2022 Kia K5 vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

Kia offered the 2022 K5 in LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trim levels, with each trim equipped with a turbocharged engine. The LXS and GT-Line even had an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Base prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding the destination charge for shipping from Kia’s assembly plant in West Point, Georgia.

For this review, the test car was a K5 EX with front-wheel drive (FWD), extra-cost paint, the EX Premium option package, and a set of floor mats, totaling a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,945, including destination. Despite its luxury sports sedan appearance, the K5 was attractively priced compared to most new vehicles.

The Kia K5’s design stood out with its low, long, and sleek profile, suggesting luxury beyond its practical family sedan role. The K5 EX test car featured Glacial White Pearl paint, Ash Blue synthetic leather with a black interior, matte-finish fake wood trim, and polished metallic accents, imparting an upscale feel despite some hard plastic surfaces.

The K5 showcased quality through durable and well-constructed controls, such as an automatic transmission shifter with a precise feel, hefty door release handles, and refined steering wheel stalks. These elements contributed to the sensation of solidity and care in the vehicle’s construction, making it feel bargain-priced rather than bargain-sourced.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla launched a few years before, starting as a hatchback in 2019 and followed by the sedan in 2020. Toyota aimed to counter its reputation for boring designs with the Corolla’s extroverted styling, featuring scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, although it couldn’t match the quirkiness of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the more recently redesigned Honda Civic.

Different Corolla trims boasted unique styling elements. SE and XSE models had an aggressive front fascia, while Nightshade Editions added blacked-out trim and Apex Editions included a subtle body kit with bronze accents and model-specific 18-inch wheels. These elements gave the Corolla an edgier, more sporty look.

The SE Apex Edition test car in Cement gray with a sport exhaust system and model-specific suspension stood out in particular. It had presence and a more interesting exterior but the same interior as the standard SE. The interior, while simple and appealing, fell short with its piano-black plastic trim. Both front and rear seats offered cushions that were more squishy than supportive, and the light gray upholstery seemed prone to staining.

The Kia K5 GT, featuring a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, was the choice for maximum power and performance. Though the GT lacked AWD and was less efficient, it packed a punch.

Those looking to save both money and fuel, or seeking enhanced winter traction, had to settle for the K5’s standard turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a conventional eight-speed automatic. Delivering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, it managed linear power delivery with minimal lag on the low end.

Drivers could customize their drive using the Drive Mode Select system, offering Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom settings. The K5 EX also came with Active Sound Control for a simulated engine note. Throughout the test drive in Southern California, the K5 EX's 1.6-liter turbo delivered a spirited performance. Though it wouldn’t scorch the front tires, there was enough power to handle daily driving smoothly, merging onto freeways efficiently, and even dealing with tighter curves.

On fuel economy, the K5 EX achieved 29.1 mpg combined in testing, slightly under the EPA’s claim of 31 mpg. However, road noise and minor suspension troubles on rough surfaces detracted from the driving experience.

The Corolla sedan came with two engine options. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine on L, LE, and XLE models provided 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. On the SE and XSE models, a 2.0-liter engine delivered 169 hp and 151 lb-ft. The SE and XSE Apex Edition had a sport exhaust system but no major engine upgrades.

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was mandatory with the 1.8-liter engine, while the 2.0-liter engine had an optional six-speed manual gearbox, which fitted well with the sportier SE Apex Edition. This trim had a lower, more nimble suspension setup for an engaging drive, though ride comfort suffered.

Despite the sporty ambitions of the Apex Edition, the performance was hindered by the engine's limited power. The manual transmission offered a more engaging drive, but the Apex Edition mainly shined in corners rather than straight-line speed.

Comfort in the 2022 Kia K5 was easily accessible with features like dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power-adjustable and heated/ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The test vehicle featured a panoramic glass sunroof, enhancing the interior with natural light.

However, the K5's low profile made entry and exit more challenging compared to SUVs. The front seats were comfortable with convincing synthetic leather, and the rear had ample space for head, leg, and foot room, though overly reclined front seats could impact rear comfort due to hard plastic front seatback panels.

The K5’s controls were logical and stylish yet functional. Storage spaces included a roomy bin under the center armrest, a dedicated smartphone slot, a handy tray forward of the shifter, and integrated door panel trays.

With a trunk capacity of 16 cubic feet, the K5 offered generous cargo space, and the 60/40-split folding back seat provided expanded storage. However, it lacked a handle inside the trunk lid for easier closing.

The Corolla didn’t release specific headroom and legroom specs, but it felt roomy with a low beltline aiding visibility. However, the deep dashboard, caused by a steep windshield, hampered forward visibility. While Toyota aimed for an optimal driver’s position, long-legged drivers might find knee room lacking despite the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

Cargo space in the Corolla sedan was limited to 13.1 cubic feet, smaller than competitors like the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra. While it did have a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat and optional power trunk release, storage for smaller items was lacking, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two different infotainment systems. The LX and LXS trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with large knobs for volume and tuning, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. From the GT-Line trim up, the K5 had a 10.25-inch touchscreen but lost the tuning knob and required a cable for smartphone connectivity. Additional features included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system, and ambient noise tracks.

Most trims included a wireless smartphone charger, and the Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system. A unique Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system catered to drivers who might check their phones at traffic stops, reminding them to move when the car ahead does.

The K5's infotainment graphics featured dominant purple tones, which might not appeal to everyone, and the voice recognition technology proved underwhelming, often failing to execute basic commands accurately.

Contrastingly, the Toyota Corolla’s infotainment tech lagged behind. It had a 7-inch touchscreen standard on the L base model, while other trims got an 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims like the XSE and XLE, and CVT-equipped SE models, offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system.

The interface was user-friendly, with helpful home buttons, and Toyota retained analog climate controls. However, certain tasks, like selecting a radio station, weren't as intuitive. The graphics appeared dated compared to newer systems, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were notably absent. Moreover, Toyota lacked innovative tech features such as Hyundai’s Digital Key.

Despite shortcomings in voice recognition, the Kia K5 excelled in driver assistance. The Kia Drive Wise suite included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist.

Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, rear-seat reminder, and Safe Exit Assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, a surround-view system, and power rear child locks integrated with Safe Exit Assist.

The K5 earned the highest IIHS rating of Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall crash test rating from NHTSA.

Similarly, the Corolla sedan and hatchback received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, indicating top “Good” scores in crash tests, though headlight ratings varied between “Acceptable” and “Marginal” depending on the trim.

NHTSA awarded the Corolla a five-star overall safety rating, with top marks in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover tests.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included standard features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available on higher trims.