2022 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was offered in various trims: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT, each boasting a turbocharged engine with optional all-wheel drive (AWD) for the LXS and GT-Line. Priced between $23,790 and $31,190 (excluding destination charges), the K5 ensured an attractive price for its segment. Most notable was the striking design of the K5. Low, long, and sleek, the K5’s appearance resembled a luxury sports sedan more than a practical family sedan, continuing the design leadership set by its predecessor, the Optima. Our test model was a K5 EX with front-wheel drive (FWD), extra-cost paint, the EX Premium option package, and floor mats, retailing at $33,945 inclusive of the destination charge.

The interior of the K5 blended aesthetics and quality, favoring a Glacial White Pearl exterior paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather and black interior, accented with matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic surfaces. Despite the presence of some hard plastic surfaces in the lower cabin, the overall feel was upscale. The controls in the K5 demonstrated solid construction, echoing a well-made vehicle. The automatic transmission shifter and door handles had a secure, refined feel, and operation of the switchgear and air vents was assured. The car was a testament to Kia’s focus on delivering quality, with the K5 looking and feeling like a high-value proposition rather than a budget choice.

Conversely, the 2022 Subaru WRX presented a more subtle, performance-oriented design. The new model was two inches wider but maintained a relatively tame front end, save for its hood scoop. The front fascia was simplistic, with a small hexagonal grille flanked by sharp LED headlights. Along the sides, the car was less busy, although the black plastic cladding, which aided in airflow and invoked the car’s rally heritage, was polarizing. The rear fenders flared dramatically, and quad tailpipes accompanied a large plastic bumper at the back. The Solar Orange test car showcased the smoother, more streamlined design, though the cladding could be distracting. The Premium trim added LED fog lights, dark gray 18-inch alloy wheels, and a modest trunk-mounted spoiler.

Inside, the WRX made significant strides. The fit and finish had improved, setting the WRX apart from more generic Subaru models. Unique details, such as a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents, and red stitching, contributed to a distinctive feel. Even though many parts were shared with Subaru’s lineup, the interior felt more modern, with a sportier, polished ambiance.

For maximum power, the Kia K5 GT led the pack with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, this came at the cost of efficiency and the absence of AWD. The more affordable models were equipped with a standard turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offering smoother, linear power delivery over a wide RPM range.

The K5 featured Drive Mode Select with Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom settings, helping tailor the driving experience. During our test drive in Southern California, the K5 EX’s 1.6-liter turbo was agile enough for urban and highway driving, though it lacked ample passing power. Fuel economy was a strong point, returning 29.1 mpg on a mixed driving route, close to the EPA’s 31 mpg combined rating. The car handled reasonably well, though it lacked the liveliness found in competitors like the Honda Accord Sport. Road noise was a factor, but wind noise was minimal thanks to its aerodynamic design.

The Subaru WRX sported a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It was a slight power bump over the previous 2.0-liter engine, though torque remained the same. The WRX felt slightly sluggish from a stop, especially when compared to torquey competitors like the Volkswagen GTI. However, the AWD system standard on all trims offered added traction. Customers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

We test drove the six-speed manual, which provided an enjoyable driving experience with notchy, precise shifts and a user-friendly clutch. The new WRX’s suspension, benefiting from the Subaru Global Platform, delivered improved ride quality and reduced body roll. The suspension tuning handled mountain roads and debris with controlled composure. The WRX’s ride quality was forgiving over less-than-perfect roads, offering a balanced performance package.

Comfort in the 2022 Kia K5 was notable, with dual-zone automatic climate control as standard across all trims. Our test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, rear air conditioning vents, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof enhanced the airy feel of the interior. Entering and exiting the K5 was more challenging due to its low stance, but the interior provided adequate room for front and rear passengers. Storage was ample, with thoughtful compartments and a roomy 16 cubic-foot trunk expandable via the 60/40-split folding rear seat. However, the trunk lid lacked an interior handle, and the Smart Trunk feature was a useful touch.

The Subaru WRX, despite losing the hatchback option, improved its cargo capacity to 12.5 cubic feet, with expandable space via the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The sport seats in the WRX were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth in lower trims and Ultrasuede in higher trims. The seats’ bolstering did not feel constrictive, making the WRX viable for daily commuting. The standard AWD system added practical appeal, ensuring better traction in various driving conditions.

Kia provided two infotainment options for the K5. The base trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch screen. The larger screen required a wired connection for smartphone integration but included features like satellite radio, Kia Connect services, Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation. The EX Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose system and Active Sound Design technology. However, the voice recognition system proved unreliable, and some interface choices, such as the graphic design and missing tuning knob, were less appealing.

The Subaru WRX’s infotainment system underwent a significant upgrade. Higher trims boasted an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen with physical knobs for key functions. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though both had integration quirks. Base models had a dual 7-inch display arrangement, which we didn’t test but seemed functional. The WRX could be equipped with an 11-speaker Harman Kardon system, promising premium audio quality.

The Kia K5 excelled in driver assistance technologies under the Kia Drive Wise suite. Features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and more. The EX Premium package further added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and advanced parking aids. This comprehensive suite helped the K5 earn top safety ratings: a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

Safety features in the WRX varied depending on the transmission. CVT models came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system, integrating advanced features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-tracing assist. An electronic brake booster and automatic steering assist enhanced its safety repertoire. Manual WRX models, however, missed out on EyeSight, which might concern potential buyers. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. Structurally, the WRX benefited from the Subaru Global Platform, offering better crash energy absorption and standard airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag.