2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in five trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. Each trim came with a turbocharged engine, and the LXS and GT-Line offered an optional all-wheel-drive system. Base prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding the destination charge. The test car for this review was a K5 EX with front-wheel drive, extra-cost paint, the EX Premium option package, and floor mats, bringing the MSRP to $33,945, including destination. The K5’s design was sleek and luxurious, resembling a high-end sports sedan rather than a practical family car. The Glacial White Pearl paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather and matte-finish fake wood trim created an upscale interior ambiance.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, running on a platform dating back to 2005, had undergone significant updates over the years. The 2015 facelift gave it a modern and menacing look, while the interior, though functional, appeared dated with thick bezels and chunky buttons. The Charger was available in several trims: SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak. The SXT trim featured a V6 engine, power-adjustable front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims added more powerful engines, performance enhancements, and luxury features. The Hellcat Widebody, driven for this review, came with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, SRT-tuned Bilstein suspension, and upgraded Brembo brakes, making it a well-rounded performance machine.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the top performer in the lineup, boasting a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, delivered to the front wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, the GT was the most expensive and least efficient version, lacking all-wheel drive. The standard K5 came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a conventional eight-speed automatic. Despite modest figures, the K5’s standard engine offered linear power delivery and decent performance, achieving 29.1 mpg during testing. The K5 EX’s handling was competent but not as engaging as competitors like the Honda Accord.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines. The SXT and GT models used a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in base form, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in AWD trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. The R/T Scat Pack came with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat variants, including the Redeye and Jailbreak, featured a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, with outputs ranging from 717 hp to 807 hp. The Hellcat Widebody, driven for this review, offered incredible acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. The Widebody setup improved handling and traction, making the Charger a formidable performance sedan.

The 2022 Kia K5 provided a comfortable interior with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic glass sunroof added natural light to the cabin. While the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, the front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats offered ample space. The K5 featured practical storage solutions, including a roomy center bin, smartphone charging slot, and hidden door panel trays. The 16 cubic-foot trunk was spacious, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for additional cargo space.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its large size, felt intimate due to the high center console and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered plenty of legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear seats. The Charger’s storage space was less accommodating, with a smaller center console bin and trays. The trunk provided 16.5 cubic feet of space, but the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger’s combination of sports-car performance and four-door practicality made it versatile.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The base system, standard on LX and LXS trims, featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims, starting with the GT-Line, came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The larger screen added satellite radio, Kia Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation. A wireless smartphone charger and a 12-speaker Bose audio system were available. The K5’s voice recognition technology was subpar, but the infotainment system’s graphics and functionality were user-friendly.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its ease of use. Higher trims featured an 8.4-inch version, offering larger icons and a similar layout. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger’s infotainment system blended technology with conventional controls, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems under the Kia Drive Wise collection. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and more. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and a surround-view camera system. The K5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Charger’s safety offerings were limited compared to modern standards.