortable, though the SofTex synthetic leather upholstery could trap sweat. The test vehicle featured an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers had adequate space, but the lack of air-conditioning vents was a drawback. Cargo space varied by trim, with 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and up to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Kia K5 prioritized comfort, with dual-zone automatic climate control standard across all trims. The test vehicle featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic sunroof added natural light to the interior. While entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low stance, the seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was convincing. The K5 offered ample storage, including a roomy center bin and a 16 cubic-foot trunk, expandable with the 60/40-split folding rear seat.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with stereo-volume and tuning knobs, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker JBL sound system, navigation, and a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, though it lacked Android Auto. The digital instrumentation was dated, with basic graphics.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems, with the base 8-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim and above included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The K5 offered satellite radio, Kia Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. The Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design technology. The K5's voice recognition was subpar, but the infotainment graphics were vibrant.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Prius received favorable safety ratings from the IIHS but lacked an NHTSA rating.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.